The GWM Tank 500 Hi4-T Ultra Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) doesn’t just arrive, it rolls in with authority. One look at it, and you instantly understand the name. This is a big, bold SUV that makes you feel like you’re sitting on top of the world.
It genuinely feels tank-like, but not in a cold, military sense – more like a luxury command centre on wheels. Think battlefield presence, but with massaging seats, mood lighting, and enough creature comforts to make you forget you’re driving something this tough.
It’s an SUV that wants to impress, and for the most part, it absolutely does. The Tank 500 Hi4-T PHEV has a squared-off, muscular stance that looks ready to tackle anything – whether that’s a muddy trail or the school pickup line.
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The upright grille, chunky wheel arches, and confident ride height give it an almost aggressive look. Paint options lean into that premium off-roader vibe too, including Marble White, Crystal Black, Onyx Silver, and Dune Gold.
2026 GWM Tank 500 Hi4-T Ultra Plug-in Hybrid
It looks like it belongs somewhere important, even if that somewhere is just parked outside your local café. It even comes with deployable side steps. In theory, they’re clever – sliding out neatly to help you climb in and tucking away to preserve ground clearance.
In practice, they’re an ankle tap waiting to happen. More than once, they catch you off guard, and we couldn’t help but wish GWM had gone with a permanent fixture instead. Sometimes simple is safer. There’s also a full-size spare; praise your favourite deity.
Step inside and the Tank 500 completely changes the narrative. This is not a rugged, hose-it-out interior. It’s plush, thoughtfully designed, and unapologetically comfortable. Soft-touch materials, quality stitching, and a layout that feels both modern and functional, feature.
The front infotainment screen is large at a whopping 14.6-inches and while its sheer presence can be a little jarring, it’s sharp and responsive, handling navigation, media, and vehicle settings with ease.
Inside the 2026 GWM Tank 500 Hi4-T Ultra Plug-in Hybrid
Everything feels intuitive enough that you’re not hunting through menus while driving, which is always a win. That’s especially so when you realise some of the air conditioning controls are on a separate panel. If you’re new here, we love that.
In the back, there’s a dedicated screen for rear passengers, which is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it’s fantastic for kids as they can change the music, adjust their air conditioning, and feel involved, rather than bored.
On the other, parents beware. There’s nothing quite like being halfway through the performance of your life, peak vocals, full emotional commitment, only for little miss 7 to decide the vibes are no longer it and abruptly change the song.
Great tech, mildly chaotic execution. Despite its size, the GWM Tank 500 is surprisingly composed on the road. The hybrid system delivers smooth, confident power, and acceleration feels effortless rather than aggressive. You’re never rushing, you’re gliding.
Inside the 2026 GWM Tank 500 Hi4-T Ultra Plug-in Hybrid
Powered by the 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine paired with a hybrid motor, combined outputs are an impressive 300kW and 750Nm. That’s tied to a 9-speed automatic transmission.
Steering is light enough for city driving but weighted enough to feel stable at highway speeds. Ride comfort is excellent, soaking up bumps and rough surfaces with minimal fuss. For something that looks this tough, it’s remarkably refined.
Off the beaten path, the Tank 500 feels like it’s in its natural habitat. Braked towing capacity is 3000kg. EV-only range is a claimed 120km and fuel economy is an impressive 8.4-litres/100km.
The elevated driving position reinforces that “king of the road” presence, and you genuinely feel capable of going just about anywhere. Safety is clearly a priority too, with tyre pressure monitoring, multiple airbags, and the ability to monitor your kids in the back.
Inside the 2026 GWM Tank 500 Hi4-T Ultra Plug-in Hybrid
Electronic stability control, brake assist, hill ascent and descent control, adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, low speed intersection assist, front collision warning, and lane departure and lane keep assist, all feature.
They’re joined by traffic sign recognition, traffic jam assist, a rear collision warning, lane change assist, front and rear cross traffic alert (with braking), auto vehicle hold, driver fatigue monitoring, reverse assist, intelligent park assist and a 360-degree monitor.
While there was a lot of binging and beeping going on, there was a noticeable lack of the car taking over the drive, which is impressive. With a 5-star ANCAP safety rating, it feels solid, secure and reassuring.
For what you get, the 2026 GWM Tank 500 Hi4-T Plug-in Hybrid represents solid value, even at a staggering $76,990 drive away for the Ultra trim tested here. In this big SUV’s defense, it’s loaded with a lot of kit and luxury features.
2026 GWM Tank 500 Hi4-T Ultra Plug-in Hybrid
You also get a 7-year unlimited kilometre warranty, with 8-years backing, with unlimited kilometres, for the battery. That’s in additional to 7-years roadside assist and the same period in capped priced servicing.
Designed for drivers who want to feel unstoppable, but still enjoy heated seats, a quiet cabin and modern tech, it’s bold, comfortable and surprisingly refined. You can find out more on the GWM Australia website, or by talking to your local dealership.
To get a low rate finance quote, talk to Australia’s best reviewed car finance broker; Credit One. To see a great range of vehicles for sale, check out OnlyCars.com.au.
Our test vehicle was provided by GWM Australia for independent review purposes. Exhaust Notes Australia has not been paid to review this vehicle. Images supplied.
