In a first for South Africa, GWM has launched a full Petrol/Electric Hybrid bakkie. The all-new P-Series P500 Double-Cab bakkie is the first bakkie to have a 325-volt electric motor in South Africa and is the second most powerful double cab bakkie in the segment.
What is new?
The brand-new GWM P500 is part of GWM’s consolidated brand portfolio, which also includes the Tank 300 and 500 SUVs, ORA fully electric models, H6 HEV and the new Jolion SUV PRO.
Exterior:
The P500 has an imposing presence measuring a staggering 5 400 mm nose to tail and 1 991 mm across. The wheelbase is 3 350 mm.
The grille houses the front camera and sensors of the 360°-view camera, which are integrated into a large P-Series logo. Sensors for the intelligent drive system and anti-collision radar are positioned lower down on the front bumper, which also houses the LED front fog lamps.
Two more cameras can be found on the large electronically adjusted, body coloured side view mirrors. These mirrors also have an auto fold function, auto adjust for reversing, blind spot alert, integrated turn signal and a demister.
A rear-view camera, which is integrated into 360°-view camera is positioned on the tailgate, which has a unique split rear tailgate with conventional drop down opening or barn door style opening for easier loading.
Interior:
The interior of the P500 offers nothing short of extensive comfort and luxury with attractive finishes and user-friendly high-tech advancements.
The steering column is electronically adjustable with 4-way adjustment for rake and reach with a memory function.
A 12.3 inch or class-leading 14.6-inch multi-media touchscreen display takes centre stage in the cabin. Regularly used functions such as climate control, driving modes and vehicle settings can be accessed through the multi-media touchscreen as well as via physical buttons on the centre console, steering wheel or the auxiliary instrument panel around the gearshift selector.
The P500 Ultra Luxury double cab bakkie has a standard 10-speaker Harman Infinity™ audio system.
The wide and thickly cushioned seats are covered in high-quality black Nappa leather for added comfort on long drives. Driver and front passenger seats are electrically adjusted with heating and cooling as well as an 8-option massage function.
Safety features include Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist and a Driver Fatigue Monitoring System. Other features include cross traffic alert, smart dodge (automatic emergency lane change) and adaptive cruise control. In addition, seven airbags, including a centre airbag that helps to keep the front passenger and driver from colliding in an accident.
Engines:
The range-topping P500 HEV offers 255 kW and 648 Nm of torque, complemented by a 9-speed automatic transmission and standard 4x4 capability across the range.
The P500 Hybrid’s intelligent hybrid drive system makes use of a 78 kW (268 Nm) electric motor, a 2-litre 180 kW (380 Nm) petrol engine for a combined output of 255 kW of power and a class-leading 648 Nm of torque ensuring exceptional performance and efficiency. The powertrain combinations reflect GWM’s commitment in New Energy Vehicle leadership.
For the more traditional bakkie customer, the P500 is also available in an all-new 2.4L Turbo Diesel with a power output of 135 kW and 480 Nm of torque.
Prices:
GWM P500 2.4T 9AT 4X4 Luxury (R799 900), GWM P500 2.4T 9AT 4X4 Super Luxury (R889 900), and the GWM P500 2.0T HEV 9HAT 4X4 Ultra Luxury (R999 900).
The P500 boasts a 5-year/75 000 km service plan, 7-year/200 000 km warranty, and an 8-year/150 000 km High Voltage warranty (HEV).
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