GWM Tank 300 hybrid: Australian preview drive

Things we like

• Plush off-road ride
• Refined hybrid drive
• Spacious back seat

Not so much

• Confusing cabin layout
• Spongy brake feel
• Touchscreens control major functions

Things we like

• Plush off-road ride
• Refined hybrid drive
• Spacious back seat

Not so much

• Confusing cabin layout
• Spongy brake feel
• Touchscreens control major functions

The 2023 GWM Tank 300 hybrid is the first hybrid off-roader to hit Australian shores. It’s priced from $55,990 drive-away, measures 4.76 metres long, rides on a 2.75m wheelbase and is essentially China’s answer to the Jeep Wrangler.

In China, Tank is a GWM spin-off brand but here in Australia it falls under the parent moniker and uses the same ‘P71’ ladder frame underpinnings as the GWM Ute Cannon range.

The Tank’s price and looks alone are pretty attractive for a recreational off-roader, but most headline-grabbing are the power and torque figures, at 258kW and 615Nm. This is a hybrid, but not one necessarily built with fuel efficiency in mind.

On-demand 4×4 with a low-range transfer case plus locking rear (and optionally front) differentials give the Tank 300 hybrid plenty of potential on paper, too. But what’s it really like?

JUMP AHEAD

• How much is it, and what do you get?
• How do rivals compare on value?
• Interior comfort, space, and storage
• What is it like to drive?
• How safe is it?
• VERDICT
• Specifications

How much is it, and what do you get?

In short, a shed-tonne. The spec sheet reads more like a 4×4 you can pose down at Bondi beach with than cross the Simpson in. The base Lux trim we drove costs $55,990 drive-away and ships with:

The touchscreen interface was typically frustrating, but you do learn the quirks of GWM’s systems over time. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto work using a cable. The 12.3-inch digital driver’s display gives all the info you need and more.

GWM’s Tank 300 hybrid doesn’t sacrifice off-road goodies either, with a low-range transfer case and locking rear differential as standard. The $60,990 (drive-away) Ultra steps things up with 18-inch alloys and front locking differential, but also features:

How do rivals compare on value?

Next to GWM’s intended target, the Jeep Wrangler, the Tank is stellar value. With all the safety gear and a 2022 five-star ANCAP rating, it makes an $81,450 (before on-road costs) Wrangler Night Eagle four-door look like a rip-off on face value. Of course, GWM’s aftermarket is as-yet undeveloped, so those looking to mod will be stuck initially.

A Toyota Prado GX, meanwhile, starts from $62,830 (before on-road costs) – though that’s more a rival for the Tank 500, which is still under consideration for Oz.

High-spec utes and 4×4 wagons such as Ford’s Ranger Wildtrak ($71,190 before on-road costs) and Everest Sport ($69,590)– both before on-road costs – also fall into a similar price point to the Tank 300, though none can match the GWM’s heated and ventilated seats, Nappa leather upholstery and twin 12.3-inch screens.

Interior comfort, space and storage

GWM has been listening to feedback because the Tank 300 hybrid finally comes with under-thigh tilt for the front seat, a huge improvement for my leggy 188cm frame. The rear quarters are usable, too, with decent under-thigh support from the cushion and unimpeded view out.

Material and build quality are mostly good, but the chintzy Mercedes-Benz-esque air vents felt flimsy. The design is clumsy, too; like its Haval H6 and Jolion stablemates the Tank 300 has a cabin that prioritises wow-factor over usability.

Cabin storage, however, is solid. GWM says there are 46 cubbies on board. We found the two decent bottle holders, sizable door packets and other storage spaces to be useful and generous in size.

The boot floor is dead flat and the load bay square, although the heavy, manual tailgate that swings outward may present a challenge in urban car parks.

What is it like to drive?

With only 15 minutes of off-road driving following our detailed look at the Tank’s interior and tech, it’s tricky to make any final judgements.

Things started positively, though. Unlike the Haval H6 hybrid with its two-speed dedicated hybrid transmission, the Tank’s nine-speed auto is more natural to use.

Power on tap is pretty spectacular with a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol motor and single electric motor powered by a 1.75kWh battery for a combined 258kW and 615Nm – certainly handier than a Jeep’s atmo V6.

The Tank 300 Hybrid can run in EV-only, series or parallel modes, depending on the situation. We don’t have ADR81/02 fuel economy ratings for the Tank 300 hybrid yet.

Nine (yes nine) selectable drive modes include Mud, Sand, Normal, Sport, Eco and more, with each getting a bespoke musical jingle. The indicator’s techno-bassline sound is totally unorthodox, too, but not necessarily in a bad way.

With the electric motor’s instant torque, the Tank was happy to crawl up obstacles in four-low, but it didn’t exactly struggle in four-high. The torque-on-demand 4×4 system didn’t slip up on the technical loop. Only a soft and uncommunicative brake pedal made pace tricky to manage.

Plush is the best way to describe the Tank 300’s ride. The travel is stiction-free off-road and even in the back seat there was minimal head toss with harsh edges rounded out admirably – this is no rattly Triton.

With 33º approach and 34º departure angles as well as a 700mm wading depth, the Tank should be plenty capable. Its 224mm ground clearance is also pretty close to that of a four-door regular Wrangler (232mm). The Tank’s 265/65R17 Hankook Ventus all-season tyres let it down a little in the slippy stuff.

During our brief drive, we did belly out a few times (potentially down to the soft springs) and a glance underneath revealed sway bars and other parts hanging down that looked ready to snag rocks.

Towing capacity for the GWM Tank 300 Hybrid is rated at 2500kg braked, or 750kg unbraked.

We’ll have a detailed road test, including an on-road component – which we fear the squishy Tank 300 may struggle on – online as soon as possible.

Our first sample of the Tank 300 shows promise. It’s not a Wrangler Rubicon replacement, but at $20K less than a Night Eagle, it’s a capable vehicle for entry-level off-roading.

How safe is it?

The GWM Tank 300 hybrid was awarded five stars in 2022 ANCAP safety testing.

We weren’t able to test the ADAS features, but we didn’t run into tigger AEB when tackling a 600mm wading pool or rocky break-overs.

It appears you can fully disable the smarts, too, and the excellent cameras include a 360-display that uses processors to remember what’s underneath the car – great for tackling tricky, rocky terrain.

Safety features include:

Warranty and running costs

GWM covers the Tank 300 hybrid with a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty in Australia.

A fuel efficiency rating is yet to be confirmed for the Tank 300 hybrid, as is service pricing and intervals. This review will be updated as that information comes to light.

VERDICT

This is one intriguing vehicle. Its disco chimes on drive mode changes, bass-click indicator sound and bursting technology package will wow in dealership scenarios. That hybrid is pretty refined, too.

Will it be reliable enough is one of the burning questions. And, although impressively capable off-road, will the GWM Tank 300 hybrid be refined enough on-road to suit its likely predominantly urban dwellings? Time will tell.

GWM expects the Tank to sell well, amplifying the brand in Australia both in sales and image terms. What we can say is that the Tank is better value than a Jeep Wrangler, and performed more than admirably on the dirt.

GWM Tank 300 HEV specifications

Keyword: GWM Tank 300 hybrid: Australian preview drive