The P500 has finally launched in South Africa, with GWM’s new flagship bakkie taking aim at the more premium, leisure-focused offerings from rival brands. With its new powertrain options, all-terrain capability and, notably, impressive levels of standard spec, it looks promising. But does it have what it takes to stir up the local bakkie segment? CAR Senior Writer Marius Boonzaier samples the pinnacle P-Series in and around the picturesque Garden Route region of the Western Cape to find out.
Looking for a new or used GWM? Find it here with CARmag!
GWM P500 P500 2.0T HEV 4×4 Ultra Luxury AT Fast Facts
- Price: R999 900
- Engine: 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, turbo-petrol + 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 (claimed)
- CO2: 225 g/km
What is the GWM P500?
The P500 is the new pinnacle product in GWM’s local P-Series portfolio, which, before the new flagship’s introduction, comprised a total of 13 double-cab offerings, spearheaded by the 2.0TD LTD 4×4, which employs the company’s 120 kW/400 N.m 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged oil-burner, coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The P500, however, goes without the latter engine option; instead, it’s available with a 2.4-litre, four-cylinder, turbodiesel, churning out 135 kW and 480 N.m, and the same electrified petrol unit found under the bonnets of the Tank 300 and Tank 500. As a reminder, the hybrid configuration comprises a 178 kW/380 N.m 2.0-litre turbo-four and 78 kW/268 N.m electric motor for peak power and torque figures of 255 kW and 648 N.m. Both powertrains are exclusively equipped with a nine-speed self-shifter. On the local launch in the Garden Route region, we sampled the petrol-electric version.
Related: Review: GWM Tank 300 2.0T 9HAT 4×4 Super Luxury HEV
However, with the P500, GWM has not only introduced fresh engine options and a new transmission to the P-Series model range. The variety of tech found in the P500 variants, especially in the Ultra Luxury derivative we sampled on the local launch, is noteworthy.
Included in the top-spec package are a 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, coupled with a 10-speaker Harman Infinity sound system, a digital instrument binnacle, 360-degree surround-view camera setup, supplemented by park distance sensors, and front seat heating and ventilation. Ambient lighting is also present to enhance the interior ambience. The P500 also introduces several “firsts” to the local bakkie segment. We’ll get to those in a few…
Why is the GWM P500 significant?
With the introduction of the P500, GWM aims to once again establish its commitment to producing and, then, introducing products (double cabs, in this instance) to South Africa that are not only on par with segment rivals, but offer more for less (under R1 million, to be precise). Noteworthy is the “more”, which includes several firsts for the local bakkie segment. Of course, the latter includes the introduction of a bakkie powered by a fully hybrid powertrain. However, it’s in the specifications list (of the petrol-electric variant, especially) where the “firsts” become even more apparent.
Related: A Selection of SA Firsts as GWM P500 Rings in New Bakkie Era
Among these items are a head-up display, a second wireless smartphone charging pad for the aft occupants, heating functionality for the multifunction steering wheel, massaging front seats, heated and ventilated rear pews, and a panoramic sunroof. In addition, the Ultra Luxury and (mid-spec) Super Luxury models feature a 40:60-split tailgate. However, the button used to open the latter doesn’t feel as durable as the traditional handle found on its competitors.
What are the GWM P500’s rivals?
With its host of standard equipment, 4×4-focused functions and sheer size, among others, the P500 takes aim at the more leisure-focused, four-wheel-drive double-cab offerings sited at the top of the portfolios of brands such as Toyota, Ford and Volkswagen. Although less expensive, the P500 is positioned against the likes of the Hilux Legend RS, Ranger Wildtrak, and Amarok Aventura.
How much does the GWM P500 cost?
Available in three levels of specification, with the Ultra Luxury trim grade exclusive to the hybrid derivative, the P500 is priced from R799 900 to a hair below R1 million for the top-spec variant. As standard, all models ship with a five-year/75 000 km service plan and a warranty spanning seven years or 200 000 km (an eight-year/150 000 km hybrid-battery warranty is further included with the HEV variant).
- P500 2.4T 4×4 Luxury AT— R799 900
- P500 2.4T 4×4 Super Luxury AT — R889 900
- P500 2.0T HEV 4×4 Ultra Luxury AT — R999 900
What is the GWM P500 like to drive?
On the launch route, which comprised both motorway and gravel driving, the P500’s supple ride quality was the most notable. The driving experience was remarkably comfortable, with the well-sprung suspension arrangement soaking up road scars and corrugated surfaces with aplomb.
Upon setting off, the steering felt a touch too light, though. However, the system offers a trio of settings, accessed via the infotainment touchscreen, for those requiring more feedback. It is worth noting that, however impressive the central display is, it’s not that user-friendly to operate when driving. It’s best to adjust the respective systems to your preferences when stationary.
Related: Fuel Consumption Test: GWM Tank 300 HEV
The petrol-electric unit powering the HEV launch unit fared well, providing sufficient punch to all four corners via a smooth-shifting nine-speed automatic cog swapper, replete with a low-range transfer case. Curiously, though, when travelling up inclines, the hybrid configuration seemed to run out of breath, and increased throttle inputs didn’t do too much counteracting the latter and maintaining speed. However, once the road flattened out, the 255 kW/648 N.m on tap made overtaking a fuss-free affair.
Verdict
The P500 is a welcome addition to the local bakkie segment and should find favour among South Africans looking for a leisure-oriented double cab, which, in addition to its generous amount of standard spec, offers impressive comfort both on and off-road. Speaking of the latter, although we didn’t sample it in off-road environments other than gravel, the P500 should be sufficiently capable off the beaten track.
We’d argue the 2.4-litre turbodiesel derivative (in mid-tier, Super Luxury trim grade) is the model of choice. It offers a sufficient amount of power and torque, but, most notably, should be more fuel efficient (GWM claims an average figure of 8.6 L/100 km) than the hybrid (on the launch route, we averaged between 13 and 14 L/100 km).
