GWM Tank 500 Finally Arrives in Nepal: A Bold Rival to the Land Cruiser Prado?

Bringing this car to Nepal was the last thing anyone expected from GWM, yet here it is. After the response to the Tank 500 bookings (which opened last year), GWM Nepal has now decided to make it available directly in showrooms.

VG Impex, the authorized distributor of GWM in Nepal, appears to be steering the country’s automotive scene toward hybrid vehicles. Their latest additions, the Tank 300 and Tank 500, mark that shift. The first one is built for off-road adventures, and the other is designed as a premium 7-seater SUV.

Among them, the Tank 500 stands out for blending luxury, performance, and value in a way few others do. It isn’t exactly cheap, but when you weigh what it offers against its international rivals, it delivers exceptional value for its price. That balance of power, comfort, and practicality is exactly why it takes home the title in this category.

If I were Toyota, I’d keep an eye on this one. The Tank 500 blends Toyota-like hybrid efficiency with off-road toughness, and unlike most rivals, it packs a long list of modern features. That balance of power, comfort, and tech might even make it the standout winner in its category.

Starting with the key specs of the GWM Tank 500. Here is an overview of the specifications of the Tank 500 in Nepal for 2025.

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GWM Tank 500 Overview

Design

The Tank 500 stands out with its Body-On-Frame design, built around a sturdy frame that gives it a more rigid and robust structure compared to the modern monocoque architecture seen in most cars today. This classic design choice enhances its durability and toughness, putting it in the same league as rugged vehicles like the Toyota Prado and Ford Everest.

The design language is “regal ruggedness” that imposes scale with squared-off lines that is meant to mimic actual tanks but is softened by chrome accents and careful finishes to signal luxury where it’s possible.

The front is mainly highlighted by the massive grille, often described as “boxy and brash”, framed by a “T” badge, which is a Tank brand logo. The grille is flanked by square-shaped matrix LED headlights. The sheer ground clearance is evident from the front, and as a protective shield, bash plates are present underneath.

In no way, this car mean for performance, which is definitive from its aerodynamic drag coefficient, ranging at the ballpark of 0.36, which is not an efficient number. But like Enzo Ferrari once said, “Aerodynamics are for people who can’t build engines”, the car manages to put up some quite intriguing numbers through its brute engine power, which we will talk about later.

As you move to the side, the vehicle’s impressive length becomes more apparent. With an overall length approaching five meters and a long wheelbase of 2.85 meters, you know it is going to be a bully on the road, but besides that, this exterior dimension of the Tank 500 translates into a spacious cabin later on.

The body-on-frame construction is evident in the high beltline and rub rails, designed for off-road resilience. Along with its 20-inch Alloy wheels and significant ground clearance measuring in at 224 mm (unladen), you can surely take it for a spin on difficult roads, no problem. The roof rails add more to the adventure-ready vibe of the car.

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At the rear, you can notice the Prado-esque squat without a direct copy. While all the elements here can be differentiated from Prado, when you look at it overall, the resemblance is there.

A spare tire mounted on the boot door is a smart way to free up interior cargo space. However, the large 20-inch tire can be heavy for some users and can also reduce rear visibility. To counter these drawbacks, the vehicle includes an electric tailgate, a large rear window, and a 360-degree camera. It’s a perfect example of how engineering works in practice: a design choice creates certain challenges, and additional features are then added to solve those challenges.

The rear section is flanked by some good-looking vertical LED taillight units bridged by a chrome lining, breaking the monotony of the body elements and body color.

Talking about body color, the Tank 500 is available in four exterior colors: Silver, Golden, White, and Black.

Inside

The interior cabin is where the Tank 500 truly takes it to a new level with an upmarket vibe and a very spacious feel. To put it in the Tank designers’ own words, its design is said to pivot to “plush opulence”.

You’ll find premium Nappa leather seats, which are both ventilated and equipped with massage functions, along with 8 different electronic adjustments for the driver’s seat and 6-way for front passenger seats. Along with it, the first row seats have memory and welcome function integrated, with the driver seat enjoying an extra bit of lumbar support.

The second row seat also uses the same seat material and comes with a ventilation function. Being a 7-seater car, there’s also the 3rd row seat, which does have a livable space as well.

The steering system on this car features three different modes: Light, Comfort, and Sport, and besides having a set of mounted controls, there are paddle shifters as well for engaging different driving modes.

The dashboard exudes that feel of luxury with its properly stitched leatherette material, along with texture finishes on the lower half. The centerpiece of the dashboard is a 14.6-inch Infotainment System with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support.

Below this, you can find a classic console setup with a gearshift, which is labeled as “aviation-inspired”. Adjacent to the infotainment, there is a customizable instrument cluster which measures 12.3 inches, but if you don’t want to be hit with all that information, just look up there’s a Heads Up Display as well.

Other amenities include an 8 Infinity speaker sound system, electric panoramic sunroof, wireless charger for phones, dual-zone AC, voice command, air quality system, and more.

Additionally, the interior is available in Black (single color) and Blue/Beige (dual-tone) themes.

