South Africa’s second-largest importer of Chinese vehicles, Great Wall Motors, set social media ablaze in August, when it introduced two new flagship products – the Tank 500 full-size SUV and P-Series P500 bakkie. Although the brand is no stranger to these segments, it shattered records on two fronts with the release of this power couple. As a start, the P500 is officially South Africa’s first self-charging hybrid bakkie, while the Tank 500 is the first Chinese vehicle with a price tag north of the R1 million mark.
The recent launch of the GWM Tank 500 SUV and P500 bakkie in South Africa marks a significant milestone for the Chinese automaker, both as flagship models to their respective ranges and by bringing a blend of luxury, advanced technology, and hybrid performance to the market. With these vehicles, GWM is boldly aiming to compete with established brands in the premium SUV and bakkie segments.
A BIT OF HISTORY
GWM South Africa boasts the unique distinction of being the most well-established Chinese vehicle importer in South Africa, with an uninterrupted track record spanning more than 17 years.
Founded on 1 July 1990 by 26-year-old entrepreneur Jack Wey, the Chinese giant produced its first vehicle in 1993. The Southern Africa subsidiary was established in 2007 with the first shipment of Single Cab and Double Cab bakkies (later named Steed 5) and a multi-wagon model.
GWM’s sales have steadily continued to grow globally, culminating in global sales of 1.6 million vehicles since inception. Since then, GWM has shown spectacular growth locally, with its national sales tally reaching 180,000 units by July this year.
In 2017, the company’s name was changed to Haval Motors South Africa to symbolise an investor change, and it was transformed from a national distributor to a wholly owned subsidiary of GWM, by then already boasting an established presence in over 60 countries.
A SHIFT IN FOCUS
Before GWM South Africa transformed into Haval, the brand invested significantly in establishing its Steed bakkie line-up, while a few smaller SUVs also contributed to its sales success.
Since 2017, however, a marked shift in focus occurred, with the company rolling out several advanced SUV products with better technology and noticeable designs, while the P-Series bakkie range was also introduced to add a layer of sophistication to its offering in this segment.
P-Series sales skyrocketed alongside sales of popular Haval SUVs such as the Jolion and H6, as South African buyers increasingly recognised the value proposition offered by these products.
Although this still rings true, by introducing the P500 – GWM’s flagship P-Series bakkie – alongside its Tank 500 2.0T HEV Ultra Luxury 4×4 full-size SUV stablemate this year, GWM has shifted its South African rollout plan into high gear, and caused quite a stir in the process.
Why a stir, you may ask? For one, the new Tank 500 and P500 have elevated the brand from a premium to a veritable luxury brand, showcasing a design language that is both bold and functional. The P500 boasts an imposing presence with its large grille, flanked by LED headlights, and a high-riding stance that hints at its off-road capabilities. The Tank 500, on the other hand, exudes a more refined aesthetic. It features a boxy yet sophisticated design, with a prominent grille, sleek LED headlights, and a tailgate-mounted spare wheel, which enhances its rugged appeal. The Tank 500’s exterior is further complemented by chrome accents and a satin silver skid plate, emphasising its luxury and off-road prowess.
BEYOND LUXURY
Stepping inside both vehicles reveals GWM’s renewed commitment to luxury and cutting-edge technology. The Tank 500’s cabin is a luxurious environment adorned with Nappa leather and wood grain finishes. The dashboard is dominated by a 14.6” touchscreen infotainment system, which is the hub for most vehicle controls, including the 12-speaker Harman Infinity sound system, climate control, and driving modes. The system supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, ensuring seamless smartphone integration.
The Tank 500 also offers a digital instrument cluster, a head-up display, and a host of comfort features such as heated, ventilated, and massaging seats for both the driver and front passenger and heating and ventilation for rear passengers. Additionally, ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and a surround-view camera system enhance the overall driving experience.
The P500, while more utilitarian, does not skimp on comfort or technology. On the contrary, in Ultra Luxury hybrid guise, it is the most luxurious bakkie we’ve tested to date, with a similarly advanced infotainment system to the Tank 500, although the focus is slightly more on practicality, with features like multiple USB ports, a wireless charging pad, and robust climate control settings.
The range-topping P500 Ultra Luxury also boasts several standout features never before seen on a bakkie, such as a large panoramic sunroof, individually adjustable electric seats in the rear, and a split-function tailgate allowing for both swivel and tilt.
Both vehicles are equipped with a range of safety technologies, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and autonomous emergency braking, to name a few, catapulting the latest additions to the GWM line-up squarely into the firing line of significantly more expensive bakkie and SUV options from rivals such as Volkswagen, Toyota, and Ford.
MAKING LIGHT WORK OF TRAVEL
Besides being large and in charge, the P500 and Tank 500 introduce GWM’s hybrid powertrain technology to the luxury segment. In particular, the range-leading P500 2.0T HEV Ultra Luxury 4×4 (R999,900) has earned the unique distinction of becoming the first hybrid-powered bakkie in South Africa.
The hybrid system is the same on both vehicles, and combines a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with electric assistance, for a total system output of 255 kW and 648 Nm of torque.
In the P500 and Tank 500, the system is coupled to a nine-speed hydraulic automatic transmission for enhanced efficiency and smooth power delivery, which we put to the test during an extensive launch drive opportunity in the Garden Route last month.
Although they share the same system, there is a noticeable difference in power delivery between the P500 and Tank 500. The latter, with a kerb weight of 2,605 kg – is around 30 kg heavier than its P500 bakkie brother. While this slight weight difference is not enough to weigh the Tank 500 down versus the P500, we experienced a slight dip in power when climbing steep inclines, a quirk that requires a more aggressive throttle input to maintain momentum.
On the road, the Tank 500’s suspension system is one of the most compliant we’ve encountered in this segment, providing a comfortable ride even on the extensive (and often challenging) gravel roads we tackled during the launch event. The vehicle’s handling is surprisingly agile for its size, with minimal body roll, thanks partly to the adjustable steering feedback, which can be customised via the infotainment system.
The P500, designed more for utility than luxury, also offers a great overall driving experience, and although GWM does not provide official acceleration and top speed stats for either the P500 or the Tank 500, the former feels subjectively more agile, particularly when overtaking at speed. That said, neither of GWM’s new big guns disappoints on these fronts, if our driving experience is anything to go by.
CHOOSE YOUR WEAPON
GWM introduces the P500 in three derivatives, with the hybrid Ultra Luxury 4×4 poised at the top of the range. One rung down the ladder, the P500 2.4T Super Luxury 4×4 (R889,900) is powered by a 2.4-litre turbodiesel engine paired with the same nine-speed automatic transmission available on the hybrid bakkie, ensuring smooth shifts and adequate power delivery. The entry point to the range, the P500 2.4T Luxury 4×4 (R799,900), offers the best value without losing any of the big “American pick-up” appeal inherent to the P500 range.
Like the Tank 500, the P500 is equipped with a robust 4WD system, making it capable of handling various terrains with ease.
LAST WORD
The GWM P500 and Tank 500 bring a fresh perspective to the South African market, combining luxury, technology, and performance in a way that challenges more established brands. The Tank 500, in particular, stands out as a competent luxury SUV, offering a level of opulence and technology that is rare in its price bracket. Meanwhile, the P500 positions itself as a powerful and versatile bakkie, suitable for both work and leisure.
These models highlight GWM’s growing ambitions in the South African market and provide consumers with compelling alternatives to more traditional choices in the premium SUV and bakkie segments.
Report by BERNIE HELLBERG JR | Images © HAVAL SOUTH AFRICA
