New GWM P300 plug-in hybrid bakkie launched in South Africa – Pricing and features

GWM has officially launched the new P300 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) in South Africa, the first model in the popular bakkie series to feature an electrified powertrain.

The PHEV is positioned as the flagship of the P300 family, giving buyers access to a pickup with a full-electric driving mode suited for making trips around town.

It is available in a single Pioneer Hi4-T specification with a price tag of R914,900, notably higher than the R699,900 that the former top-spec model, the LTD, asks for.

Powertrain

The core of the new PHEV is a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, which generates 180kW and 380Nm by itself.

This is paired with an electric motor with its own output of 130kW and 495Nm, which helps the bakkie achieve a combined reading of 310kW and 750Nm.

It also has a nine-speed automatic transmission, and the brand’s Hi4-Technology part-time four-wheel-drive system with 2H, 4H, and 4L settings.

GWM explained that, unlike a conventional PHEV, the P300’s engine and motor work in parallel, with the electric system providing instant torque at lower speeds.

“This parallel-hybrid approach also helps maintain performance when the battery charge is low, with the engine continuing to drive the wheels,” said the carmaker.

“The P300 PHEV is designed to deliver consistent performance during long climbs and heavy-load driving conditions that would challenge conventional plug-in hybrid systems.

Also included are three power modes, including Electric Mode for quiet drives on shorter journeys, a Hybrid Mode that combines the engine and motor for highway driving, and an Intelligent Mode that provides greater control over the battery’s charge, keeping it between 30% and 80%.

Speaking of, the battery is a 33.1kWh lithium-ion phosphate block that provides an electric range of 115km on the NEDC cycle (98km on the WLTP cycle).

It supports DC charging speeds of up to 110kW and can go from 30% to 80% in just 18 minutes. The battery is mounted on the frame rails for better protection when off-roading.

Furthermore, the Chinese bakkie has vehicle-to-load (V2L) charging, meaning owners can power external devices like camping equipment or power tools.

The P300’s combined fuel consumption works out to just 2.4l/100km, though bear in mind this assumes the owner will make extensive use of the electric driving mode.

It comes with an electronic rear differential lock, an all-terrain feedback system, an off-road expert mode, and underbody protection.

The bakkie sits 200mm off the ground and has a 26-degree approach angle, 23-degree departure angle, and a 19-degree breakover angle.

The towing capacity clocks in at 3,500kg, and the GWM has a dedicated trailer driving mode that activates when a trailer is connected to the tow socket.

Features

Great Wall Motor’s new bakkie is 5,416mm long, 1,947mm wide, and 1,886mm tall, with a 3,230mm wheelbase.

It comes with a black grille, 18-inch black alloy wheels, black door handles, black mirror caps, automatic LED headlights, red brake calipers, fixed side steps, and a spray-in bed liner.

Inside, you’ll find a 15.6-inch 2.5K floating infotainment screen with anti-glare and anti-fingerprint coatings.

It runs on a 7nm processor with 16GB of memory and 128GB of storage, and supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Other features include a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 50W wireless charger with its own fan, electric leather seats with heating and ventilation, a macrofibre heated steering wheel, a sunroof, and automatic climate control with rear vents.

Also included is a Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) with:

• A 360° panoramic view with 3D display and Transparent Chassis View,
• Adaptive Cruise Control with Intelligent Cruise Assist and Traffic Jam Assist
• Automatic Emergency Braking with Junction Assist and pedestrian and cyclist detection
• Driver Fatigue Monitoring
• Lane Change Assist, Door Open Warning and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert with braking
• Lane Keep Assist, Lane Centering Assist and Emergency Lane Keeping

This is on top of standard safety features such as ABS, traction control, hill start assist, hill descent control, and six airbags.

Pricing

The South African pricing for the updated GWM P300 series is as follows:

• GWM P300 2.0T single cab SX – R414,950
• GWM P300 2.0T double cab SX manual – R446,950
• GWM P300 2.0T single cab SX 4×4 – R471,950
• GWM P300 2.0T double cab SX auto – R489,950
• GWM P300 2.0T double cab SX 4×4 manual – R499,950
• GWM P300 2.4T double cab LS – R529,900
• GWM P300 2.0T double cab SX 4×4 auto – R537,950
• GWM P300 2.4T double cab LS 4×4 – R579,900
• GWM P300 2.4T double cab LT – R599,900
• GWM P300 2.4T double cab LT 4×4 – R649,900
• GWM P300 2.4T double cab LTD 4×4 – R699,900
• GWM P300 2.0T double cab Pioneer PHEV 4×4 – R914,900 (New)

The new PHEV comes with a 7-year/200,000km warranty, a 7-year/75,000km service plan, 7-year/unlimited-km roadside assistance, and an 8-year/150,000km battery warranty.

GWM P300 PHEV