GWM has launched their P-Series P500 in South Africa as the brand aims to go after a slice of the high end bakkie market with a highly-specced, luxury and uniquely designed model offering. The P500 range also includes the first petrol electric hybrid bakkie, sporting a 325-volt electric motor.
Eye-catching design
The P500 is hard to miss, thanks to a bold front design that includes a large grille and square, distinctive LED headlights.
The grille is home to a front camera and sensors for the 360-degree camera, which have been integrated into the 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.
LED taillights with smoked black glass and a high mounted brake light add to the premium feel of the design. Standard roof rails and fixed side steps complete the adventure ready look.
The P500 has an imposing presence. Apart from that massive chrome grille it also measures 5400mm nose to tail and is 1991mm wide, along with a wheelbase of 3350mm.
Luxury interior
The interior offers extensive comfort and luxury along with attractive finishes and user-friendly high-tech advancements and is finished in Knight Black, complimented by an appealing woodgrain style trim. The three spoke leather steering wheel is electronically adjustable while steering mounted controls allow for easy access to key vehicle features and information.
A 12.3 or 14.6-inch, multimedia touchscreen takes centre stage in the cabin and facilitates access to the myriad of features, functions and settings. Regularly used functions such as climate control, driving modes and vehicle settings can be accessed through the touchscreen or via physical buttons. Keeping occupants sufficiently entertained is a standard 10-speaker Harman Infinity audio system.
Wide and thickly cushioned seats are covered in Nappa leather and driver and front passenger seats are electrically adjustable while also featuring heating and cooling as well as an eight-option massage function.
The sizeable exterior dimensions result in a particularly spacious cabin, which also translates into good space and comfort for rear passengers. The rear seats are electronically adjustable with adjustable headrests, heating and cooling and welcome adjustment for easier ingress and egress.
The P500 is also the first bakkie in South Africa to be fitted with a panoramic sunroof with tilt and slide function.
High end safety features
The GWM P500 offers the latest in active and passive safety which includes Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist and a Driver Fatigue Monitoring system in addition to cross traffic alert, smart dodge, a 360-degree camera system and adaptive cruise control. Keeping passengers safe in the event of a collision is seven airbags including a centre airbag, which prevents the front passenger and driver from colliding in the event of an accident.
Under the bonnet
The new P500 will be offered with either the 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol self-charging hybrid or a new 2.4 litre turbodiesel powerplant.
The top of the range P500 HEV offers an impressive 255kW and 648Nm, paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard 4x4 capability across the range.
The P500 HEV’s intelligent hybrid drive system makes use of a 78kW and 268Nm electric motor, a 2.0-litre 180kW and 380Nm petrol engine resulting in the combined output of 255kW and 648Nm.
The P500 is also a fully capable 4x4, with selectable low range and front and rear diff locks, all of which can be electronically selected via switches on the centre binnacle.
The load box features a number of practical additions including an electrically operated rear sliding window, 28 anchor points, a load box lamp as well as a unique split rear tailgate with conventional drop down opening or 40:60 barndoor style opening for easier loading. Usability is further enhanced by a 3 500kg towing capacity.
Model range and pricing
Pricing includes a five-year/75 000km service plan, a seven-year/200 000km warranty, a five-year unlimited km body & paint warranty, an eight-year/150 000km high voltage warranty and a seven-year/unlimited km roadside assistance plan.
GWM P500 2.4T 9AT 4X4 Luxury R799 900
GWM P500 2.4T 9AT 4X4 Super Luxury R889 900
GWM P500 2.0T HEV 9HAT 4X4 Ultra Luxury R999 900
