The Tank 500 3.0T V6 Mild Hybrid 4WD Automatic, launched in June 2024, represents a significant entry into the growing market for luxury, off-road capable SUVs. Produced by Tank, a sub-brand of Great Wall Motors, the 500 is designed to appeal to buyers seeking a robust and technologically advanced vehicle with substantial performance both on and off paved roads. This particular variant, featuring a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission and a 48V mild hybrid system, positions itself as the flagship model within the 500 lineup, offering a balance of power, refinement, and capability. It’s primarily targeted towards the Chinese domestic market, but export plans are underway, aiming to establish Tank as a global brand.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Tank |
| Model | 500 |
| Generation | 500 |
| Type (Engine) | 3.0T V6 (354 Hp) Mild Hybrid 4WD Automatic |
| Start of production | June, 2024 |
| Powertrain Architecture | MHEV (Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle) |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 16.1 l/100 km (14.6 US mpg, 17.5 UK mpg, 6.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 8.8 l/100 km (26.7 US mpg, 32.1 UK mpg, 11.4 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 11.5 l/100 km (20.5 US mpg, 24.6 UK mpg, 8.7 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 8.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 8.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 8.4 sec |
| Maximum speed | 180 km/h (111.85 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 7.3 kg/Hp, 137.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.2 kg/Nm, 194.2 Nm/tonne |
| Battery voltage | 48 V |
| Battery technology | Lithium-ion (Li-Ion) |
| Electric motor location | Front, Longitudinal |
| Power | 354 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 500 Nm @ 1500-4000 rpm (368.78 lb.-ft. @ 1500-4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | E30Z |
| Engine displacement | 2993 cm3 (182.64 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 80.5 mm (3.17 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 98 mm (3.86 in.) |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection and Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Twin-Turbo, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 6.5 l (6.87 US qt | 5.72 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 10.8 l (11.41 US qt | 9.5 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 2575-2595 kg (5676.9 – 5721 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 3025 kg (6668.98 lbs.) |
| Max load | 430-450 kg (947.99 – 992.08 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 795 l (28.08 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1381 l (48.77 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 133 l (35.13 US gal | 29.26 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load (braked) | 2500 kg (5511.56 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load (unbraked) | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Length | 5078 mm (199.92 in.) |
| Width | 1934 mm (76.14 in.) |
| Height | 1905 mm (75 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2850 mm (112.2 in.) |
| Front track | 1635 mm (64.37 in.) |
| Rear track | 1635 mm (64.37 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 224 mm (8.82 in.) |
| Approach angle | 29.5° |
| Departure angle | 24° |
| Ramp-over angle | 20° |
| Climb angle | 35° |
| Wading depth | 800 mm (31.5 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | ICE and electric motor drive rear wheels, front wheels engaged via clutch |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears | 9 |
| Gearbox type | Automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone, Independent coil spring, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Rigid axle suspension, Transverse stabilizer, Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 265/55 R19 |
| Wheel rims size | 8.5J x 19 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Tank 500 3.0T is the E30Z engine, a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 gasoline engine. This engine utilizes direct injection combined with multi-port fuel injection to optimize combustion efficiency and power delivery. The twin-turbocharger setup, featuring an intercooler, minimizes turbo lag and provides a broad torque curve. The engine produces 354 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 500 Nm (368.78 lb-ft) of torque between 1500 and 4000 rpm. The mild hybrid system, employing a 48V lithium-ion battery and an integrated electric motor, provides a boost during acceleration and enables start/stop functionality for improved fuel economy. The 9-speed automatic transmission, sourced from ZF, is known for its smooth shifting and wide gear ratio spread, contributing to both on-road comfort and off-road crawling ability.
Driving Characteristics
The 3.0T V6 powertrain delivers strong acceleration, achieving 0-60 mph in approximately 8.4 seconds and a top speed of 111.85 mph. The 9-speed automatic transmission is well-tuned, providing responsive shifts and keeping the engine within its optimal power band. While not a sports car, the Tank 500 offers ample power for highway cruising and overtaking. Off-road, the combination of the 4WD system, low-range gearing, and the engine’s torque output makes it a highly capable vehicle. The mild hybrid system provides a subtle but noticeable boost during initial acceleration, enhancing the overall driving experience. Compared to potential lower-trim models (if offered), this variant provides a significantly more refined and powerful driving experience.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Tank 500 3.0T V6 Automatic comes standard with a comprehensive suite of features, including leather upholstery, a large touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, a premium sound system, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) such as adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. Optional extras include a panoramic sunroof, ventilated and heated seats, and a more sophisticated off-road monitoring system. Interior trim levels typically feature high-quality materials and a focus on durability, reflecting the vehicle’s intended use.
Chassis & Braking
The Tank 500 utilizes a robust body-on-frame construction, providing excellent strength and durability for off-road use. The front suspension features a double wishbone setup with independent coil springs and a transverse stabilizer bar, while the rear suspension employs a rigid axle configuration with coil springs and a transverse stabilizer bar. This setup balances on-road comfort with off-road articulation. The braking system consists of ventilated discs on all four wheels, coupled with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) for enhanced safety.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Tank 500 has been well-received in the Chinese market, where it competes with other luxury off-road SUVs such as the Land Rover Defender and the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado. Critics have praised its robust construction, powerful engine, and comprehensive feature set. Fuel economy, at around 20.5 US mpg combined, is typical for a vehicle of this size and capability. Compared to potential future lower-trim models, the 3.0T V6 offers a significant performance advantage and a more luxurious experience, justifying its higher price point.
Legacy
The long-term reliability of the E30Z engine and the 9-speed automatic transmission remains to be fully established, as the vehicle is relatively new to the market. However, Great Wall Motors has a growing reputation for building durable and reliable vehicles. The Tank 500 3.0T V6 Mild Hybrid 4WD Automatic is poised to become a popular choice for buyers seeking a capable and luxurious off-road SUV, and its success will likely influence the development of future Tank models.
