BAODING (China): Great Wall Motor (GWM) launched its TANK sub-brand in Thailand last week.
Pre-booking has opened for its first product to be introduced - the TANK 500 HEV SUV. No price was stated but the SUV sells from 335,000 yuan to 395,000 yuan in China (from RM216,000 to RM255,000).
GWM claims the three-row has superior off-road capability, smart functions and offers a comfortable ride. It seeks to duke it out with the likes of Toyota Land Cruiser, Ford Everest and Hyundai Palisade.
The model is based on the GWM TANK hybrid platform, which combines engines, motors, differential locks, and an on-demand four-wheel-drive system.
The powertrain produces a combined output of 345hp and 616Nm from a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine paired with an electric motor. A nine-speed automatic transmission puts power to all four wheels and the vehicle offers 11 driving modes.
GWM said the cabin is made to offer a premium experience and comes with a big central control screen, a fully digital meter cluster and leather seats.
The model uses a double-wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension, which allow it to provide a comfortable experience for consumers in various scenarios, such as urban and off-road travel.
The TANK 500 HEV features advanced intelligent driver assistance system such as front & rear electric differential locks, TANK Turn, wading depth detection, off-road cruise control, and a so-called transparent body.
The transparent body can help drivers grasp road conditions quickly by identifying the surrounding circumstances with cameras, thus raising driving safety.
GWM is pitching the TANK line-up as a "premium off-road SUV brand".
TANK has been launched in the Middle East and Australia. After Thailand, TANK will also enter other Asean countries, which suggests Malaysia is also on its radar.
GWM set up TANK in 2021 and has sold more than 200,000 vehicles globally under the sub-brand since.
