Quite a lot of time has passed since the presentation of the new 2022 Tank 500 premium SUV. Company Great Wall, showing this car, immediately began to improve it. However, the changes made following the presentation, apparently, did not affect the characteristics of the SUV, since the model that entered the home market does not differ from its prototype.
According to published information, the Chinese novelty is offered at a price of 335 thousand yuan (regarding 5.4 million rubles at the current exchange rate). Interestingly, analysts previously predicted that the SUV would cost regarding the same. The most expensive version of the Tank 500 is priced at 395,000 yuan (regarding 6.4 million rubles). That is, the Chinese novelty turned out to be significantly cheaper than all its competitors. At the same time, in terms of performance and technical characteristics, it is not inferior to them.
So, the Tank 500 is equipped with a single 3-liter engine with two turbochargers, thanks to which this unit produces up to 354 hp. useful power. It is paired with a 9-speed automatic. The engine is also combined with a 48-volt starter-alternator, designed to improve the dynamics of acceleration from a standstill and reduce fuel consumption. By default, the Tank 500 comes with all-wheel drive with a demultiplier and a lockable rear differential (the front one comes at an additional cost). The transmission of the Chinese model supports several driving modes, including for overcoming snow obstacles.
Tank 500 as a whole corresponds to the title of premium SUV. In addition to the electronically controlled active all-wheel drive transmission, the Chinese model received a 14.6-inch touch pad, towering over a compact 4-zone climate control unit, and a 12.3-inch virtual instrument panel. In addition, the SUV is equipped with matrix head optics, ventilated front row seats, a projection display, panoramic windows and other options. The interior of the Chinese model is completely sheathed in leather, which in several places is combined with wood inserts. “Premiums” add a round analog clock built into the center console.
Despite such significant characteristics and a relatively affordable price, the Tank 500 was criticized by both Chinese and European motorists. Often in the comments under the description of this model there are reports that it is very similar to SUVs. Toyota. The Europeans reacted negatively to the appearance of the Tank 500 also because, in their opinion, Chinese cars should not cost so much. This judgment is largely due to the prejudice that Chinese manufacturers are not yet able to create really high-quality cars. But otherwise, many potential buyers speak positively regarding the Tank 500.
Despite the fact that the car just recently went on sale, Great Wall is already preparing updates for its technical part. Recently, a Tank 500 prototype was caught on Chinese roads, which, according to preliminary data, is equipped with a hybrid installation. Its characteristics have not yet been confirmed, but it is expected that the basis of this unit will be an internal combustion engine and one electric motor. Their total output will not exceed 245 hp. with a maximum traction moment of 380 N * m.
When the hybrid Tank 500 will enter the home market is not yet known. But the published photo shows that in preparing this modification, Chinese engineers did not make any changes to the body structure. This indicates that the preparation of the hybrid Tank 500 will not take much time. Therefore, it is likely that it will go on sale closer to the summer or autumn of this year.