New GWM Tank 300 launching in South Africa soon – What you can expect to pay

The South African launch of the new GWM Tank 300 is right around the corner.

The automaker confirmed to TopAuto last year that its new off-roader will make its debut in “early 2024” instead of late 2023 due to challenges with stock and shipping.

Now firmly into the new year, those with a keen eye will have already spotted the rugged Tank roaming around on Gauteng roads, with GWM’s most recent sales data showing that it imported 15 units into our borders this past January in preparation for its official local introduction.

With this in mind, the new Tank 300 will likely be available in showrooms before month-end, with its larger Tank 500 sibling to follow later in the year.

What to expect

The new Tank 300 will have access to two power sources in South Africa both driving all four wheels through an electronically-controlled 4WD system.

The base models will be equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol motor which generates up to 162kW and 380Nm, while the top-spec derivative will be treated to a hybrid version of the same powerplant that puts out 255kW and 648Nm.

The petrol-only unit mates to an eight-speed automatic gearbox and returns an average fuel usage of 9.5l/100km, whereas the hybrid swops to a nine-speed box and sips fuel at a lower rate of 8.4l/100km.

The SUV features one differential lock as standard and two on the range-topping spec 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” that reduces the turning circle to render it more manoeuvrable in narrow places.

The Tank will offer a host of tech and creature comforts across the range as has become customary from modern Chinese vehicles.

Included in all versions are automatic LED headlights, smart door handles, a leather steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, a 12.3-inch infotainment hub with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a digital instrument binnacle, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, hill assist, and seven airbags.

In addition, it brings a 360-degree camera system with a chassis perspective that uses the magic of computing to display exactly what is going on below the car’s nose on the central screen.

Price

GWM said all the way back in May last year that the 300 should retail between R685,900 and R851,900 once it goes on sale in South Africa.

However, a GWM dealer in Gauteng currently has three variants of the SUV – the Super Luxury, the Ultra Luxury, and the Super Luxury Hybrid – listed from a starting price of R725,950 up to a maximum of R851,950.

Its official pricing and line-up have yet to be announced, but it wouldn’t be surprising if the Tank does end up being more expensive than what GWM first suggested considering the continued deterioration of the rand throughout 2023.

We should find out within the next few weeks exactly how much the new 4×4 will cost.