TANK 500 Hi4-T

The TANK 500 Hi4-T is the first new energy off-road large SUV from GWM's TANK brand, marking the marque's strategic shift from traditional ICE hardcore 4x4s towards a deep integration of "off-road capability and new energy". Built on GWM's proprietary Hi4-T off-road super hybrid architecture, the model blends the terrain capability of a rugged off-roader with the responsive power delivery and efficiency of an electrified powertrain, serving as a core mid-to-high-tier offering in the TANK line-up.

Model Overview

Positioned as a large luxury hardcore 4x4 SUV, the TANK 500 Hi4-T is engineered to cater to diverse driving scenarios, ranging from daily urban commuting to long-distance touring and extreme off-road driving. 

Market Tags: Hardcore 4x4, PHEV, Hi4-T hybrid architecture, ladder-frame chassis, full-time 4WD. 

Design & Packaging: Sporting the brand's signature rugged design language, the vehicle features muscular exterior lines paired with a premium, tech-focused cabin. While preserving its robust ladder-frame chassis, the integration of the electric drive system substantially improves power delivery smoothness and fuel efficiency. 

Core Strengths: At the heart of its competitive edge is the parallel hybrid Hi4-T architecture, which achieves efficient four-wheel torque distribution via mechanical locking. This guarantees robust off-road power output even when battery charge is depleted, eliminating the power fade issues often encountered by pure electric 4x4s during long-distance expeditions.

Development History

Background: Amid the global shift towards electrification and the surging popularity of rugged off-roaders, GWM leveraged its established 4x4 expertise and integrated new energy tech to engineer the Hi4-T architecture, delivering an optimal balance between off-road prowess and fuel efficiency.

Key Milestones:

2023 Market Launch: The TANK 500 Hi4-T officially debuted, establishing itself as one of the market's pioneer ladder-frame PHEV 4x4s. 

2026 Model Update: TANK rolled out its annual facelift along with the Black Knight Limited Edition, introducing the more advanced Coffee Pilot Ultra driver assistance system with LiDAR hardware, while expanding the line-up with a higher-output, longer-range Hi4-Z variant to round out the portfolio.

Global Expansion: Backed by its solid off-road credentials, the TANK 500 Hi4-T has expanded into overseas markets, including Australia and New Zealand, garnering significant interest in the international electrified 4x4 segment.

Market Performance 

Competitive Landscape: In its home market, the TANK 500 Hi4-T goes head-to-head with established rugged SUVs such as the Toyota Prado and Ford Bronco. Aided by PHEV tax incentives, refined urban drivability, and exceptional terrain-recovery capabilities, the model has secured a firm foothold in the premium hardcore SUV segment.

Customer Reception: Owners widely praise its mechanical robustness and off-road dependability. Compared to range-extender (REEV) or pure EV rivals, the Hi4-T's mechanical direct-drive capability ensures superior performance during sustained high-load, long-distance journeys. Upgraded tech and smart features on the facelifted model have also significantly enhanced its everyday appeal in urban environments.

Core Technologies

Hi4-T Off-Road Super Hybrid Architecture: Utilising a parallel hybrid setup, the system pairs a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with a P2 electric motor and a 9HAT transmission. It delivers a formidable combined system output of 300 kW and 750 Nm of torque, ensuring effortless power delivery across the entire rev range.

Robust Off-Road Underpinnings: Built on a sturdy ladder-frame chassis, it comes standard with a Torque-on-Demand (TOD) 4WD system with mechanical locking and a "triple differential lock" setup. The system can channel 100% of available drive to a single wheel with traction, delivering outstanding off-road recovery performance.

Energy Management System: Offering Pure Electric, Hybrid, and Intelligent driving modes, the system deploys the electric motor for peak shaving and load levelling to maximise engine thermal efficiency. The 2026 model further sharpens throttle response in low-SOC conditions, relying on engine direct-drive to maintain uncompromised performance over long distances. 

Smart & ADAS Technologies: The 2026 model upgrades to Coffee OS 3 and incorporates a Hesai LiDAR unit alongside an NVIDIA Orin-X chip. This enables advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) with integrated drive-and-park capabilities, significantly easing driver fatigue on long highway stretches and tight urban parking manoeuvres.

Future Plans

As of 2026, the TANK 500 Hi4-T remains a cornerstone in the brand's premium 4x4 line-up. Moving forward, key strategic directions include: 

Powertrain Line-up Diversification: With the rollout of high-performance variants such as the Hi4-Z, the dual-track portfolio of "Hi4-T off-road enhanced + Hi4-Z long-range capability" will precisely cater to distinct segments of lifestyle and off-road enthusiasts.

Intelligent Software Enhancements: Regular over-the-air (OTA) updates will refine dedicated off-road algorithms, advancing automated recovery and terrain-assist features across demanding surfaces like sand dunes, deep snow, and rocky terrain.

Global Powertrain Optimisation: Refinements to battery thermal management and charging protocols will continue for international markets, ensuring the off-road hybrid powertrain delivers unwavering reliability in extreme climatic conditions.