We got the keys to the highly anticipated GWM Tank 300 HEV for an exclusive preview before the bakkie-based SUV hits the market officially. Here are our thoughts on this rugged-looking newcomer to this highly competitive segment.
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Building on growing success locally, GWM decided 2024 would be the opportune time to continue expanding its footprint in South Africa by introducing another subsidiary. Ready to take the battle to other bakkie-based SUVs, the Tank brand looks poised to cause a stir in this highly competitive segment.
What are we driving?
The Tank first broke cover at the 2020 Chengdu Auto Show, but our first proper look at GWM’s rugged midsize SUV came at a preview event at GWM’s R&D facility in Baoding last year. Now it’s finally time to get behind the wheel and determine if the complete package was as enticing as its butch looks. The Tank 300 will be GWM’s Tank subsidiary’s first offering in South Africa, with other imposing-looking SUVs set to join its ranks in the near future.
Why is the GWM Tank 300 significant?
Now, with several popular bakkie-underpinned SUVs set squarely in its sights, GWM’s ladder-frame-built SUV has excitingly arrived on local roads. Catering to the passenger segment with Haval and the newly ushered-in Ora EV brand, Tank looks at bolstering GWM bakkie sales by venturing into the previously unexplored ladder-frame-based SUV market. It will have to ruffle the feathers of some beloved and established nameplates to make an impression in a market that has Toyota’s Fortuner comfortably dominating. Signalling a first foray for Tank, the 300 will be crucial for the GWM group to cement itself as a serious contender for lifestyle adventurers and SUV consumers alike.
What’s new on the GWM Tank 300?
Looking at the exterior, it is plain to see that the Tank has drawn some inspiration from the flared-fender aesthetic of the Jeep Wrangler. Bold and charismatic from the outside, this is how GWM has plotted its first steps in South Africa for its Tank nameplate and, while the name and the styling showcase a big game, the key question is whether it has what it takes to swing in the league of heavy hitters… Keys handed over and a run-through of some of the impressive tech and features it boasts done, it was eventually time to welcome this example onto South African roads.
The utilitarian Wrangler/ Bronco/FJ Cruiser look garnered some interesting reactions from pedestrians and other road users, some of whom were no doubt beginning to argue about just what it could be with the grille-mounted Transformers-esque Tank insignia.
Related: GWM Unveils Exclusive Tank 330 Edition With V6 Power
Sitting at the top of the three-model range is the Tank 300 HEV. All derivatives make use of a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that develops 167 kW and 387 N.m without hybrid assistance. The HEV’s hybrid powertrain, featuring an electric motor and a 37.11 kWh battery, pushes those peak figures up to 255 kW and 648 N.m. An automatic four-wheel-drive system delivers the power via an 8-speed automatic in the combustion engine-only models while a 9-speed hydraulic automatic handles shifting duties for the HEV.
What is the GWM Tank 300 HEV like to drive?
At slower speeds and with sedate driving, the HEV can operate in full EV mode for around 100 km. In terms of fuel consumption, the HEV realises a 10% improvement over its fossil-fuel-powered sibling with a claimed rating of 8.4 L/100 km. Despite our best efforts with this example, which was handed over with just 500 km on the odometer, real-world consumption over several days dominated by highway driving was a rather thirsty 11.0 L/100 km – hopefully, with some more time for the engine to bed in, that figure will improve.
Related: GWM’s Tank 700 Hi4-T is a 385 kW Off-Road SUV
Given its office block-like drag coefficient, this left me wondering whether the 2.0-litre turbodiesel carried over from the P-Series on which it is based would have been a more prudent choice of powerplant for the Tank. Even so, the electrically assisted acceleration is impressive at all speeds and the transition from silent, emissions-free EV driving to combustion engine propulsion is fairly seamless. Owing to the P-Series ladder-frame chassis underpinnings, the Tank’s 224 mm ground clearance is ideal for climbing pavements or venturing onto challenging off-road routes.
The tech-laden Tank 300 HEV features all manner of bells and whistles to ensure on- and off-road driving are as effortless as possible. Chassis view cameras help with navigating around tight obstacles, while a Tank Turn and Crawl Control lend the rugged SUV some impressive off-roading prowess. On-road, autonomous driving features such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist lift some of the burden off the driver. These features form part of a standard specification that’s generous across all three Tank derivatives and includes the likes of a smartphone-enabled touchscreen infotainment system, auto lights, dual-zone climate control and keyless entry.
What are the GWM Tank 300’s rivals?
Immensely popular in South Africa, the ladder-frame-based Tank’s natural competitors exist in the form of other offerings that feature the same construction. This has it readying for battle against the all-conquering Toyota Fortuner, Isuzu mu-X, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and the growing lineup of Ford Everest models. Within these respective firms, all of these models are popular choices with consumers so it will be interesting to see if the Tank 300 will be upsold from prospective Haval buyers or steal some business from its competitors, or a combination of both.
What does the GWM Tank 300 cost?
Imposing appearance, strong power plant and generous specification aside, one of the most favourable aspects of the Chinese SUV must be its asking price. The range-topping model we sampled comes in at R851 950, undercutting all but the base-tier 4×4 Toyota Fortuner and Ford Everest models and comparing favourably with the bulk of the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and Isuzu mu-X offerings. Lower down the range, the pricing becomes even more enticing, with the entry-poiont 4×4 Super Luxury at R725 950 and the mid-tier 4×4 Ultra Luxury going for R775 950. These models don’t feature hybrid powertrains but their 2.0-litre turbopetrol units, mated with an 8-speed automatic transmission, still offer respectable performance.
Verdict
While the omission of a simpler, more frugal turbodiesel powertrain could prove to be a sticking point for some, the Tank certainly has the goods – not to mention the looks and off-road ability – to steamroll a path for itself on the local market.
Find our full driving impressions in the March issue of CAR Magazine.
