Not long ago, Great Wall Motors released its new off-road platform, the Hi4-Z, with the "Tank 500 Hi4-Z" as its first model. Great Wall Motors has categorized off-road vehicles into four levels: super off-road, strong off-road, pan-off-road, and urban SUV. The Tank 500 Hi4-Z falls into the "pan-off-road" category. While its off-road performance is superior to urban SUVs like the Haval Raptors and Haval Big Dog, it is not as capable as hardcore off-road vehicles like the Tank 300 and Tank 400Hi4-T.
Compared to the Tank Hi4-T architecture, the Hi4-Z platform does not feature the mechanical four-wheel drive system typically found in traditional hardcore off-road vehicles, nor does it have the traditional drive shafts and central transfer cases. Instead, it uses a new decoupled four-wheel drive system based on electric drive. This vehicle is not designed for extreme off-road conditions. So, why is such a vehicle still highly anticipated by consumers?
Although the off-road capability of the Tank 500 Hi4-Z is not as strong as that of the Hi4-T architecture models, it meets the needs of a broader consumer base. Many consumers find urban SUVs with load-bearing bodies, such as the Raptors and the Big Dog, inadequate for challenging road conditions, as they may "break down" in minutes when encountering rough terrain. On the other hand, vehicles like the Tank 300, Tank 400Hi4-T, and Tank 500 Hi4-T are a bit too hardcore for many users, and high energy consumption is a common issue with these models.
The Tank 500 Hi4-Z offers a balance between these two extremes. It delivers better off-road capabilities than urban SUVs while providing better energy efficiency. In terms of off-road performance, the Tank 500 Hi4-Z features a non-load-bearing body layout with a five-link + De Dion suspension structure. The rear axle's left and right wheels are connected by thick steel pipes, creating a structure similar to a five-link integral bridge, enhancing the vehicle's structural strength, off-road passability, and load-bearing capacity.
In terms of energy efficiency, the Tank 500 Hi4-Z is equipped with a 2.0T engine paired with front and rear motors. The engine is mounted longitudinally, and an innovative planetary gear power splitter with an integrated motor is used behind the engine. Coupled with the 3-speed DHT gearbox, the electronic control system can adjust the P2 motor speed to enable the engine to achieve full-speed direct drive, ensuring that the engine operates at its peak torque output range. Meanwhile, the 3-speed DHT gearbox regulates the engine speed, helping to improve fuel efficiency and reduce energy consumption.
With excellent energy consumption performance, the 1st gear of the 3-speed DHT gearbox on the front axle can achieve up to 20 times the wheel-end torque amplification, with all three gears providing the same level of amplification to meet driving needs across various conditions. The 2.0T engine generates a maximum power of 185kW, while the front and rear motors offer 215kW and 240kW, respectively. The vehicle's total power reaches 715kW (707 horsepower), enabling it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4 seconds. With the support of front and rear axle differential locks and a virtual off-road center lock, its off-road escape ability is also robust.
It is worth noting that since the Tank 500 Hi4-Z uses a decoupled four-wheel drive system, it does not require space for a traditional drive shaft, allowing the vehicle to accommodate a larger battery pack. The battery capacity of the Tank 500 Hi4-Z is 59.05 kWh, offering a WLTC pure electric range of up to 200 kilometers. It supports a maximum charging power of 165 kW and external discharge power of 6.6 kW.
Overall, while the off-road performance of the Tank 500 Hi4-Z is not as strong as that of the Tank 500 Hi4-T, it offers a balance of off-road capability, stronger instantaneous power output, longer pure electric range, and better energy consumption performance. This makes it more suitable for urban consumers who do not require intense off-roading but enjoy activities like fishing, self-driving, or light off-roading during weekends.
The Tank 500 Hi4-Z fills the product gap between urban SUVs and hardcore off-road vehicles. It effectively caters to consumers who want the best of both worlds, making it an attractive option. However, the actual performance of the Hi4-Z system will only be fully known after the vehicle is launched and tested in the market. The Tank 500 Hi4-Z is expected to start pre-sale on December 3 this year. Are you looking forward to its launch?