GWM Tank 300 features full hybrid 4x4 powertrain

MAKING an appearance just before Christmas with arguably the best ever name for a ‘fourbie’ is GWM’s new mid-size Tank 300.

Available in two grades, Lux and Ultra, with what the Chinese manufacturer describes as “unbeatable levels of toughness and sophistication”, the GWM Tank 300 Hybrid is priced from $55,990 drive-away.

Channelling other mid-size, boxy 4WDs like the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco, the five-door, five-seat Tank 300 rides on an ‘old school’ ladder chassis eschewing the less off road desirable monocoque used on ‘soft road’ SUVs.

Though it doesn’t have a direct hybrid competitor… Against possible competition, the Tank 3000 Lux is roughly $5000 less than a comparable mid-spec Toyota Fortuner GLX at $55,085 plus ORCs which would bring it close to $60,000 drive away and the mid spec’ Ssangyong Rexton Ultimate at a grand less ($54,990 drive away).

GWM says Tank’s bold looks are not merely skin deep with a toughness extending to under-the-skin mechanicals where it has ‘world-class 4WD technology’ including a selectable 4WD system and locking differential on the high-grade model.

The company says in a statement that the Tank 300 features a luxurious interior and advanced technology that make the 4x4 “poised to become a strong option for those looking to explore Australian roads, tracks and beyond.”

The arrival of Tank 300 brings to three, in quick succession, the number of so-called New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) from GWM Down Under. GWM already offers the Haval Jolion Hybrid and Haval H6 Hybrid in its local line-up.

Under the bonnet of the Tank 300 is a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo petrol engine with a hybrid electric traction motor driving through a nine-speed Hybrid Automatic Transmission.

The petrol engine delivers 180kW at 5500-6000rpm and 380Nm at 1700-4000rpm while the electric traction motor adds an additional 78kW and 268Nm.

Australian Government rules put the two together for a total rated output of 225kW.

This robust kilowattage will give the Tank 300 strong performance across a wide range and contributes to a towing capacity of 2500kg.

The good-looking Tank 300 is built on GWM's global off-road platform that is used under vehicles designed to perform in all conditions providing some 224mm of ground clearance matched to a 33 degree approach angle and 34 degree departure angle combined with Torque On Demand 4WD technology to “facilitate challenging off-road adventures.”

With overall dimensions (length, width and height) of 4760mm x 1930mm x 1903mm, the Tank 300 provides a spacious interior for all five occupants.

The two grades offered, Lux (at $55,990 drive away) and Ultra (at $60,990 drive away), offer generous levels of standard equipment available across both.

The Lux features: 17-inch alloy wheels, a six-way power driver seat, comfort-tek leather seats, micro-fibre leather steering wheel, 12.3-inch full colour instrument cluster and 12.3-inch full colour infotainment system, front and rear USB charge points (front with data transmission), Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, nine-speaker audio, seven-colour ambient lighting, DAB+, power windows, auto-folding, heated power exterior mirrors, LED headlights and tail lights, daytime running lamps, sunroof, two-piece under-body guard, 12V power outlets (front and luggage cabin).

In safety terms the Lux has tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), seven airbags, adaptive cruise control, AEB, front collision warning, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, traffic sign recognition, rear cross traffic alert with brake, crawl control for ultra- low speed off road driving a feature called ‘tank turn’ that selectively applies the brake to assist steering in tight off road driving.

Also on Lux are a transparent chassis function, front and rear parking sensors and a 360-degree view monitor.

Ultra grades adds: 18-inch alloys, Nappa leather seats, heated and cooled front seats, eight -way power driver seat with massage function and four-way power lumbar support adjustment, heated, leather steering wheel, wireless charging, premium Infinity nine-speaker audio, 64-colour ambient lighting, 220V power outlet (luggage cabin), front differential lock, three-piece under-body guard, auto parking and auto reverse tracking function.

GWM offers the new Tank 300 in five exterior colours: Lunar Red, Hamilton White, Dusk Orange, Fossil Grey and Crystal Black while providing a seven-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, five years’ roadside assistance and five years’ capped price servicing.