Ushering in a wealth of firsts in the local bakkie segment, GWM’s P500 has plenty to boast about writes Marius Boonzaier… 
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GWM P500 2.0T HEV 4×4 Luxury AT Fast Facts
- Price: R999 900
- Engine: 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbopetrol + electric motor
- Transmission: nine-speed automatic
- Power: 255 kW @ 5 500-6 000 r/min
- Torque: 648 N.m @ 1 700-4 000 r/min
- 0-100 km/h: n/a
- Top speed: n/a
- Fuel consumption: 9.8 L/100 km*
- CO2 emissions: 225 g/km
- Rivals: Ford Ranger Wildtrak/Platinum; Toyota Hilux Legend RS; Volkswagen Amarok Aventura
*Claimed figures
The P500 is available with a choice of two engines, both of which are coupled with a nine-speed automatic transmission, replete with low-range transfer case, and a trio of trim grades. The Luxury and Super Luxury variants are powered by a 2.4-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel that sends drive to all corners. This unit develops peak outputs of 135 kW and 480 N.m, available from 3 600 r/min and a mere 1 700 r/min, respectively. Although examples employing this powertrain weren’t available to sample on the local launch, a fair bet would be that the diesel-powered P500s, considering their torque availability and claimed average fuel consumption (8.6 L/100 km), will prove the more sought-after ones. However, for those pursuing braai-side bragging rights, there’s the P500 we did manage to sample…
Exclusively available in Ultra Luxury trim level, the range-topping P500 2.0T HEV is the first petrol-electric hybrid bakkie in SA, powered is by GWM’s now-familiar HEV configuration, also found in the Tank 300 and Tank 500. Comprising a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbopetrol engine developing 180 kW/380 N.m and a 78 kW/268 N.m electric motor, the hybrid arrangement produces combined power and torque outputs of 255 kW and 648 N.m, making it the second-most powerful bakkie in SA. Although the Ford Ranger Raptor has its number in the power stakes, the P500 Ultra Luxury’s host of standard equipment sets it apart from its bakkie brethren. Indeed, you’d have to pause for breath before running through a list of the items included in this model’s standard specification. Among them are a 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; a digital instrument binnacle; a 10-speaker Infinity audio system; a 360-degree camera array, supplemented by park distance sensors; heating and ventilation for the electrically adjustable, Nappa leather-upholstered front seats; and ambient lighting.
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In addition to these items, the P500 ushers in a variety of firsts for the local bakkie segment. This includes massaging functionality for the front seats; heated and ventilated rear seats, which are electrically adjustable (forwards and backwards); a heated multifunction steering wheel; a second wireless smartphone charging bay for the rear occupants, and a panoramic sunroof. Another noteworthy element is the P500’s 60:40-split tailgate, which provides easier access to a load bed with 28 anchor points. However, although novel, the long-term durability of the button used to open the latter remains questionable; it doesn’t seem quite as hard-wearing as the traditional handles employed by its rivals.
Thanks to the electrically adjustable (for rake-and-reach), leather-trimmed steering wheel and well-bolstered pilot’s seat, dialling in a commanding driving position was a cinch. Upon setting off, the steering setup’s lightweight calibration was immediately noticeable. Although some may deem it devoid of sufficient feedback, the gearing can be adjusted via a menu on the infotainment system. It is worth noting, however, that, though the infotainment system is intuitive, it’s not that user-friendly to operate when on the go, so it is best to select your desired preferences when stationary.
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The P500’s most notable driving characteristic is its supple ride quality. On the launch route, which comprised motorway driving and traversing stretches of gravel – including the picturesque Swartberg Pass and sections of the Seven Passes between George and Knysna – the P500’s well-resolved suspension arrangement soaked up road scars and corrugated surfaces with aplomb. However, the wind noise emanating through the cabin when travelling at the national limit, in addition to a few noticeable creaks in the otherwise solidly constructed interior, were a little disappointing.
With its full complement of torque available from 1 700 r/min, the HEV setup fared commendably in both environments. However, curiously, when travelling up inclines at speed, it did seem to run out of steam, even when counteracted with increased throttle inputs to maintain speed. However, once the road flattened out, overtaking was effortless.
A noteworthy aspect of the P500 we sampled is its fuel consumption. GWM claims the P500 HEV sips, on average, 9.8 L/100 km of unleaded. However, on the launch route, the best we managed was around 13 L/100 km.
Find the full feature in the October 2024 issue of CAR Magazine.
