Tank — Chinese SUVs from compact to full size, spanning from Niva to Land Cruiser class
In China, most automotive groups run multiple sub brands in varying directions. One notable offshoot of the prominent Great Wall brand is Tank. While Wey and Haval primarily anchor crossovers, Tank focuses on frame SUVs that aim for rugged capability and large dimensions. The Tank lineup uses an uncomplicated designation system that mirrors other Great Wall products, and it has already reached international markets, including shipments to Saudi Arabia. The range is described with model numbers 300, 400, 500, 700 and 800; the larger the number, the bigger and more expensive the vehicle.
As of now, two Tank models are in production. The Tank 300 began its life as a Wey sub-brand but quickly evolved into a standalone Tank model. Its design emphasizes a bold, full-face front and a pronounced profile, visually echoing the Haval Dargo though they target different market segments. The 300 in its frame-based construction sits at a similar footprint to the UAZ Patriot, with a length of about 4760 mm. Under the hood sits a 2.0 liter turbo engine producing 227 horsepower and an eight‑speed automatic transmission. The instrument panel blends a compact cluster of displays beneath a single expansive glass surface, complemented by turbine-like air vents that evoke a premium feel. Some observers see parallels with German luxury styling, sparking questions about competition with models like the GLC or GLE in markets where the exact lineup is not always available.
In China, the Tank 300 is competitively priced, with estimates around 300 thousand yuan to 1.8–2.8 million rubles in Russian terms. The vehicle was showcased to Russian dealers in the spring of 2021 alongside the Dargo. The Tank 400 is currently a concept in status, maintaining a frame structure and an intentionally robust, rugged aesthetic with bold line breaks and distinctive features arranged in separate “pits.” Visuals released so far hint at a size close to the Tank 500, suggesting shared underpinnings and components with that model.
The Tank 500 presents a more mature family alignment; its length and wheelbase fit roughly in the same class as the Prado and similar mid sized SUVs. It is powered by a 3.0 V6 engine delivering about 354 horsepower, paired with a traditional automatic transmission and a four‑wheel drive system that includes locking differentials and multiple drive modes. Relative to rival models such as the Haval H9, the Tank 500 aims to offer a more substantial feature set at a price point that makes it appealing to buyers seeking space, power, and off road readiness.
The Tank 700 inherits the design language of the 400 but sits one tier up in size and capability. It has been showcased with large 22‑inch wheels and optional second row seating arrangements, choices that emphasize comfort more than utilitarian ruggedness. For enthusiasts seeking maximum presence, the 700 marks a deliberate shift toward premium original equipment while preserving the frame chassis for potential off road use.
The Tank 800 mirrors the largest end of the Tank family, acting as an enlarged counterpart to the 500 SUV. Initially shown as a prototype, progress on the 800 has been intermittent, but early releases highlighted a luxurious cabin finished in suede with massaging seats in the front and rear. A 3.0 V6 turbo engine is anticipated under the hood, reinforcing the model’s status as a flagship within the Tank lineup.
Beyond domestic development, Tank models have begun the path toward certification in Russia, with reports indicating progress on the Tank 500’s certification process. This choice underscores a strategic preference for pricier, higher-margin models that can better sustain the costs of certification and localization rather than focusing solely on the most affordable option in the lineup.
Hengchi 5 — an ambitious electric newcomer with generous aspirations
Hengchi represents the electric vehicle arm of Evergrande Group, one of China’s largest developers. The Hengchi project originally emerged with the promise of nine distinct electric models spanning several segments. Despite a rocky trajectory in the first years, Hengchi managed to sustain the brand and introduced the Hengchi 5 as its first mass market model. The launch did not run without hiccups, as delays and media questions followed the brand through its early days, yet the company pressed on with a bold pricing strategy and a broad feature set.
The Hengchi 5 is a substantial electric SUV, sized in the medium-to-large category. It measures about 4725 by 1925 by 1676 millimeters with a wheelbase around 2780 millimeters, placing it in the C-class crossover footprint while aiming for extra space. The model uses a front‑mounted electric motor rated for roughly 204 horsepower and a single motor drive with front‑wheel propulsion. A 73 kilowatt-hour battery pack is projected to deliver a driving range that China’s CLTC cycle estimates at up to 602 kilometers; real-world range might be somewhat lower, yet still competitive in its segment. The interior bursts with a continuous glass panel across the dashboard and multiple LCD screens arranged behind it, suggesting an expansive, technology-forward experience for occupants.
Owners of the Hengchi 5 are promised a generous warranty program, including lifetime maintenance and a complimentary charging installation along with a perpetual internet package for the media system for several years. The company also offers a return window and a full refund option within a set period post-purchase, a strategy designed to ease buyer confidence in a new electric brand. The Hengchi 5 is positioned as an attractive option in the price tier, aiming to deliver value that competitors in the same class struggle to match.
Public reception includes a variety of owner reviews and media analyses that explore the vehicle’s performance, design, and value proposition. Related content is available in automotive discussions and news channels that cover how new Chinese crossovers and electric SUVs are being perceived by markets outside China. Attributions accompany these discussions for readers who want to dive deeper into the impressions and editorial perspectives surrounding the Hengchi 5 and Tank models.
- Reviews from owners of the Chinese crossover are compiled for reference.
- Updates and discussions can be found in automotive channels and Telegram feeds for ongoing developments.