GWM's 635kW and 1195Nm 4WD beast unleashed: 2026 GWM Tank 400 gets plug-in option in China and could rival Ford Everest, Isuzu MU-X and Denza B5

A new hybrid competitor could crack the 4WD market.

GWM has launched the 2026 Tank 400 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) in China, which offers new competition in the growing hybrid 4WD segment.

GWM’s beefy Tank 400, which is based on the Tank 300, now comes as a plug-in hybrid.

According to Car News China, Chinese brand GWM has revamped its Tank 400 with its Hi4-Z set-up, which features a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine combined with dual electric motors.

The engine can produce 185kW and torque peaks at 380Nm, while the electric motors boost that with 215kW and 240kW. This combines to make 635kW and 1195Nm slashing the potential 0-100km/h time to 4.6 seconds.

This is fed by a 59.05kWh Nickel-Manganese-Cobalt (NMC) battery that has a generously claimed CLTC pure electric range of 200km.

This is joined by a Hi4-T variant that offers a lesser all-electric range of 105km from its 37.1kWh battery. Its 2.0-litre turbo engine produces 185kW and its single electric motor outputs 120kW.

The Tank 400 has also been given some distinctive design buffs, building on the tough-edged exterior. It measures 5mm taller and 10mm wider, while its length is 21mm shorter compared to the diesel Tank 400.

Exterior design changes include a straight-lined front bumper and black trim. The front grille houses two horizontal chrome bars with polygonal-shaped headlights. These lines merge into the wheel arches while the rugged exterior continues at the back with an exposed spare tire and tail badges on all four corners.

A GWM Australia Spokesperson didn't rule out the Tank 400 for local sale in the future, and said more Tank models were earmarked for our market.

"We haven’t ruled the Tank 400 in or out for Australia at this stage. Tank is an important part of GWM’s growth plans and the class-leading capability offered by Hi4-T and Hi4-Z is a key differentiator for the brand," he said.

Plug-in hybrid 4WDs have been picking up in popularity in Australia with BYD selling 13,000 of its Shark 6 utes up to August 2025. The smaller Tank 300 has experienced some sales success with over 3250 examples rivalling the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport for the same period.

GWM’s larger Tank 500 has also sold more than 1000 examples in Australia.

The Tank 400 could compete with BYD’s Denza B5, which is set to launch in Australia later this year offering a plug-in hybrid set-up and 4WD capabilities.