Images of the Tank 500 SUV surfaced in the Federal Intellectual Property Service database this week, revealing the model’s arrival in the Chinese market in spring 2022 and a preservation filing in October shortly after its world debut. The vehicle was showcased at the Chengdu Motor Show, underscoring its early market presence.
The Tank 500 sits in a size and capability range comparable to established Japanese off-roaders. In a variant without a spare wheel on the tailgate, it measures just seven centimeters shorter than the latest Toyota Land Cruiser 300. The brand itself is relatively new and belongs to the Great Wall Motor Company, which launched the Tank line in 2021 with the Tank 300. Great Wall also operates a factory in the Tula region and oversees the Haval and GWM brands in the Russian market.
With a total length near five meters, the Tank 500 is offered in five-seat and seven-seat configurations in China. Reflecting current automotive trends, the instrument cluster is a 12.3-inch color digital display, while a larger 14.6-inch touchscreen serves the media system.
Interior materials mix wood and metal accents, and a centered analog clock nods to premium models from Japanese brands. Equipment highlights include LED matrix headlights, a panoramic sunroof, and four-zone climate control.
The SUV adopts a traditional ladder-frame chassis with a longitudinal engine layout and permanent four-wheel drive, featuring a rear solid axle and independent front suspension. When needed, the front axle can engage via an electromagnetic clutch. The Tank 500 also offers a reduction gear, inter-wheel locks, and a drive-mode selector with eleven options.
Power comes from a 3.0-liter supercharged V6 engine producing 354 horsepower, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. A mild-hybrid system supports the setup, with a separate 48-volt starter-generator that recharges the battery.
Industry observers expect the Tank 500 to appear on the Russian market in the near future, with some specialists predicting it could serve as a credible alternative to models like the Volkswagen Touareg or Mitsubishi Pajero, especially among used-car shoppers. An independent automotive consultant noted that the model could be launched in Russia within the current year or early next year, arguing that the vehicle has a realistic chance of success if positioned competitively on price. — automotive market analysis
From China’s pricing, the Tank 500 begins around 335,000 yuan, roughly 2.8 million rubles at current exchange rates. In Russia, early price expectations place the Tank 500 around four to four and a half million rubles. Analysts caution that a new brand entry requires investments in staff training, marketing, and after-sales support, meaning the unit’s market viability will hinge on sales volumes rather than a quick rush of early buyers.
Some observers suggest that buyers who might otherwise consider a five-year-old Land Cruiser could opt for the Tank 500, especially if the price-to-value balance remains favorable. Others remain skeptical about whether a Chinese SUV can fully rival the icon of the Toyota brand in the eyes of enthusiasts. Still, experts agree that price positioning will largely determine success, given the costs associated with new-market introductions and the need to build dealer and service networks. In the end, a robust sales performance would likely require thousands of units rather than a handful, ensuring a meaningful footprint in the market. — market analysts