GWM Malaysia has introduced the 2026 GWM TANK 500 HEV, bringing enhanced smartphone connectivity to its flagship SUV and giving owners greater control, visibility and peace of mind even when they are away from the vehicle. The latest model builds on the TANK 500 HEV’s combination of premium comfort, intelligent technology and all-terrain capability, with the enhanced GWM Intelligent Application adding a wider range of remote control, vehicle monitoring, location and alert functions.

Stan Li Hao, Managing Director, Commercial Operations of GWM Malaysia, said the new connected capabilities were designed to deliver greater convenience and value in everyday use. “The 2026 GWM TANK 500 HEV builds on the strengths of our flagship SUV with enhanced connected capabilities that give owners greater control, visibility and reassurance, wherever they are,” he said.

One of the key benefits of the enhanced connectivity is the ability to prepare the vehicle remotely before a journey. Using the GWM Intelligent Application, owners can start or stop the engine, activate the air-conditioning and schedule it to operate automatically at a preferred time. The air purifier and seat ventilation can also be switched on remotely, allowing the cabin to be cooled and prepared before occupants get in.

The application also allows owners to remotely lock or unlock the doors, check the status of the windows and sunroof, and close them when necessary. This provides added reassurance for owners who may have left the vehicle without being certain that everything has been properly secured.

The connectivity system also gives owners access to important information about the vehicle without having to be physically beside it. Owners can check the engine status, remaining driving range, fuel level and total mileage through the application. Tyre pressure and temperature for all four tyres can also be monitored, with notifications provided when abnormalities are detected.

Additional alerts are available for low fuel and low 12V battery levels, helping owners identify potential issues before their next journey. The application can also display the status of the doors, windows and sunroof, while notifications can be sent if a door is not fully closed or a window has been left open. Selected cabin functions, including climate control, air purification and seat ventilation, can also be monitored remotely.

Location-based features further expand the TANK 500 HEV’s connected capabilities. Owners can remotely view the vehicle’s current location or activate the horn and hazard lights to make the SUV easier to find in crowded parking areas. A geofencing function can also be used to establish a virtual boundary, with alerts sent if the vehicle leaves the designated area.

The system also supports vehicle access sharing with another authorised user, while GPS location settings provide owners with greater control over location services. Together, these features allow owners to stay informed about where their vehicle is, receive important alerts and manage selected vehicle functions remotely.

Beyond its enhanced connectivity, the 2026 GWM TANK 500 HEV continues to offer the premium features and capability expected from GWM’s flagship SUV. Power comes from a 2.0-litre turbocharged hybrid powertrain, complemented by a comprehensive suite of comfort, safety and intelligent driving technologies. This allows the TANK 500 HEV to cater to everyday urban driving while retaining its ability to tackle more demanding terrain.

Roslan Abdullah, Chief Operating Officer of GWM Malaysia, highlighted how the enhanced technology complements the vehicle’s broader ownership experience. “The ownership experience extends beyond the time spent behind the wheel. Whether preparing the cabin before a journey, checking tyre conditions or confirming that the doors and windows are secured, these enhanced connected features make everyday interactions with the GWM TANK 500 HEV more seamless, convenient and reassuring,” he said.

GWM Malaysia is also continuing to provide comprehensive ownership coverage for the TANK 500 HEV. This includes a lifetime warranty covering the engine, transmission and HEV system for first-hand private owners, an eight-year or 200,000 km warranty for the power battery, a six-year unlimited-mileage vehicle warranty and five years of free maintenance.

The 2026 GWM TANK 500 HEV is now available at selected GWM dealerships nationwide. To coincide with the Merdeka and Hari Malaysia celebrations, GWM Malaysia is also running a nationwide customer campaign from 1 August to 30 September 2026.

Customers who book a new GWM vehicle during the campaign and complete registration by 30 September 2026 will be eligible for a chance to win up to RM1,000 in toll cashback, with six customers set to receive the reward. During August, customers can also enjoy savings of up to RM30,000 on selected GWM models. Every new GWM vehicle purchased additionally comes with five years of free service maintenance.