Locked and loaded: meet GWM’s Tank. We sampled the flagship hybrid model.
Brace yourselves, we are about to tell you the story of an SUV that is going to “blow” you away. The GWM Tank 300 HEV is that SUV. This is not your average bundu basher. This is an, ahem, tank, and it’s ready to take on everything that comes its way … even it’s most established competition. But how will this Chinese off-roader fair on our home soil where the Toyota Fortuner is dominating this segment?
As an avid off-roading-ish person it takes a lot to impress me nowadays. So when the invite to the local launch of the much-anticipated Tank rolled into our APEX inbox, my interest was immediately piqued. (As a reminder, we had a first taste of the GWM Tank 300 on the international launch, too.)
On launch, the only derivative we got to sample was the Tank 300 HEV, which is powered by a hybrid powertrain that churns out a total system output of 255 kW and a whopping 648 Nm of torque. That’s enough power to make even the most seasoned petrolhead break into a cold sweat. And get this, it’s paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, because why settle for anything less?
Now, you might be thinking, “But what about fuel economy, Vann?” Well, fear not, my friends, because the Tank 300 HEV boasts a claimed fuel economy of 8.4 L/100 km. That’s right, you can have your power and efficiency, too — all in one rugged and luxurious package.
But numbers aside, let’s talk about the real reason you’d want to get behind the wheel of the Tank 300 HEV: the driving experience. This is a car that commands respect on the road, with its imposing presence and go-anywhere attitude. Whether you’re cruising down the highway or tackling the toughest off-road trails, the Tank 300 HEV takes it all in its stride.
But let’s not forget about the interior, because luxury is not lost on the Tank 300 HEV. Step inside and you’re greeted with a cabin that oozes comfort and style. I picked up on a lot of “Merc G-Wagon” design vibes, especially by the air vents. The premium materials, the cutting-edge technology, and the attention to detail all come together to create an environment that is as luxurious as it is practical.
All in all, the GWM Tank 300 HEV is not just a car, it’s a statement. It’s a statement of power, of luxury, and of adventure. It’s a car that demands attention and commands respect wherever it goes. So, if you’re looking for a vehicle that can handle anything you throw at it, look no further than the Tank 300 HEV. It’s a tank, and it’s ready to conquer the world.
The flagship HEV model blew us away … and so did its price. Unfortunately, priced at R851 950, this feels rather intimidating coming from GWM. However, with that said, it’s well worth it.
There will be three models to choose from, the HEV and non-electrified 2.0-litre turbo-petrol (2.0T) versions, set to be introduced in the second quarter of the year. These models will offer 162 kW and 380 Nm of torque, and their pricing will be slightly less at R725 950 for the Tank 300 2.0T 8AT 4×4 Super Luxury and R775 95 for the Tank 300 2.0T 8AT 4×4 Ultra Luxury.
All three variants in the initial lineup comeS standard with a seven-year warranty and a five-year service plan. The HEV ships with an additional eight-year hybrid battery warranty.
