GWM Tank 300 Reviews

The GWM Tank 300 has been a huge hit thanks to genuine off-road ability and keen pricing. But a lack of a diesel engine kept some buyers away. Not anymore! The diesel version is on sale now, but is it the pick of the powertrains?

The Chinese-made GWM Tank 300 Ultra, is a well-stocked, petrol 4WD with front and rear diff locks - all for a price-tag around $50,000. Could this be the purpose-built adventure machine so many people have been looking for, but have thus far failed to find due to high prices in the market?

There are a lot of options for people looking for an off-road capable SUV with a spacious cabin in Australia, but there are not many with a hybrid powertrain. That's changed with the delayed arrival of GWM's tank 300 Hybrid. It is priced to compete and claims to have genuine off-road chops, but is it a genuine competitor for the established 4x4 SUV set?

A lot of people really want a solid 4WD wagon packed with features to embrace the adventure lifestyle but the high prices of existing vehicles have put many off.Well, GWM is hoping it can capitalise on that desire with its new petrol-only Tank 300, a 4WD wagon designed for off-road use, but one that is also packed with standard features and has a price-tag around the $50,000 mark.

Cleverly, the GWM Tank 300 slots into a gap in the booming 4WD wagon market, above the popular Suzuki Jimny but below Nissan's Patrol, while infusing more than a hint of classic Toyota LandCruiser and Mercedes G-Class in its size and presentation. But retro-pastiche styling isn't the only drawcard, thanks to keen pricing, an alluring interior and a smooth ride. All the 300 needs is more polish.

Given the sharp driveaway pricing to begin with, the flagship version of the GWM Tank 300 Hybrid is likely to be a popular choice. And at $60,990, it's pretty easy to see how many buyers will be able to justify the extra spend.That's backed up by the extra gear, too, including a front locking differential (the base-model has a locking rear diff only) heated and cooled front seats, Nappa Leather upholstery, self-parking, 18-inch alloy wheels and wireless device charging.Safety runs to the usual driver aids we're increasingly used to seeing including AEB, rear-cross traffic alert, lane-keeping and active cruise-control. Six air-bags including full-length side-curtain bags are also part of the package.The Ultra shares its driveline with the Lux, meaning a turbocharged two-litre petrol engine augmented by an electric motor for 258kW and 615Nm. Transmission is a nine-speed auto with low-ratios for rock-hopping. Although based on the GWM ute chassis, the Tank gets a coil-sprung rear axle for greater ride comfort.

GWM's new off-roader breaks with tradition by offering a petrol-electric hybrid driveline. The entry-level model, the Lux, arrives in showrooms at $55,990 drive-away, making it appear to be great value.Standard equipment even in this entry-level variant is good with twin 12.3 inch screens, a powered driver's seat, full Apple and Android connectivity, digital radio, powered and folding exterior mirrors, a sunroof and on-board tyre pressure monitoring.Safety is looked after with the latest driver aids including cross-traffic alert, active cruise-control and autonomous emergency braking. Lane-keeping assistance and parking sensors are also part of the deal. Tank has been locally tested and achieved five ANCAP stars.Power comes from a two-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with the electric motor adding enough power and torque to take the total to 258kW and 615Nm. There's a nine-speed automatic transmission and the Tank also features a low-ratio transfer-case to give proper off-road gearing.

Now that it has arrived in the form of the GWM Tank 300, it kind of makes us wonder why it’s taken so long to get a ladder-chassis, off-road four-wheel-drive with a conventional (rather than a mild or PHEV) hybrid driveline on to the market here.