Last Updated on 31/10/2025 by Raj

2026 GWM Tank 500 Australia’s New Luxury SUV That Reinvents Adventure

Test drive the 2026 GWM Tank 500 in Australia: full-size luxury SUV with hybrid power, off-road capabilities, advanced safety, and premium features. Full review inside!

Driving a car that leaves you feeling both invincible and indulged at the same time is a pleasure. The 2026 GWM Tank 500 is such a car—a big SUV that mixes luxury, innovative hybrid technology, and brutal off-road ability. It’s not a car; it’s an experience carefully crafted for those who wish to discover, without compromise in comfort or style.

Australia’s SUV market has traditionally been dominated by well-known names, but the Tank 500 slips in unnoticed with assurance, presenting a high-end, hybrid, off-road-capable package that few others in its class can touch. So, how did this SUV make its way from GWM‘s ambitious Chinese range to Australia’s backcountry and city streets?

The Origins of the Tank Series: From Concept to Icon

Great Wall Motors, more accustomed to value-packed but rugged SUVs, set out on a mission: design a full-size SUV that merges adventurous capability with luxury sensibilities. From this vision, the Tank series was born, marrying mechanical dependability with advanced design inspiration.

When the Tank 500 debuted in China, car pundits picked up on its combination of muscular hybrid capability, aggressive exterior styling, and tech-laden interior. For Australian drivers, it offered something unusual: an off-road capable performer that doesn’t take a step back from being beautiful.

The 2026 is GWM‘s declaration that SUVs of luxury no longer remain the prerogative of European brands. It’s for the driver who needs to take the Great Ocean Road, tackle the red dust of the Northern Territory, and remain convinced that they’re cruising Melbourne’s laneways.

Step Inside: Interior, Build Quality, and Features

As soon as you swing the doors of the Tank 500 open, it’s apparent right away: this is a luxury SUV that gets it, human comfort-wise.

Craftsmanship & Materials: Soft, kneading leather, precision-stitched Nappa leather seats, and a tidy, flowing dashboard design demonstrate careful consideration. It’s the sort of interior where even secondary details—such as button texture and ambient lighting shifts—feel upscale.

Passenger Comfort: Heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats redefine long-distance comfort. The rear passengers also enjoy thoughtful touches like window shades, a rear touchscreen, and climate control that feels intuitive and precise.

Technology & Connectivity: A 14.6-inch central touchscreen sits at the center of the cabin, with a sharp interface, clever menus, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The 12-speaker sound system turns the SUV into a rolling concert hall. Even the ambient illumination adjusts to your driving mood—a clever but effective touch of sophistication.

Convenience Features: Electronic side steps, a soft-close tailgate, and storage versatility reveal GWM has struck a balance of luxury with utility, ideal for Australian families or travelers hauling gear over varied terrain.

Essentially, the Tank 500‘s interior causes you to forget you’re piloting a full-size SUV—until you encounter a dirt track, and its engineering brings home just how capable it really is.

Performance: Where Power Meets Hybrid Efficiency

Beneath the bonnet, the Tank 500 Hi4-T PHEV combines a 2.0L turbocharged petrol engine with a high-tech electric motor to generate a combined 300 kW and 750 Nm of torque.

Acceleration: It accelerates 0–100 km/h in a mere 6.9 seconds, smoothly joining highways or passing slower-moving cars on country roads.

Hybrid Efficiency: Boasting an electric-only driving distance of 120 km and fuel economy of 2.1 L/100 km, the Tank 500 is both eco-friendly and exhilarating to drive.

Driving Experience: Smooth, controlled, and surprisingly nimble for its size, it provides a balance of city-friendly agility and off-road supremacy.

For drivers in Australia, it means a car that’s up for city roads, long beach cruises, or bush tracks in the Outback—all with frequent fuel stop interruptions and noise compromises removed.

Safety Features: Intelligent Protection at Every Turn

Care has been taken to integrate safety:

Active Safety Systems: Adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and autonomous emergency braking.

Structural Safety: Strengthened chassis and multiple airbags keep occupants safe in crashes.

Driver Assistance: A 360-degree camera system and parking sensors make tight city parking easy while also helping on demanding off-road routes.

From cruising city streets to traversing harsh landscapes, the Tank 500 has you covered and in control.

Capabilities: Off-Roading Without Compromise

The Tank 500 is seriously capable off the beaten path:

4WD & Terrain Domination: Four-wheel drive in mechanical form, low-range gearing, and triple-locking differentials mean the SUV will conquer sand, mud, or rocky trails with aplomb.

Towing Capability: Up to 3,500 kg, ideal for caravans, trailers, or boats—a must-have for Aussie explorers.

Adaptive Suspension: Provides comfort on smooth freeways or rough rural roads.

It’s the uncommon SUV that provides full-size luxury without sacrificing genuine off-road capacity, the perfect vehicle for Australians who want adventure without sacrificing comfort.

Pricing and Availability

Hi4-T PHEV Drive-Away Price: $79,990 AUD

Early-Bird Offer: $77,990 AUD

ABN Holder Price: $76,990 AUD (available for deliveries prior to Dec 31, 2025)

The Tank 500 is on sale at Australia’s top GWM showrooms and benefits from a 7-year unlimited kilometre warranty and 7-year roadside assistance—a robust assurance of durability and dependability.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Sleek, roomy, and feature-rich interior

Hybrid powertrain delivers fuel efficiency and performance

Off-road capability with robust towing capacity

High-end safety and driver-assistance technology

Comprehensive warranty and support

Cons:

More expensive to start compared to some mass-market SUVs

PHEV model accommodates five, constraining large family configurations

Large size can be tricky in small city parking

Ultimate Verdict

The 2026 GWM Tank 500 is not just a full-size SUV—it’s an entire automotive experience. It marries luxury, hybrid efficiency, off-road capability, and advanced safety into a package especially tailored for Australian roads, whether in the city, along coastal highways, or far out in the Outback.

With its in-your-face presence, lavish interior, and hybrid core, the Tank 500 shows that adventure and comfort are not necessarily two different things. It’s a car that provides power, prestige, and practicality—a closely matched set in today’s SUV world.

For Australians who want a capable luxury SUV with efficiency, adventure potential, and a price that won’t break the bank, the GWM Tank 500 2026 is an appealing, high-value proposition that’s hard to ignore.