As part of its Australian market expansion, GWM initially introduced road-focused SUVs and utility vehicles. However, in 2023, the brand is set to make a significant impact with the introduction of its formidable offering: the GWM Tank 300. This rugged an
Pros
- Attractive exterior design
- Well-equipped cabin with modern features
- Promising off-road capabilities
- Seven-year/unlimited-kilometer warranty
Cons
- Limited cargo space in the boot
- Relatively high fuel consumption despite hybrid technology
- Uncertainty surrounding reliability and resale values
- Limited towing capacity of 2500kg when braked
What are the prices for the GWM Tank 300 Ultra Hybrid?
The Tank 300 is priced in line with low-end variants of the larger, seven-seat Ford Everest family off-roader.
It also competes, tangentially at least, with the Jeep Wrangler. The Wrangler range starts above $80,000 before on-roads, however.
Recently GWM has brought the Tank 300 petrol edition to the range where price start much cheaper point, below are the Tank 300 whole range Australian drive away prices:
2023 GWM Tank 300 pricing:
GWM Tank 300 Lux Petrol: $46,990
GWM Tank 300 Ultra Hybrid: $50,990
GWM Tank 300 Lux Hybrid: $55,990
GWM Tank 300 Ultra Hybrid: $60,990
What’s under the bonnet?
The 2023 GWM Tank 300 is available in both petrol and hybrid variants. The petrol model is equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that delivers 162kW of power and 380Nm of torque. It is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The petrol model features a part-time four-wheel drive system with a locking rear differential and a Tank Turn function that reduces the turning circle.
On the other hand, the Tank 300 hybrid combines a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 180kW of power and 380Nm of torque with a 78kW/268Nm electric motor. While the total hybrid system outputs for Australia have not been officially published, the global specifications claim outputs of 224kW and 640Nm, with a 0-100km/h time of 7.9 seconds. The hybrid model uses a nine-speed 'Hybrid Automatic Transmission' and a 'torque-on-demand' full-time four-wheel drive system. It is equipped with electronically controlled mechanical front and rear differential locks, a Tank Turn function, and a crawl mode.
In terms of fuel efficiency, the petrol Tank 300 consumes 9.5L/100km on the combined cycle, while the hybrid model achieves 8.4L/100km. Both variants run on 91RON regular unleaded fuel.
How does the GWM Tank 300 Ultra Hybrid drive?
During the short off-road course, both the petrol and hybrid versions of the Tank 300 were driven. The course included climbs, descents, water wading, offset moguls, and a basic rock crawl. A comprehensive on- and off-road review will be conducted in the future.
According to official documents, the Tank 300 offers decent approach and departure angles of 33 degrees and 34 degrees, respectively. Its short overhangs and lack of a tow hitch proved more than sufficient for the various obstacles on the course. With a ground clearance of 224mm and a wheelbase of 2750mm, the Tank 300 demonstrated good ramp-over capability without getting stuck on any terrain.
The Tank 300 Hybrid features a full-time four-wheel drive system and low-range capability, which can be activated quickly using a dial on the transmission tunnel. The Lux variant has a locking rear differential, while the Ultra variant is equipped with a front differential lock. The Tank's light steering facilitated maneuverability, and its camera system provided high-resolution views of the surroundings, aiding off-road navigation in tight spaces. Additionally, the hill-descent control system helped maintain control and speed during descents on gravel terrain.
What is the GWM Tank 300 Ultra Hybrid like on the inside?
The GWM Tank 300 falls between the Ford Everest and Toyota RAV4 Hybrid in terms of size. The presence of a standard sunroof reduces headroom in the middle of the roof, but recesses above the front and rear occupants provide additional clearance. The centre console, glovebox, and door pockets offer fair storage space, and the back seat provides sufficient room for heads, shoulders, knees, and toes. However, it is better suited for two occupants rather than three.
The cargo hold features boxed-in sides, eliminating additional crevices for bulky items. With a volume of 400 litres, the cargo space is modest compared to other vehicles in its class, such as the Toyota RAV4 and Ford Everest.
The back seat is equipped with two ISOFIX child restraint anchor points, and all three seating positions have top-tether latches for securing child seats.
Inside the Tank 300, there are two 12.3-inch digital widescreen displays, one for driving instruments and one for infotainment. Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available, with wireless smartphone charging added in the top-line model. However, the quality of the connection, audio streaming, and phone-call clarity could not be fully assessed during the limited time with the vehicle.
Is the GWM Tank 300 Ultra Hybrid safe?
The GWM Tank 300 has received a five-star ANCAP safety rating based on testing conducted in 2022. It scored well in adult occupant protection, child occupant protection, vulnerable road user protection, and safety assist features.
Standard safety equipment includes:
7 airbags incl. front-centre
Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
Adaptive cruise control
Lane departure warning
Lane keep assist
Rear cross-traffic assist
Traffic sign recognition
Surround-view cameras with ‘Transparent Chassis Function’
How much does the GWM Tank 300 Ultra Hybrid cost to run?
Service intervals and routine maintenance costs have not been disclosed at the time of writing, but this information is expected to be available closer to the release of the GWM Tank 300 Hybrid. Similarly, insurance estimates are not included in this review as insurance companies have yet to list this vehicle.
Yeecar’s Take on the GWM Tank 300 Ultra Hybrid
While this article provides a brief preview drive rather than an in-depth road test, the GWM Tank 300 shows promise. It boasts an attractive design, good equipment levels, and based on the limited drive experience, demonstrates capability in off-road conditions. Additionally, although the hybrid powertrain has not delivered the expected fuel saving but there are also petrol editions that are about $9,000-$10,000 cheaper, providing options for interested buyers to select.
GWM has been gaining momentum in the Australian market, and the introduction of the Tank 300 is likely to further contribute to its success.