4 Minutes
GWM expands the Tank family with a plug-in off-roader
The Great Wall Motor (GWM) Tank lineup gains a new member: the Tank 300 Hi4-T PHEV. Marketed as the brand's fifth plug-in hybrid, this rugged SUV arrives in Australia with a competitive introductory offer and equipment aimed at buyers who want genuine 4x4 capability combined with electric efficiency.
Pricing and availability
GWM has launched a limited special offer ahead of dealer deliveries. The entry-level Lux driveaway price starts at AU$55,990 (about US$38,945), while the range-topping Ultra begins at AU$59,990 (about US$41,730). According to the company, the Ultra will be available at Australian dealers from early March 2026, with the Lux following in early April.
Why this matters: NVES and market positioning
With Australia’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standards (NVES) reshaping volume market economics, GWM is positioning the Tank 300 Hi4-T PHEV as a cost-effective way to meet tightening emissions targets without sacrificing off-road capability. GWM’s local management says the model delivers advanced PHEV technology and rugged hardware at a price that undercuts several legacy rivals.
Powertrain, performance and electric range
Under the hood the Tank 300 Hi4-T pairs a turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor and what GWM calls advanced 4x4 hardware. Combined peak output is listed at 300 kW (around 402 hp) and torque at a generous 750 Nm (553 lb-ft). The system drives all four wheels and includes a transfer case plus front and rear locking differentials—features aimed at serious off-roaders.
For short commutes and quiet running, the PHEV’s battery allows up to 105 km (65 miles) of electric-only driving on the optimistic NEDC cycle. When fully charged and driven in mixed conditions, GWM claims a combined consumption figure of 1.9 L/100 km (approx. 123.8 mpg US). DC charging from 30% to 80% at a 50 kW charger is rated at roughly 24 minutes.
Practical tech and usability
GWM highlights vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability at 6 kW, enabling power for campsite gear or tools. Multiple terrain-specific drive modes are also onboard to optimize traction for sand, mud, rock and snow—useful when a PHEV is asked to do genuine off-road work rather than merely look the part.
Quick highlights
- Drive types: Plug-in hybrid (PHEV) with full-time 4x4
- Power: 300 kW combined output (≈402 hp)
- Torque: 750 Nm (553 lb-ft)
- Electric range: up to 105 km NEDC (65 miles)
- Fuel efficiency (combined, with battery charged): 1.9 L/100 km
- Charging: 30–80% in ~24 minutes on 50 kW DC
- V2L: 6 kW
- Off-road hardware: transfer case, front/rear locking diffs
How it stacks up and what’s still unknown
Compared with traditional body-on-frame 4x4s and some hybrid rivals, the Tank 300 Hi4-T's packaging and torque figures make it an intriguing option for buyers who need trail capability plus an electric commute. However, GWM notes some final specifications will be confirmed closer to launch, so real-world range and final towing or payload figures are still to be published.
Final take
For buyers in Australia seeking a plug-in hybrid SUV that prioritizes off-road ability without a premium price tag, the Tank 300 Hi4-T PHEV is a compelling new choice. GWM’s pricing and the model’s equipment list show a clear strategy to capture buyers navigating NVES changes and seeking capable, electrified vehicles.
Quote: “GWM is ready to deliver more technology for less,” says John Kett, GWM’s COO in Australia, underscoring the company’s push to blend electric efficiency with serious off-road cred.
Expect more detailed specs and testing figures as dealerships prepare for the Ultra’s March arrival and the Lux’s April arrival in 2026.
Source: autoevolution
Leave a Comment