Tank 500 Hi4-Z: a giant with an electric soul

The most powerful version of the Tank 500 with 864 hp. accelerates to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds and travels up to 201 km on electric power alone.

Great Wall Motor presented in China an updated version of the popular Tank 500 SUV, equipped with a unique Hi4-Z hybrid system. With increased battery capacity and a powerful powertrain, the new Tank 500 Hi4-Z is now capable of producing an impressive 864 hp. and 1195 Nm. These changes make it one of the most productive and long-range cars in its class.

The Tank 500 Hi4-Z is based on a new hybrid platform with a redesigned traction battery arrangement, which increased its capacity to 59.05 kWh. The Hi4-Z modification includes two powerful electric motors and a 2.0-liter gasoline turbo engine, providing acceleration to 100 km/h in just 4.6 seconds. As a result, the SUV has become faster, more economical and environmentally friendly, with an increased range and a unique 800-volt electrical system.

The Tank 500 Hi4-Z is based on an innovative frame platform specifically designed for hybrid vehicles with the Hi4-Z system. Unlike the previous version of the Hi4-T, the new development eliminates the mechanical connection between the front and rear axles. This became possible thanks to a design change: the traction battery was located between the frame side members, and not in the trunk, as before.

Increasing the battery capacity from 37.1 to 59.05 kWh made it possible not only to increase the power reserve, but also to maintain a spacious interior. As a result, the car can travel up to 201 km on electric power (instead of the previous 110 km), and the total range using an internal combustion engine has increased to 1096 km.

At the start of sales, the demand for the Tank 500 Hi4-Z exceeded expectations. In the first 24 hours, more than 5,000 orders were placed, which is comparable to monthly sales of other versions. Chinese consumers praised the efficiency (despite the weight of almost 3 tons) and tax benefits for hybrids.

In the domestic market, the Tank 500 Hi4-Z is available at a price of 380 thousand yuan (about 5.2 million rubles), which is higher than the Hi4-T version (335 thousand yuan). However, improved characteristics and a more powerful platform justify this difference.

Despite the success in the Chinese market, plans to export the Tank 500 Hi4-Z are still in question. Great Wall is focusing on developing petrol versions for overseas markets, including variants with a 4.0-litre V8 engine. However, high interest in hybrid technologies may push the company to reconsider its strategy.