GWM has been making waves in Mzansi lately, bringing in stylish cars packed with tech that don’t break the bank. One of their latest showstoppers is the new GWM Tank 300. We recently got behind the wheel of the range-topping 2.0T 9HAT 4×4 Super Luxury, and after some time behind the wheel, we can say it packs quite a punch.
Styling
This tank is impossible to miss—literally. Our test model came in a bold, bright orange that could light up even the dullest Jo’burg day. Design-wise, it’s boxy and rugged, clearly taking some inspiration from the Jeep Wrangler but with a modern, local twist. With round LED headlights, vertical LED taillights, muscular fenders, and a full-size spare mounted on the swing tailgate, it looks ready for action. Throw in 18-inch wheels, roof rails, and side steps, and you’ve got yourself an SUV that’s as stylish as it is sturdy.
Interior
Inside, the Tank 300 continues to impress. The interior feels premium with a blend of plush materials, and the tech offering is solid. The range-topping model comes with a 12.3-inch touchscreen that supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a digital instrument cluster, a wireless charging pad, and a banging 9-speaker sound system. There’s even ambient lighting and a sunroof to brighten things up. For those cold Jozi mornings, the heated seats and steering wheel are a bonus.
Space-wise, there’s plenty of room for five passengers, and while the 400L boot isn’t massive, it expands to 1635L when the back seats are folded down. So whether you’re hauling gear for a weekend getaway or just doing a big shop, it’s up to the task. The cabin itself is well-insulated, spacious, and comfortable enough for long drives. The Tank 300 does come with a door style tailgate, as cool as it looks, parking up again a wall for example will have you struggling a bit in terms of accessing the boot.
Powertrain
Now, about the grunt under the hood. The top-spec Tank 300 comes with a hybrid powertrain that delivers a beefy 255 kW and 648 Nm, paired with an 8-speed ZF automatic gearbox. On the open road, the Tank cruises comfortably, but overtaking requires a bit of patience—you’re dealing with over 2.2 tons of metal here. The hybrid system kicks in nicely to smooth out acceleration, but don’t expect to zip through the suburbs in full EV mode; we found it tap out at around 30 km/h before the petrol engine takes over.
Fuel efficiency? Well, let’s just say this Tank isn’t exactly sipping petrol—it’s more like guzzling it. While GWM claims 8.4L/100 km, our experience was closer to 12L/100 km, so be ready to budget for regular stops at the pumps.
But if you’re taking this machine off-road, it’s got you covered. The Tank 300 comes with multiple drive modes, including Mud, Sand, AWD, 4L, and a diff lock for those tricky terrains. Ride comfort is top-notch, handling bumps and rough patches with ease.
Verdict
At R851,950, the GWM Tank 300 is a bold, tech-packed SUV that’s built for adventure. It’s got a few quirks, but if you’re after a rugged 4×4 with modern features and flair, this might just be your perfect road warrior.
