The GWM Tank 300 2.0T HEV Ultra Luxury 4×4 is a bold entrant to South Africa’s SUV market, blending hybrid efficiency, off-road capability, and premium comfort at a competitive price. Here are five key features that make this SUV worth a closer look.
So, you have a thing for boxy 4x4s with a retro bent and true off-roading skills. But a Jeep Wrangler or Ford Everest V6 4WD Wildtrak at R1,2m can’t exactly be described as “affordable,” while the new Land Cruiser Prado (pictured below) is R1,45m.
To get behind the wheel of a Land Rover Defender you’d have to part with at least R1,64m, while the Ineos Grenadier will take R1,72m of your Randelas.
The O.G.
Then there’s the original gangster: the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. Before you’ve added any extras, the G400d AMG Line will relieve you of R3,4m.
Don’t like diesel? Well, the Mercedes-AMG G63 can be yours for R4,4m, while the Mercedes-AMG G63 Grand Edition commands a staggering R5,51m.
That’s enough to drive you into the arms of Suzuki, where the very capable but much smaller Jimny 1.5 GLX 5-door auto goes for ‘only’ R479 900. But perhaps you feel you deserve a wheeled box with more power, comfort, and a bigger cabin.
This is where the GWM Tank 300 (shown above) rides onto the scene, with prices starting at R725 950 for the Tank 300 2.0T Super Luxury 4×4. The version featured here is the top-spec GWM Tank 300 2.0T HEV Ultra Luxury 4×4, which carries a R925 000 sticker price. Here are five useful facts about it.
1. A powerful hybrid powertrain
Combining a 2,0-litre turbocharged petrol engine (180 kW, 380 Nm) with an electric motor (78 kW, 268 Nm), the system delivers a total output of 255 kW and 648 Nm. Paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission and gearshift paddles, this setup ensures ultra smooth power delivery in city traffic and on rugged trails.
The hybrid setup offers impressive torque delivery, making off-road challenges a breeze and providing an estimated range of 952 km from its 80-litre fuel tank.
The Tank 300’s hybrid powertrain is designed for strong performance, while returning the same mileage as a similar diesel SUV, like the Toyota Fortuner or Isuzu M-UX. GWM claims an average of 8,4 ℓ/100km, but 11 ℓ/100km is more realistic.
2. It’s no pretend off-roader
The Tank 300 boasts impressive off-road specs, including a tough ladder-frame chassis, permanent all-wheel drive (with selectable low-range gearing), 224 mm of ground clearance, and 700 mm wading depth.
Driver aids include hill-start assist, hill descent control, and multiple terrain modes ensure confidence on challenging surfaces. For tight trails, the “tank turn” feature – braking a rear wheel to reduce the turning radius – comes in handy. And with a 2,5-tonne towing capacity and full-size alloy spare wheel, the Tank 300 is truly capable off road.
Its ride quality on gravel roads is exceptional for a ladder-frame vehicle, rivalling cars like the Land Cruiser Prado in comfort.
3. Luxury meets practicality inside the cabin
The Tank 300’s most impressive features are drivetrain refinement and sound insulation. The cabin is almost eerily quiet, whether it’s the engine, electric motor, or a combination of the two powering the vehicle.
The luxury of silence
Compared to other body-on-frame off-roaders like the Toyota Prado and Fortuner, the Tank 300 sets a new standard. Despite its boxy, aerodynamically challenging design, GWM has remarkably minimised wind noise at highway speeds, creating a quieter and more refined driving experience.
A quiet interior is one of just many of the Tank 300’s luxury features. The interior blends rugged charm with premium comfort. Leather seats – heated and ventilated in the front and heated in the rear – are paired with electric adjustment and lumbar support (front seats) for long-haul stamina.
Rear passengers benefit from ample legroom and air vents, while the boot offers a respectable 400 litres of space, slightly reduced due to the hybrid battery.
Other thoughtful touches include a heated steering wheel, soft-touch materials, and ambient lighting. However, the beige headliner may be prone to dirt over time.
The infotainment system supports smartphone integration. Though functional, it falls short of being exceptional.
4. Comprehensive safety and convenience features
The Tank 300 is packed with features to keep you safe and comfortable. It comes with seven airbags, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assistance, and adaptive cruise control. The latter’s large following distance, even when set to its minimum, may take some getting used to.
When tested, the Tank 300 achieved a score of five out of five in Australia and New Zealand’s ANCAP crash tests.
Keyless access, rear privacy glass, and LED headlights with high-beam assist enhance convenience, while surround-view cameras make parking and navigating tight spaces a breeze. An electric parking brake, running boards, and roof rails add further practicality.
A cooled armrest storage box, and generous legroom to make long journeys enjoyable for all passengers, while real buttons for key functions like climate control add convenience. Curiously, the wipers lack an intermittent setting, which can be a minor annoyance in rainy weather.
5. Built for the long haul
Designed for durability and backed by a 7-year/200 000 km warranty, the Tank 300 offers peace of mind to buyers. Its ladder-frame chassis may be considered old-school by some, but it delivers a smooth and quiet ride that rivals expensive SUVs like the Toyota Prado. While minor reliability quirks – such as a brief 4×4 system error – raise some eyebrows, the Tank’s overall build quality and comfort are exceptional.
GWM claims a fuel consumption of 8,4 ℓ/100 km, though real-world figures lean closer to 12 ℓ/100 km. With an 80-litre fuel tank, the Tank 300 offers a potential range of 952 km, making it an excellent companion for long journeys.
A final word
With its retro-inspired, boxy design, the GWM Tank 300 is a head-turner, drawing comparisons to the iconic Mercedes-Benz G-Class.
The Tank 300 2.0T HEV Ultra Luxury 4×4 brings a refreshing hybrid twist to the South African 4×4 market, combining rugged off-road capability with a surprisingly refined and luxurious driving experience.
Priced at R925 000, it positions itself as a viable alternative to well-established players like the Toyota Fortuner and Ford Everest, while offering features and comfort levels closer to luxury brands.
