Great Wall Motor’s personalized brand, Tank, has introduced a new model, the Tank 500 Hi4-Z, to compete with the growing threat posed by BYD’s Fang Cheng Bao Bao 8 SUV in the off-road market. Priced at RMB 363,800 ($49,830), the Tank 500 Hi4-Z is RMB 16,000 cheaper than the Bao 8, showing a strategic move to attract customers looking for a more budget-friendly option.
The Tank 500 Hi4-Z is a hybrid off-road SUV tailored more towards urban use, featuring a distinct red and white gradient paint job that sets it apart from its predecessor, the Tank 500 Hi4-T. This new model boasts improved power, fuel efficiency, and battery life, making it a suitable choice for city dwellers seeking a reliable and efficient vehicle.
Measuring 5,078 mm in length, 1,934 mm in width, and 1,905 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,850 mm, the Tank 500 Hi4-Z is equipped with a 2 L engine generating 180 kW of power and 380 Nm of torque. It also features dual electric motors, with the front motor delivering 215 kW of power and 400 Nm of torque, and the rear motor producing 240 kW of power and 415 Nm of torque. This powertrain enables the Tank 500 Hi4-Z to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.6 seconds.
The model is powered by a 59.05 kWh Li-ion ternary battery pack, offering a WLTC battery range of 201 kilometers. When fully fueled and charged, the Tank 500 Hi4-Z provides a combined range of 1,096 kilometers. Built on an 800 V high-voltage platform, the vehicle can be charged up to 163 kW, allowing for a rapid charge from 30 percent to 80 percent in just 15 minutes.
Tank’s dominance in China’s off-road SUV market faces a new challenge with the emergence of BYD’s Fang Cheng Bao brand. Fang Cheng Bao recently launched the Bao 8, featuring Huawei’s driver assistance system, and has seen impressive sales figures, with 11,418 vehicles delivered in December alone.
In comparison, Tank sold 21,879 vehicles in December and 231,001 vehicles in 2024, demonstrating a steady growth trajectory. The introduction of the Tank 500 Hi4-Z positions the brand as a competitive player in the market, offering a compelling alternative to consumers seeking a blend of performance, fuel efficiency, and battery life in an off-road SUV.
