Available in three models priced from R799,900 to R999,900, the P500 has arrived in SA as the new flagship range from Chinese manufacturer GWM, and slots above the P-Series which has been around for a few years and costs up to R694,950.
The P500 directly takes on one-tonne segment leaders Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger and Isuzu D-Max, marking a momentous shift for a Chinese brand that traditionally undercuts the establishment in price.
The P500 has plenty to offer in terms of power and specifications, particularly in the flagship 2.0T self-charging hybrid model, which produces a mighty 255kW of power and 648Nm of torque by pairing a 2.0l turbo petrol engine with an electric motor. The outputs outgun the opposition, with the Hilux range, for instance, offering a maximum of 175kW/376Nm in the 4.0l V6 petrol model. Only the Ford Ranger Raptor offers a higher power figure at 292kW, but its 583Nm of torque trails the hybrid P500.
The P500 also has two models powered by a 2.4l turbo diesel engine with 135kW and 480Nm, making it a rival to the Nissan Navara 2.5DDTi (140kW/450Nm) and Mitsubishi Triton 2.4 DI-D (133kW/430Nm).
All P500 models lay down their power by means of a nine-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive. A 224mm ground clearance with selectable low range gears and front and rear differential locks set up the bakkie for tackling tough terrain.
A unique party trick of the P500 is its versatile easy lift tailgate, which can flip down in the regular way or open sideways in a 60:40 split barn door style. Measuring 5,400mm long, the P500 is larger than its rivals and has a 750kg payload with 24 cargo anchor points, and a 3.5 tonne towing capacity.
Spec levels are the most generous in the double cab segment with even the base P500 model boasting a steering column adjustable for rake and reach, a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, digital instrument cluster, 360º panoramic view monitor, six-speaker sound system, eco-leather upholstery, keyless entry and dual-zone climate control.
The safety fare includes seven airbags, ABS brakes and active driver aids such as trailer sway mitigation, lane change assist, traffic jam assist, adaptive cruise control, front collision warning and rear cross traffic alert.
The middle Super Luxury model in addition lays on an electric sliding rear window, electro-chromatic rearview mirror, electrically adjustable front seats with heating/ventilation/massage functionality, Nappa leather upholstery, wireless phone charger, panoramic glass sunroof and a 14.6-inch infotainment system.
The range-topping Ultra Luxury model goes the full monty with a heated steering wheel, under-seat storage trays, electrically adjustable heated and ventilated rear seats, head-up display, rear wireless charging pad, ambient lighting, a 10-speaker Harman Infinity sound system and automated parking assist, among other features.
I drove the new P500 Ultra Luxury at the media launch in the Western Cape, and it’s an impressive piece of kit, far removed from the blue-collar vibe of GWM’s original Steed bakkies.
The P500 is a polished performer with good refinement, a solid feel and one of the plushest rides in the one tonne bakkie segment. Riding on rear leaf spring suspension and 60-profile tyres, the bakkie cruised bumpy roads and gravel without jarring, even with nothing in the load box. The Nappa covered seats are comfortable and the driver and front passenger seats have a massage function with eight options.
The hybrid powertrain feels eager and there are different button-selectable modes including Economy, Normal, Off Road and Sport for different driving conditions. The petrol engine is smooth and makes no intrusive droning sound, and the nine-speed transmission is a slick-shifting thing.
It is a thirsty bakkie despite the hybrid assistance, however, and the test vehicle averaged about 12l/ 100km on a mostly open-road cruise, considerably higher than the factory-claimed 9.8l.
The diesel P500, which wasn’t available to drive, claims a more economical 8.6l.
The P500 is an imposing looker with a front end not dissimilar to the American Dodge Ram, with a huge grille garnished by swathes of shiny chrome. The bakkie does not blend into the scenery, and the large size gives this GWM a commanding road presence together with a roomy cabin.
Ah, the cabin. GWM has done fine work here with a plush interior that gives off luxury SUV vibes with a soft-padded dashboard, wood grain finishes, metal garnishings and ambient lighting, finished off with a swanky-looking analogue clock.
The instrument panel is digital and the panoramic 14.6-inch infotainment system is one of the largest you’ll find in a bakkie. There are physical buttons to quick-access functions such as the climate control and driving modes.
Apart from its fuel thirst, the new P500 hybrid is an alluring new contender in the cut-throat leisure bakkie segment, with a sophisticated feel and bountiful luxuries.
The P500 is stuffed with features to justify its pricing, but by launching the market’s first (nearly) R1m Chinese bakkie, GWM is making a very bold move into a highly competitive space contested not only by long-standing legacy brands such as Toyota and Ford with doggedly loyal customers, but a host of modern and more affordable Chinese rivals.
The model line-up consists of three models:
GWM P500 2.4T 9AT 4x4 Luxury - R799,900
GWM P500 2.4T 9AT 4x4 Super Luxury - R889,900
GWM P500 2.0T HEV 4x4 Ultra Luxury - R999,900
The P500 range is sold with a seven-year/200,000km warranty, five-year/75,000km service plan and seven-year/unlimited km roadside assistance. The hybrid model has an eight-year/150,000km battery warranty.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.