GWM has confirmed that its Tank 300 will be “hitting South African shores in 2023, offering buyers unbeatable levels of toughness, sophistication, and top-level safety,” said the automaker.
The 300 is described as a rugged “ORV” (off-road vehicle) that will be taking on the likes of the BAIC B40 Plus and Jeep Wrangler, sporting burly styling, decent off-roading credentials, and high-tech features.
The Tank 300 is already on sale in global markets including the Middle East, China, and Australia, and we looked to these regions to get a good idea of what we can expect when the ORV lands in our showrooms.
What to expect
The Tank 300 is a purpose-built off-roader that is available with two powertrains namely a 2.0-litre, turbo-petrol offering rated for 167kW and 387Nm, or a hybrid version of the same unit with a higher 224kW and 640Nm.
Each derivative pairs with an eight-speed automatic gearbox, and power is channeled to all four wheels through an electronically-controlled 4WD system allowing the non-electrified model to claim 100km/h in 9.5 seconds with fuel consumption rated at 9.3l/100km.
The Tank is further equipped with two differential locks which can be activated with the press of a button for better traction on testing terrains, while a total of nine driving modes are at the driver’s disposal.
It also has a creeping mode which will “automatically control the power and braking system to keep the vehicle operating at a stable speed” without driver intervention, as well as a special party trick in the form of “Tank Turn.”
This feature “reduces the turning radius of the vehicle, allowing it to easily turn in narrow places,” said GWM.
Complementing its bundu-bashing arsenal is a 360-degree camera system with a chassis perspective which stitches together the pictures from the four surrounding cameras to show the driver exactly what is going on below the ORV.
Apart from its technologies, the Tank 300’s boxy body and 224mm ground clearance assures respectable off-road prowess.
The vehicle has an approach angle of 33 degrees, breakover angle of 23.1 degrees, and departure angle of 34 degrees, with one of the results of this being the capability to climb hills up to a 35-degree incline.
It boasts a water-wading depth of 700mm, too, putting it slightly below the B40’s 750mm and the Wrangler’s 760mm in this category, and equal to something like the Toyota Fortuner.
Buyers who need a vehicle that can haul cargo will also be happy to know the Tank comes with four trailer hooks mounted around the body, with a maximum towing capacity of 2,500kg on the books.
In the amenities department, the new GWM brings a host of equipment across the range.
In China, the Tank 300 is offered in Medium and Premium specifications, each trim bringing along a 12.3-inch infotainment system and driver screen, voice and remote smartphone controls, keyless entry and start, automatic Matrix LED headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, leather upholstery, electric and heated front seats, a massaging driver seat, dual-zone climate control, and a sunroof.
These fitments are on top of hill-hold and descent control, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warnings, lane-keep assist with centering, traffic-sign recognition, and all-round parking sensors.
Stepping up to the pricier model then sees the addition of ventilated front seats, traffic jam assist, intelligent cruise assist, and intelligent dodge.
Keep in mind that the South African-specific pricing, specifications, and launch date for the Tank 300 must still be confirmed by GWM, with these expected to be revealed later in the year.
GWM Tank 300
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