The 2024 GWM Tank 500 Hybrid's interior is larger and roomier than it might seem from the outside.

There's space for seven full-sized adults - as long as the second-row occupants don't mind compromising by sliding their seats forward.

Up front, the dash is super-modern and fancy, with a large central touchscreen, flanked by expensive-looking trim on one side and a sizeable digital instrumentation cluster on the other.

Vision out is excellent due to the deep windows and commanding driving position, while most controls are within easy reach.

Some people may find accessing some of the vehicle's settings via the touchscreen to be a bit fiddly and confusing, however.

Never mind. There are plenty of standard features present, like a sunroof, eight or 12-speaker audio depending on grade, and heaps of storage.

On the flipside, our test car suffered from a couple of issues - namely an interior rattle and malfunctioning or over-sensitive driver attention monitor.

Meanwhile, access to the middle row is easy, with all the amenities you might expect and more, including climate control, four air vents, overhead reading lights, USB ports and storage.

Further back, space is limited for taller passenger and there does not seem to be any USB ports, but sufficient ventilation is provided.

Note, though, that getting in and out is easier from the road side rather than the pavement side, which betrays the Tank 500 Hybrid's left-hand-drive-prioritising development.

The 2024 GWM Tank 500 Hybrid is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine.

It makes 180kW of power at 5500-6000rpm and 380Nm of torque between 1700-4000rpm.

However, paired to a 78kW/268Nm electric motor, combined power and torque outputs leap to 255kW and 648Nm respectively.

Drive is channelled to either the rear or both axles via a nine-speed automatic transmission. There are your usual 2WD and 4WD high and low ranges, as well as up to nine drive modes.

The 2024 GWM Tank 500 Hybrid's unique selling point is that it is a petrol-electric-powered seven-seater configuration - a first for a three-row 4x4 wagon.

The layout is conventional. A pair of broad and comfortable bucket seats up front, with each being electrically-operated and heated.

Stepping up to the Ultra from the Lux also introduces vented, massaging and position memory functionality.

The second row has a usual 70:30 split, with both backrests reclining a fair amount.

But access to the third row is limited by LHD-centric access, meaning that only the right-hand (or road) side of the middle seat lifts and slides forward to allow for fast and easy entry/egress.

Once sat, the cushion is OK, and so is legroom for adults as long as the middle-row passengers don't mind sliding forward a little to allow for taller folk.

The 2024 GWM Tank 500 Hybrid comes in two grades.

The Lux is the opening gambit, and though a base model, it is lacking for nothing.

Standard features include auto-levelling LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, a sunroof, rear privacy glass, leather-like (vinyl) upholstery, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, powered and heated front seats, a 360-degree view camera set-up, a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation cluster, auto parking with reverse assist, side steps, 18-inch alloy wheels and front and rear parking sensors.

Meanwhile, the Ultra lives up to its name with fancy Nappa leather trim, a panoramic sunroof, a head-up display, vented and massaging front seats with memory, vented second-row seats, powered third-row bench, 12-speaker premium audio, double-layered glass, noise-cancelling tech and a front diff lock, ambient lighting, back window sun shades, retractable side steps and puddle lamps.

About the only item you might miss is a powered tailgate. It's manually operated - how quaint in a big SUV nowadays!

The 2024 GWM Tank 500 Hybrid can go from standstill to 100km/h (0-100km/h) in 8.3 seconds, on the way to a top speed of about 180km/h.

Capable of operating on standard 91 RON unleaded petrol, the 2024 GWM Tank 500 Hybrid's official consumption figure is 8.5L per 100km.

This translates to a carbon dioxide emissions rating of 199g/km.

Fitted with an 80-litre fuel tank, this should mean an average of over 940km between refills.