The regular Tank 500 has been available in Russia since 2023 and has already earned strong recognition in the market, appearing as one of the official vehicles in the previous Victory Parade. The hybrid variant, Tank 500 Urban, was introduced recently and, according to the manufacturer, was developed specifically for Russia.
The model uses an efficient two-liter gasoline turbo engine E20NA paired with a 54-horsepower electric booster integrated within the nine-speed automatic transmission. This setup mirrors the familiar hybrid principle used by established models like the Prius liftback from Toyota, where an electric drive supplements the combustion engine to boost efficiency.
Electrification yields a total system output that is modestly energetic, with a combined energy-to-weight figure similar to the standard Tank 500. Yet it is prudent to wait for more thorough testing before drawing final conclusions. The electric motor delivers 268 Newton-meters of torque, which, when combined with the internal combustion engine, produces a robust 616 Nm of total torque.
Compared to the standard Tank 500 with a three-liter inline-six engine, the hybrid targets two-ton-plus weights where torque plays a crucial role in performance. The difference is also visible in the exterior design: the Urban version sports a distinctive radiator shield and bold, intricate alloy wheels. The rear design is clearly different too; space for a spare wheel is replaced by the battery, so the spare is mounted on the tailgate in classic SUV fashion.
The rearview camera has moved to the spare wheel area, and the license plate sits to the left side, partially obscured by the spare wheel housing, a change likely intended to reduce camera recognition by some traffic systems. The boot volume is different as well; official figures show nearly 100 liters of cargo when the third row is removed.
The third-row seatbacks can be reclined with electric assistance, and when folded flat, the cargo floor becomes very generous, around 800 liters. If the second row is folded, the Tank can accommodate approximately 1.5 cubic meters of cargo.
expensive and rich
The Urban interior mirrors the standard Tank 500 closely, but the hybrid version offers premium touches in the cabin. The driver’s area features top-end equipment: Alcantara on the ceiling and pillars, and leather upholstery of high quality. A suite of driver-assistance systems is available, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping sensors, autonomous emergency braking, and obstacle warning for areas outside the driver’s direct view.
The off-road arsenal remains, and its control is exposed via physical buttons in the central tunnel instead of being buried in the multimedia menu. Along with the basic features, locking front and rear differentials are available, with components from reputable Western suppliers such as Eaton for the differential locks and BorgWarner for the transfer case.
There is a dedicated button for a “tank turn,” which, when the inner rear wheellock is engaged by electronic braking, allows the vehicle to pivot sharply, enabling easier maneuvering in confined spaces. While a premium car owner may not rely on extreme off-road modes daily, the feature is there as a practical option.
Interior color choices include black, light, or terracotta. The seats provide substantial support, accommodating drivers and passengers of various sizes. Although the ride quality is generally solid, a few minor rattles can occur on rough roads, despite uniform clearances and solid assembly.
In terms of space and comfort, the Tank 500 Urban offers a cabin experience that compares well with competitors like the Toyota Land Cruiser 300. The interior feels expansive, with a premium atmosphere, climate control that maintains comfortable temperatures, heated and ventilated front seats, and the steering wheel and windshield featuring electric warmth features.
The third row, while usable, remains a compromise option suited more for children or very short trips. Competitors’ similar configurations are rarely more generous, and the seats are typically not intended for long journeys.
The Urban’s multimedia system now includes hybrid-specific information tabs. Users can enable or disable battery temperature regulation for winter conditions and monitor remaining electric range. Energy consumption graphs show performance over distances such as 10, 50, or 100 kilometers, helping thoughtful drivers understand where electricity is saved and where the gasoline engine takes over.
The virtual instrument cluster adds new functions to the trip computer, including a battery charge indicator and a clear indication of whether the car uses gasoline or a combination of both energy sources.
How does it ride?
The Urban badge signals a city-oriented Tank. Despite its size, the two-and-a-half-tonne SUV is comfortable in urban traffic thanks to a high seating position that offers excellent visibility and 360-degree cameras that simplify parking in tight spaces.
The brake pedal requires a moment to adapt, and the automatic transmission sometimes feels deliberate before accelerating. Official figures show the hybrid reaches 0-100 km/h in 7.9 seconds, versus 9.6 seconds for the regular Tank 500.
On highways, the SUV handles well and remains composed over minor surface imperfections. It absorbs potholes and billboards of road irregularities smoothly, though there is still some room for refinement relative to a best-in-class rival like the Toyota Land Cruiser 300. Tire and wheel choices influence the ride feel on rough streets, and tweaks there can further narrow the gap.
The combined 616 Nm torque, coming from both the gasoline engine and electric motor, translates into strong acceleration as the electric motor supplies immediate torque while the engine builds power. A hybrid Tank 500 driver will seldom regret the choice when overtaking on rural roads, provided safe driving practices are followed.
When the electric motor isn’t active, it can act as a generator to recharge the battery. A forced electric mode is available, and during dynamic acceleration the electric motor itself can drive the wheels. The battery capacity is compact at 1.76 kWh, which is modest by hybrid standards. For comparison, some rivals offer significantly larger packs, but the Tank’s system relies on the combination of gasoline power and electric assist rather than a large, standalone electric range.
An obvious advantage of the hybrid approach is fuel efficiency. If the standard Tank 500 consumes around 16 liters per 100 kilometers in mixed driving, the Urban version achieves about 8.8 to 10 liters per 100 kilometers, depending on conditions, offering notable savings in daily use. On highways, the Tank maintains speed reliably and remains steady on less-than-perfect asphalt, with a stable ride that doesn’t get unsettled by crosswinds or road flaws.
With all hybrid benefits, the Tank 500 Urban presents a compelling balance of performance and value, especially when considering price, warranty, and official service availability. In some markets, it positions itself as a strong alternative to premium V6 options while delivering modern tech and a well-equipped, comfortable interior.
At the end of the day, the Urban embodies a practical blend of capability, efficiency, and refinement that suits urban lives and weekend getaways alike. [Source attribution: manufacturer communications and road test summaries.]