The new GWM P500 bakkie is set to launch in SA soon. Here’s what we know about this supersized bakkie, including a look at the pair of powertrain options on the cards…
The new GWM P500 bakkie is expected to hit the market in South Africa soon, with the Chinese firm set to display the newcomer at NAMPO 2024 in Bothaville (alongside the likewise imminent Tank 500 and new Jolion). So, what do we know about this jumbo-sized double-cab pick-up?
Well, GWM South Africa has confirmed that the local market will receive both turbodiesel and petrol-hybrid powertrain options. We expect the former to be the automaker’s 2.4-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine, which in other markets delivers 135 kW and 480 Nm to all 4 wheels via a 9-speed automatic transmission.
The flagship powertrain, however, is likely to be GWM’s 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol hybrid engine, which is already employed by the top-spec Tank 300. As it does in that SUV, we believe the P500 version of this powertrain will generate peak outputs of 255 kW and 648 Nm. A 9-speed automatic transmission and 4×4 will ship standard, too. For now, at least, it seems as though the 260 kW/500 Nm turbocharged V6 petrol engine offered in some other countries is off the menu for Mzansi.
Known as the “Shanhai Cannon” in its domestic market of China, as the “Poer Sahar” in Thailand and as the “Cannon Alpha” in Australia, the supersized bakkie will wear the P500 badge here in South Africa, where it will be positioned above the P-Series and Steed portfolios. In dual-powered guise, it looks set to become the first parallel hybrid bakkie (as opposed to mild-hybrid, as is the case with the Toyota Hilux 48V) on Mzansi’s new-car market.
Just how big is this new model? Well, the SA-spec P500 looks set to measure a whopping 5 445 mm from snout to rump, making it a considerable 120 mm longer than a Hilux Legend RS double cab and 85 mm lengthier than a Ford Ranger Raptor. It will stand 1 991 mm wide and 1 924 mm tall, while sporting a 3 350 mm wheelbase.
The P500 is likely to feature GWM’s 3-mode “all-terrain” system, along with locking front and rear differentials, plus a Warner 4×4 transfer case. It will also debut an interesting 60:40 split rear tailgate. Though payload capacities have yet to be confirmed for the SA-market P500, it’s worth noting the equivalent Cannon Alpha offered Down Under is rated to carry between 735 kg and 821 kg, depending on the derivative. All variants, however, are likely to boast a full 3 500 kg braked towing capacity.
According to GWM, the P500’s considerable exterior dimensions result in a particularly roomy cabin, where occupants can enjoy plenty of high-end features. Though local specifications have yet to be announced, the flagship Aussie-market model comes with a 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10-speaker Infinity premium audio system, wireless smartphone charging and heating/ventilation/massage functions for the front seats.
Stayed tuned for more details on the GWM P500 bakkie as we find them…
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