The new Tank 500 looks markedly different from its predecessor and packs more intelligent features including a night vision system. Prices in China start from 335,000 Yuan and climb to 375,000 Yuan with all option boxes ticked.
The biggest exterior change is the radiator grille. There’s also a new finish and optional 20-inch wheels, but that’s about it. Inside, the transmission selector now sits at the steering wheel column, freeing up space on the tunnel for two wireless charging pads. The display in the middle of the dash now measures 15.6 inches corner-to-corner, and there is a ceiling-mounted 17.3-inch screen for the rear seat occupants. A thermal box suitable for temperatures from –6 to +50 ºC is also included in the spec.
Power for the base off-roader is provided by a 3.0-liter V6, but you can also consider two hybrid options. The main drivetrain stays unchanged at 360 PS (355 hp / 265 kW) and 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) of torque heading for the wheels via a nine-speed AT.
Things get more interesting with the Hi4-T hybrid system, which benefits from a new e-motor raising its total output to 422 PS (416 hp / 310 kW) and 750 Nm (553 lb-ft) of torque. Despite the upgraded power, this version now covers 900 kilometers (559 miles) from a full tank and battery – a solid improvement over the former 790 km (490 miles).
The range-topping Hi4-Z spec has also been upgraded and now makes 877 PS (865 hp / 645 kW). That’s just 13 horsepower or 10 kilowatts over the pre-facelift version, though. It can now run 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 4.3 seconds.
Select versions of the Tank 500 now ship with the latest, third-generation Coffee Pilot Ultra package. It comprises 27 sensors, including a LiDAR and 11 cameras, and promises better self-driving capabilities than ever before. Among other things, it can now assist with parking in tight spots and detect other cars up to 120 meters (394 ft.) away at night using a dedicated night vision system.
The company hasn’t revealed whether it ever plans to offer the Tank 500 outside of China.