Performance

Tank 500 is powered by a 2.0-liter Turbocharged 4-Cylinders Engine, which is further complemented by an Electric Powertrain, making it a Hybrid Vehicle.

The petrol engine produces 245 PS of max power and 380 Nm of max torque. The additional electric powertrain produces 106 PS of max power and 268 Nm of max torque with its 78 kW PMS Motor. Moreover, the electric powertrain is supported by a 37.1 kWh Ternery battery pack.

Now, you might think that this battery size is small for such a large car, but since it is a hybrid and not a plug-in hybrid, the battery is not on a full-time duty. Its primary role is to power the motor and, for a small distance, drive on the electric power. Also, it can’t be recharged by plugging in. Instead, it charges itself from the regenerative braking mechanism of the car and through the engine itself.

Moving on, this hybrid system produces a maximum power of 351 PS and 648 Nm of torque. A total brute! The power and torque delivery is handled by a 9-Speed Automatic Transmission (9HAT).

Tank 500 features a four-wheel-drive setup, traction control, and electronically controlled differential locks. Due to this, it features multiple off-road driving modes like Mud, Sand, Rock, Snow, 4H (Four High), 4L (Four Low), and Expert. And, naturally, it has normal driving modes as well: Standard, Sport, Economy, and Auto.

Additionally, it can reach a top speed of 180 Km/h and can accelerate from 0 to 100 Km/h in 6.8 seconds.

Additional Details

Double Wishbone and Multi-link Independent Suspension handle the suspension duties.

The dimensions are 5078 mm long, 1934 mm wide, and 1905 mm high. Moreover, the wheelbase is 2850 mm. It has a ground clearance of 224 mm. And, the kerb weight is 2535 Kg.

Additionally, the Tank 500 gets 98 liters of cargo space, which is expandable up to 795 liters with one seat row down and up to 1459 liters with second and third row seats down.

GWM Tank 500 Features Highlight

• Four Wheel Drive
• 9-Speed Hybrid Automatic Transmission
• Multiple Drive Modes (On Road and Off Road)
• Matrix LED Headlights
• 20-inch Alloy Wheels
• Electric Side Step
• Panoramic Sunroof
• Nappa Leather Seats with Power Adjustability
• 14.6-inch Infotainment Screen
• 12.3-inch Instrument Cluster
• Dual Zone AC
• 8 Infinity Speakers
• 7 Airbags
• 5-Star ANCAP Rated
• Driver Fatigue Monitoring System
• Hill Assist with Auto Hold
• ADAS
• 360 Degree Camera
• Front and Rear Parking Sensor and Parking Assist
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System

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GWM Tank 500 Price in Nepal and Availability

GWM Tank 500 price in Nepal starts at Rs. 2,15,95,000. And, it is available in a single variant.

It should be noted that this is the introductory price for the Tank 500 and can see some ups in the future, or if more bookings pour in.

Interested individuals can learn more about the Tank 500 by visiting the GWM Showroom located at Thapathali, Kathmandu.

The following table lists the GWM Tank 500 price in Nepal for 2025.

Rivals

The GWM Tank 500 is set to compete against the legendary Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 250 in the mid-size luxury off-road SUV segment.

The Tank 500 brings a bold design, a powerful 2.0L turbocharged petrol engine with a mild hybrid system, which is an overkill for normal roads, will give you an absolute thrill on the highways, and a superior rugged performance. Combined with its competitive pricing and packed tech features, it is an absolute catch for buyers looking for a vehicle in this segment.

In contrast, the name “Prado” is known for its proven reliability. The new gen Prado or the Toyota LC 250 Prado features a 2.8L turbo diesel engine, and a long history of dominating tough terrains. When it comes to off-road capability, the Prado’s legacy and reliability are hard to beat, but the Tank 500’s hybrid powertrain completely defeats the performance numbers of the Prado.

Moreover, the Tank 500 beats the Prado 250 in one other important front as well, and that’s the price. The price difference between these two heavy hitters is astronomical. The base variant of Prado 250 is more than Rs. 1 Crore more expensive than the Tank 500, and this alone can be considered to be the ultimate talking point for the Tank 500.

So while the Prado is trusted for extreme conditions, the Tank 500 offers a more tech-heavy, upscale experience at an appreciable lower price. The Tank 500 presents a strong alternative for those seeking more luxury and technology, but the Toyota Prado’s durability and reputation will continue to make it the top choice for serious off-road enthusiasts.

What do you think about the GWM Tank 500? Let us know in the comments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the authorized distributor of GWM Tank 500 in Nepal?
VG Impex is the authorized distributor of GWM Tank 500 in Nepal.

What is the price of the GWM Tank 500 in Nepal?
The price of the GWM Tank 500 in Nepal starts at Rs. 2.16 Crores.

How much is the ground clearance in the GWM Tank 500?
The ground clearance in the new GWM Tank 500 is 224 mm.

Is the GWM Tank 500 petrol or diesel?
GWM Tank 500 is a turbocharged petrol vehicle with a hybrid powertrain.