GWM P500

Well, it’s about time! GWM has just pulled the covers off South Africa’s first full hybrid bakkie, the P-Series P500, and it’s not just any hybrid—it’s a bakkie that might actually be smarter than your smart TV. I mean, who else could combine the rugged charm of a bakkie with the smooth, quiet ride of a hybrid? GWM, that’s who. And they’ve done it with a style that could make even your fashion-forward cousin envious.

A Bakkie with Brains and Brawn

First things first—this is no ordinary workhorse. The GWM P500 is packing a 255kW punch under the hood, courtesy of a 2-liter turbocharged petrol engine teamed up with a 78kW electric motor. Together, they deliver a whopping 648Nm of torque, which, if you don’t speak “car,” means this thing can tow just about anything short of a small planet. And all that power comes with a surprisingly sensible fuel consumption of just 9.8l/100km, so you won’t have to sell a kidney every time you fill up.

But it’s not all about raw power. This bakkie is so high-tech that it makes the Starship Enterprise look like a tricycle. From the 12.3-inch touchscreen (or 14.6 inches if you really want to impress the neighbors) to the 10-speaker Harman Infinity™ audio system, this cabin is more luxurious than a 5-star hotel. And don’t even get me started on the seats—leather-wrapped, heated, cooled, and equipped with an 8-option massage function. Let’s just say, you might find yourself taking the long way home.

The Looks to Match

If you thought this bakkie’s brains were impressive, wait until you see its brawn. The P500 is a beast—measuring 5400mm from nose to tail and 1991mm wide, with a wheelbase long enough to land a small aircraft. It’s also got a face that’s impossible to forget, with a bold grille, square LED headlights, and a split rear tailgate that opens like a barn door or the traditional drop-down way—because why should you have to choose?

And yes, you read that right—it’s got a panoramic sunroof. On a bakkie. Because, apparently, that’s a thing now.

Safety Features So Good, They Should Charge Admission

Safety? Oh, this bakkie has safety features coming out of its exhaust pipe. Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, Driver Fatigue Monitoring, and more airbags than a bouncy castle—all standard. There’s even a center airbag to prevent the front passenger and driver from playing bumper cars with each other in the event of an accident.

And for those who like to keep things old-school, there’s an all-new 2.4L Turbo Diesel variant, which still packs a decent punch with 135kW and 480Nm of torque.

The GWM P500 Spec Rundown

Now, for those of you who like your details in bite-sized chunks, here’s a look at the specs that make the GWM P500 the most intriguing bakkie on the block:

• Engine Options:

  • 2.0L Turbocharged Petrol Hybrid (255kW, 648Nm)

  • 2.4L Turbo Diesel (135kW, 480Nm)

• Transmission:

  • 9-speed Automatic Transmission

• Fuel Consumption:

  • Hybrid: 9.8l/100km (225g/km CO2)

  • Diesel: 8.6l/100km

• Towing Capacity:

  • 3500kg

• Dimensions:

  • Length: 5400mm

  • Width: 1991mm

  • Wheelbase: 3350mm

• Interior:

  • Knight Black leather with woodgrain trim

  • 12.3” or 14.6” multi-media touchscreen

  • Harman Infinity™ 10-speaker audio system

  • Heated, cooled, and massaging front seats

  • Electrically adjustable rear seats with heating and cooling

• Exterior:

  • 18x8J Alloy Wheels with 265/60 R18 Tires

  • Panoramic sunroof

  • Electrically operated rear sliding window

  • 40:60 split rear tailgate

• Safety:

  • Automatic Emergency Braking

  • Lane Keep Assist

  • Driver Fatigue Monitoring System

  • 360-degree camera system

  • 7 Airbags, including a center airbag

Pricing:

• 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

So, there you have it—the GWM P500, a bakkie that’s as smart as it is strong, ready to tackle any adventure with a wink and a smile. Whether you’re heading to the bush or just want to make your neighbors jealous, this bakkie is ready to lead the way.