It’s debatable whether we should be celebrating the growing girth of modern double cab bakkies, but for what it’s worth, the new GWM P500 is a little larger than the established names.
Slotting above the current GWM P-Series, which will soldier on as the P300, the new GWM P500 is available in three versions, with the 2.4-litre turbodiesel kicking things off at R799,900 in Luxury guise and R889,900 as a Super Luxury, and there’s a petrol-electric hybrid Ultra Luxury P500 topping the pile at R999,900.
Keeping in mind that there are now numerous Hilux, Ranger and Amarok models surpassing the million rand mark.
But how big is the new GWM P500?
Measuring 5,400mm in length and 1,991mm across, it eclipses Toyota’s Hilux (5,325mm and 1,900mm) as well as Ford’s Ranger (5,350 and 2,015), with the new Chinese contender’s nose-to-tail measurement and 3,350mm wheelbase is beaten only by the Jeep Gladiator.
In diesel form, it’s not as powerful as the establishment, however, with the 2.4-litre turbo unit pushing 135kW and 480Nm.
The hybrid (HEV) pairs a 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine (180kW and 380Nm) with an electric motor (78kW and 268Nm) for combined outputs of 255kW and 648Nm.
Interestingly, the HEV is more about performance than it is about economy, with GWM claiming a not-too-impressive combined fuel consumption figure of 9.8 litres per 100km. The diesel is more efficient, at 8.6 l/100km.
It is nonetheless the first fully-fledged hybrid bakkie on the market, as the Hilux 48V is considered to be a mild hybrid.
Both drivetrains pair with a nine-speed automatic gearbox, and the P500 is equipped with a four-wheel drive system featuring selectable low-range gearing, and the Super and Ultra Luxury models feature electronically controlled front and rear diff locks.
The P500 has some nifty utility features, such as a 60:40 split tailgate, from Super Luxury trim upwards, that can open horizontally like a barn door or drop down vertically in the conventional manner. The loadbox is also equipped with 28 anchor points and a lamp.
What standard features does the GWM P500 come with?
It should almost go without saying with a modern Chinese product that all versions are packed with features.
Standard in the Luxury base model is a 12.3-inch infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, 360-degree Panoramic View Monitor and a swathe of high end driver assist features such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Traffic Jam Assist, Intelligent Turning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Change Assist, Auto Emergency Braking and Trailer Sway Mitigation to name just a few.
The P500 Super Luxury adds additional indulgences such as a panoramic sunroof, faux suede roof lining and Nappa leather seats, with heating, ventilation, massage function and power adjustment for the front occupants. Also on the list is an upgraded 14.6-inch touchscreen, wireless phone charging, soundproof glass, anti-glare rear view mirror, electric rear sliding window and 220V (120W) power outlet.
If you go Ultra Luxury, in addition to the hybrid drive, you can expect a 10-speaker Harman Infinity sound system, Head-Up Display, heated steering wheel and Fully Automated Parking Assist, while rear seat passengers can look forward to ventilated, heated and power adjustable seats as well as a rear wireless phone charger.
It’s very easy to forget that we’re actually talking about a ‘bakkie’ here.
The after sales deal consists of a service plan that’s valid for five years or 75,000km and a warranty good for seven years or 200,000km. Further to that the hybrid version has a “High Voltage Warranty” of eight years or 150,000km.
Finally, roadside assistance has you covered for seven years, regardless of mileage.
GWM P500 Pricing (August 2024)
- P500 2.4T 9AT 4X4 Luxury - R799,900,
- P500 2.4T 9AT 4X4 Super Luxury - R889,900
- P500 2.0T HEV 9HAT 4X4 Ultra Luxury - R999,900
IOL Motoring