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GWM Unveils 500 HI4-T Hybrid 'Tank' SUV in Australia

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  //automotive-transportation.news-articles.net/co .. eils-500-hi4-t-hybrid-tank-suv-in-australia.html
  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Thursday, December 18th 2025 at 0:18 GMT by Paul Tan

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A Quick‑Look at GWM’s New Hybrid‑All‑Wheel‑Drive Line‑Up in Australia

Paul Tan’s latest piece, “Exploring GWM’s HI4‑Hybrid All‑Wheel‑Drive Tank 500 HI4 T and Haval H6 PHEV AWD sampled in Australia”, gives readers a concise yet thorough glimpse into two of Great Wall Motor’s (GWM) newest electrified offerings. The article, posted on 18 December 2025, comes at a time when GWM is steadily pushing its “Hi4” technology into new markets, and it follows up on Tan’s earlier reviews of the GWM 500 HI4 T. The write‑up is neatly divided into two main sections: the compact, “tank‑shaped” 500 HI4 T, and the more familiar Haval H6 plug‑in hybrid. Tan weaves in performance data, design insights, and comparisons that are useful for potential Australian buyers or anyone curious about China’s rapidly expanding electric‑vehicle (EV) segment.

1. The GWM 500 HI4 T – A Hybrid “Tank” for the Australian Road

Body & Design
The GWM 500 HI4 T is a hatchback‑style SUV that carries the brand’s trademark “tank‑like” silhouette, which the article notes has been a point of discussion since its first unveiling in 2023. Tan points out that the 500 is a mid‑size vehicle, standing at 4,530 mm long, 1,855 mm wide and 1,630 mm high, with a 2,700 mm wheel‑base. Its “turret‑like” front fascia, paired with a distinctive two‑tone roof, gives it an unmistakable character that stands out from the competition.

Powertrain & Performance
The heart of the HI4‑T is a 1.5‑liter turbo‑charged inline‑four, paired with an electric motor that together produce 230 kW (309 hp) and 580 Nm of torque. Tan emphasises that the “Hi4” system is a hybrid‑all‑wheel‑drive (AWD) platform, which can distribute power dynamically across the front and rear axles. The 500 can accelerate from 0–100 km/h in just 7.4 seconds, a figure that Tan highlights as “on par with high‑performance compact SUVs”. The vehicle’s combined electric range (E‑range) is approximately 80 km on a single charge, which the article says is suitable for short city commutes and suburban drives.

Fuel Economy & Emissions
Tan reports that the 500 delivers a combined fuel economy of 2.9 L/100 km in the European NEDC cycle, which, when translated into the Australian WLTP standards, works out to around 3.0 L/100 km. In real‑world tests, the car performed slightly better in the “hybrid mode” – when the electric motor is used for low‑speed driving – offering a more efficient experience for typical Australian traffic. The CO₂ emissions were recorded at 70 g/km, placing the 500 firmly within the “low‑emission” category for small SUVs.

Interior & Tech
Inside, the 500 offers a minimalistic layout with a 10‑inch infotainment screen, a 12‑inch digital instrument cluster, and a host of driver‑assist features that mirror those found on more expensive competitors. Tan notes that the battery management system (BMS) can be accessed through the vehicle’s dedicated GWM app, which is a unique offering for a Chinese brand at the time of the review. The article links to the GWM app page for further details on connectivity options.

2. The Haval H6 PHEV AWD – A Plug‑in Hybrid SUV with an Australian Edge

Body & Design
The Haval H6, introduced in 2021, has grown in popularity across Southeast Asia and has only recently entered the Australian market. Tan points out that the H6’s design is more conventional, with a muscular front grille and a slightly taller stance (1,735 mm height) compared to the 500. Its wheel‑base sits at 2,720 mm, giving it more interior space and a more robust presence on the road.

Powertrain & Performance
The H6 is powered by a 2.0‑liter turbo‑charged four‑cylinder engine paired with a 2.3‑kWh battery, producing a combined output of 186 kW (249 hp) and 580 Nm of torque. Tan compares the performance to the 500, noting that the H6 can sprint from 0–100 km/h in 7.2 seconds. Although the H6’s battery is smaller, it offers a slightly longer E‑range of 110 km, which Tan says is “well‑suited to Australian suburban and regional trips.” The article links to H6’s spec sheet on the GWM website for further reference.

Fuel Economy & Emissions
Tan cites the H6’s WLTP fuel consumption of 3.8 L/100 km, a figure that dips to 2.5 L/100 km when the vehicle is operated solely in electric mode. The car’s CO₂ emissions average 83 g/km, a marginal increase over the 500 but still competitive within the mid‑size SUV segment. The article points out that the H6’s “dual‑mode” electric‑first strategy is a key selling point for Australian consumers who value reduced running costs.

Interior & Tech
Inside the H6, Tan notes a more refined cabin, with a 12‑inch infotainment display, 8‑inch digital instrument cluster, and a panoramic sunroof that were highlighted in the GWM’s marketing brochure. Advanced safety systems include adaptive cruise control, lane‑keep assist, and a driver‑monitoring system that uses facial recognition – a feature that Tan claims is ahead of most competitors in the price bracket. The article references the safety features page on GWM’s Australian site for a deeper dive into the driver‑assist technologies.

3. Overall Take‑aways for the Australian Market

Tan rounds off the article by summarising the key points for potential Australian buyers:

1. Hybrid‑AWD Capabilities – Both models showcase GWM’s Hi4 hybrid‑AWD platform, offering dynamic torque distribution and improved traction in Australian winter conditions.
2. Competitive Power & Acceleration – With 0‑100 km/h times hovering around 7 seconds, the vehicles can comfortably keep pace with premium rivals such as the Hyundai Kona Electric or the Kia Niro PHEV.
3. Cost‑Effective Running – Fuel economy figures and low CO₂ emissions position the 500 and H6 as economical choices for Australian commuters and families.
4. Technological Edge – The inclusion of a dedicated GWM app and advanced driver‑assist features gives the vehicles a modern feel that may appeal to tech‑savvy consumers.

Tan also highlights that GWM’s vehicles are currently available for test drives through authorized Australian dealerships, a fact that the article links to a GWM Australia “Test Drive” page for readers who wish to experience the vehicles first‑hand.

Final Thoughts

Paul Tan’s article effectively synthesises the technical specs, performance data, and market positioning of two of GWM’s flagship hybrid vehicles. By balancing objective measurements with practical observations, the piece offers Australian readers a clear snapshot of what to expect from the 500 HI4 T and Haval H6 PHEV AWD. Whether you’re a curious enthusiast or a potential buyer, the article serves as a useful guide to one of the fastest‑growing segments in the Australian automotive landscape.