GWM Tank 500 2025 review: Ultra Hybrid long-term | Part 3

That's it. Three months in a GWM Tank 500 completed. I'm sure there's a term to describe how familiarity starts to make you forgive the downsides to something, because that's how I'm feeling at the moment as this long-term test comes to an end. So, what's the final verdict?

First, just to recap. We tested the top-of-the-range Tank 500 Ultra which is currently $72,990, drive-away. This is a large seven-seat, three-row SUV built on a ladder-frame chassis featuring a four-wheel drive system with low- and high-range gearing. 

So, it's an off-road-capable SUV but what makes it quite special is its petrol-electric hybrid powertrain.

If you're looking for a rival to the Tank 500 Ultra it would be something like an entry-grade Toyota LandCruiser Prado, which has a list price that's about $500 more than the drive-away price of the Tank. The Prado is not available with a hybrid powertrain yet, but, as I'll get to soon, I don't think that's the Tank 500's strength.

From a value-for-money perspective the Tank 500 Ultra is impressive with a standard features list a lot longer than the Prado's with everything from Nappa leather upholstery to a premium sound system included.

In terms of space and practicality the Tank 500 competes fairly well with other large SUVs, too. Although the side-hinged tailgate means you can't open it if somebody's parked behind you (see image).

What we noticed over three months and almost 3000km of driving is that the Tank 500 doesn't feel at the same standard as most new large SUVs to pilot.

Unpredictable throttle response, overly firm suspension and a lack of body control make the Tank 500 disappointing to drive, and we used it as a daily driver doing everything from work commutes to the school drop offs, shopping runs and trips away. The poor driveability would be a deal breaker for me.

Now GWM has addressed this issue. Late last year GWM announced it would recalibrate the powertrain. However, our test vehicle does not have the recalibration. But new Tank 500s will have it, or if you’re an exisiting owner, you should be able to have the recalibration done for you at your local dealer.

Another deal breaker would be the high fuel consumption. Month in and month out the Tank 500 used a significant amount of fuel, despite being a petrol-electric hybrid.

This month we traveled 794km and used 133.04 litres. This comes to an average fuel consumption of 16.8L/100km - almost double the 8.5-litre combined (urban/extra-urban) cycle claim from GWM.

That fuel consumption has been consistent over the last three months with a figure of 15.1L/100km last month and 17.6L/100km the month before.

This is the kind of consumption I would expect from a big petrol engine in an SUV, and even if the electric motor and engine in the Tank produce a high output, I would prefer the linear and predictable response of a V8 or V6 than this hybrid system.

As mentioned in my previous instalment, GWM says the hybrid system is designed to add increased performance given the weight of the car, rather than be a purely fuel-saving measure.

Oh, and in news just in… I was recently advised the vehicle we are testing has not been given the recently announced updated driver alert system software.

GWM informed us that our test vehicle was running the old software - the same software that prompted customers to complain because of an overly eager safety alert system for driver distraction, fatigue, and speed zones. That explains all the frustrating and intrusive driver alerts.

And while we’re told the update is much less intrusive, we can only test and score the car we have been given by the manufacturer. Hopefully we can get behind the wheel of the updated version soon to quantify the difference.

Speaking of updates, GWM also announced the upcoming Tank 500 will have a different grille. I have to say the new grille does look marginally better than one on my test car.

Well that's a wrap for the GWM Tank 500 Ultra. 

Spending a lot of time in the Tank 500 reminded me of the SUVs that Kia launched over a decade ago. They weren't up to the standard of many of the mainstream rivals but in a very short amount of time Kia would be producing outstanding cars.

I think future Tank 500s could be outstanding, but not this current version.

Acquired: March 2025

Distance travelled this month: 794km

Odometer: 2721km

Average fuel consumption this month: 16.8L/100km (measured at the pump)