The festive season in the Mother City is all about sunshine, road trips, and exploring the natural beauty that surrounds us. Whether your December plans include cruising Chapman’s Peak, tackling gravel routes in the Cederberg, or heading up the Garden Route with the family, you need a vehicle that brings power, comfort, and confidence to every journey.
At Thorp GWM Table Bay and Thorp GWM Plumstead, we’re proud to offer the all-new GWM Tank 500 – a luxurious, adventure-ready SUV built for families who want more from their holiday!
This guide shows why the Tank 500 is the ultimate festive-season companion, combining hybrid performance, 7-seater comfort, and real off-road capability you can trust.
Why the GWM Tank 500 Stands Out This Festive Season
Premium Trim Options for Every Adventurer
The Tank 500 comes in two high-end models:
- Ultra Luxury
- U-Lux SP Black
Both trims offer a flagship-level experience with premium finishes, advanced tech, and exceptional attention to detail. From soft Nappa leather seats to massaging front chairs, heated and ventilated seating, and a panoramic sunroof, the Tank 500 turns every December drive into a first-class experience!
A Cabin Designed for Long-Distance Comfort
With its spacious 7-seater layout and impressive 5 078 mm body length, the Tank 500 offers generous room for families, luggage, and holiday gear. Premium materials, soft-touch finishes, and an ultra-quiet cabin ensure a relaxing drive, whether you’re taking on city traffic or winding mountain passes.
Hybrid Power That Moves You
Under the hood sits a sophisticated 2.0T turbo-petrol engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a combined 255 kW and 648 Nm. This advanced hybrid system offers smooth power delivery, excellent acceleration, and enhanced efficiency for long summer road trips.
The 9HAT hybrid automatic transmission provides seamless gear changes, while standard 4×4 capability, 224 mm ground clearance, and an 800 mm wading depth ensure you’re always ready for adventure!
Safety and Peace of Mind
Packed with advanced driver-assistance features, the Tank 500 includes multiple airbags, stability and traction control, lane assist, adaptive cruise control, and off-road terrain modes. And with our 10-year / 1 million km warranty exclusive to Thorp, you know protected for the long journey ahead too.
Adventure-Ready Features Made for Cape Town Summers
Infotainment & Connectivity
Inside, a 14.6-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital cluster ensure that navigation, entertainment, and vehicle info are always at your fingertips. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto keep passengers entertained with playlists, podcasts, and festive movies on the go.
Cool and Comfortable, No Matter the Heat
The Tank 500’s multi-zone climate control system makes hot December days a breeze. Front and rear passengers stay cool and comfortable, even on long drives through the Overberg or along the West Coast.
Space for Every Adventure
With its generous boot and clever storage spaces, the Tank 500 accommodates everything from beach umbrellas and Christmas shopping to camping gear and sports equipment.
Perfect for Cape Town’s Top Holiday Spots
The Tank 500 thrives in iconic local destinations like:
- Cape Point and Cape of Good Hope
- Table Mountain and Signal Hill
- West Coast National Park
- Cederberg mountain trails
- Garden Route scenic drives
Its hybrid performance and confident handling make it ideal for both city sightseeing and off-road exploration.
Performance & Handling You Can Trust
The Tank 500 offers a remarkably smooth and composed ride, even on rough terrain. During CARmag’s road test, reviewers praised its suspension for soaking up potholes, corrugations, and imperfections “with aplomb,” calling the ride quality “exceptionally comfortable.”
Off-road capability is equally impressive, thanks to its ladder-frame chassis, locking differentials, generous ground clearance, and excellent approach and departure angles. Whether you’re climbing dunes, crossing rivers, or exploring backroads with the family, the Tank 500 oozes confidence!
Festive Finance, Pricing, and Value
This season, Thorp GWM is offering exceptional value on both Tank 500 trims (Tank 500 2.0T HEV 9HAT 4X4 Ultra Luxury and Tank 500 2.0T HEV 9HAT 4X4 U-LUX SP Black) – at just R1,138,950 cash or R15,091 p/m, with vehicle financing and trade-ins available. As always, backed by our exclusive 10-year / 1 million km warranty.
How much is the Tank 500 in South Africa?
Pricing starts from R1,138,950 at Thorp – save R90,000!
Is the Tank 500 a reliable car?
With hybrid technology proven in the Tank 300 and P500, strong warranty support, and off-road-ready engineering, the Tank 500 is built for long-term dependability.
What is the difference between GWM Tank 500 and 300?
The Tank 500 is a larger, more luxurious 7-seater SUV, while the Tank 300 is a smaller, rugged 5-seater focused on hardcore off-road capability.
If you’re looking for a GWM Tank 500 in Cape Town, our Table Bay and Plumstead branches have models available for test drives and holiday delivery.
What the Experts Say
CARmag describes the Tank 500 as a “commendable SUV” with an “impressive level of standard specification,” praising its power, torque, and luxury-level comfort. Its “well-sprung suspension” and confident handling make it ideal for local terrain and long-distance driving.
With such strong reviews and unbeatable Thorp support, it’s no wonder more South Africans are choosing Tank for their next adventure!
Your Off-Road Champion is Waiting!
The GWM Tank 500 is everything a holiday SUV should be – powerful, comfortable, safe, spacious, and adventure-ready. Whatever your December getaway throws at you, this flagship hybrid SUV delivers a premium experience from the first kilometre.
Contact Thorp GWM for more info
Check out even more festive season specials
Step into the Tank 500 and make this summer unforgettable!
