GWM Tank 500 2025 review: Ultra Hybrid long-term | Part 1

Long-term tests are a great way to get to know a vehicle because over the months of driving we start to see the cars as owners do and begin to really understand the car.

But that’s not always the case - sometimes the car tells you everything straight away, as if it’s been given a truth serum, like the GMW Tank 500. 

We’ve only had the Tank 500 a month and it’s told me everything - e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g. And some of it’s good, some of it’s a bit strange and there are parts I don’t like at all.

The GWM Tank 500 we have on our long term test of three months is the top-of-the-range Ultra which has a drive-away price of $71,990 - discounted from the previous $73,990.

Okay, the first truth. The value for money is outrageously good. The Tank 500 Ultra has LED headlights, proximity unlocking, power sidesteps, a sunroof, privacy glass, seven seats, Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats with massaging function, three-zone climate control, a 12-speaker Infinity sound system, a 14.6-inch media screen, 12.3-inch instrument display and a wireless phone charger plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Next truth. The powertrain is unique in that this is a ladder-on-frame four-wheel drive that uses a petrol-electric hybrid system.

So, picture a Toyota LandCruiser with a small 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and an electric motor, rather than a big, beefy V6 or V8. The combined output of the system is a whopping 255kW and 648Nm. Towing capacity is three tonnes.

Final truth, before I get into the weird stuff. The truth is the Tank 500 is almost as practical as an SUV can be with plenty of space, cargo capacity and cabin storage.

Okay, ready for the weird things I’ve learnt? The Tank 500 is thirsty, like a V8-petrol engine thirsty.

In the past month we’ve driven 810.1km and admittedly it’s mainly been urban roads, but we used 142.77L and filled up twice.

2025 GWM Tank 500 Ultra Hybrid (image: Laura Berry)

Why is it using this much fuel? Could it be that there were only 182km on the odometer when I picked it up? Cars typically use more fuel until about the 1000km mark. So, the jury is out until I can cover more kays and see if this beast really is a guzzler.

Next weird thing? The acceleration. Often if I come to an almost stop, but then accelerate, such as turning at an intersection I don't have any power and it takes the hybrid system a good two seconds to provide the acceleration I need to move before I get collected by an oncoming car. I don’t like this potentially dangerous situation, at all.

Then there are times where acceleration is too sharp and the vehicle continues to accelerate after I've removed my foot from the right-hand pedal. What is going on?

2025 GWM Tank 500 Ultra Hybrid (image: Laura Berry)

The brake feel is also odd. It's well known that hybrid cars can often have a wooden-feeling brake pedal but the Tank 500’s pedal feel is spongy and doesn't feel reassuringly responsive.

And in the past 800-odd kilometers I found the handling to be less than impressive, especially in the wet and in tighter corners.

I know I said practicality is a strong point but there are some not-so-practical features. The power retracting side steps, for example, which when deployed make trying to get into the car harder. Then there are the rear doors that could open wider for better access.

Then there are the looks. I know what’s visually appealing is subjective but I don't get a feeling of refined luxury when I gaze at the grille of the Tank 500.

In many ways its styling is reminiscent of SUVs from 10 or 15 years ago. Interior styling is better, however, with leather seats and big screens, but again there's some strangeness with the throbbing star-studded dashboard.

And one last thing before I report back next month. When you move the shifter into Drive for the first time after turning the car on, the vehicle makes a kind of space gun sound effect. Yeah, that's weird.

2025 GWM Tank 500 Ultra Hybrid (image: Laura Berry)

Acquired: March 2025

Distance travelled this month: 810km

Odometer: 992km

Average fuel consumption this month: 17.6L/100km (measured at the pump)