CUPRA Tavascan vs GWM Tank 500

The CUPRA Tavascan starts from $66,490 before on-road costs, while the GWM Tank 500 opens at $59,990. That makes the GWM Tank 500 the more affordable entry point by $6,500.

Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $73,139 and $65,989 respectively.

The CUPRA Tavascan qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The GWM Tank 500, as a petrol model, does not qualify.

The GWM Tank 500 holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the CUPRA Tavascan. Adult occupant protection scored 89% for the CUPRA Tavascan and 85% for the GWM Tank 500.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The CUPRA Tavascan packs more ADAS features with 9 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the GWM Tank 500.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the CUPRA Tavascan and 7 in the GWM Tank 500. The CUPRA Tavascan adds a 360-degree camera that the GWM Tank 500 misses.

How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC, estimated from battery size and max charge rates.

The CUPRA Tavascan features a 15-inch touchscreen paired with a 5.3-inch digital dash, while the GWM Tank 500 gets a 14.6-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The CUPRA Tavascan stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, heated front seats, power tailgate and ambient lighting that you will not find on the GWM Tank 500. The GWM Tank 500 counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the CUPRA Tavascan gets cloth upholstery while the GWM Tank 500 offers synthetic leather.

The CUPRA Tavascan uses a Electric Motor producing 210kW and 545Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.8 seconds.

The GWM Tank 500 responds with a Hybrid making 255kW and 648Nm, paired to a 9-speed auto driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.5 seconds.

The GWM Tank 500 has the clear power advantage at 255kW vs 210kW. In the real-world sprint, the CUPRA Tavascan is 1.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The CUPRA Tavascan measures 4,644mm long on a 2,766mm wheelbase, 434mm shorter than the GWM Tank 500 at 5,078mm (2,850mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the GWM Tank 500 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 540L in the CUPRA Tavascan and 795L in the GWM Tank 500, giving the GWM Tank 500 a 255L advantage. Fold the rears and you get 1550L vs 795L. The GWM Tank 500 seats 7 vs 5.

For towing, the GWM Tank 500 leads with a 3,000kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 2,000kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.

Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (CUPRA Tavascan) vs 7 years / 999,999km (GWM Tank 500). The GWM Tank 500 has longer coverage.