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China’s GWM has lastly launched a turbo-diesel engine to its Tank 300 off-road SUV.
Notice: It is a revised model of our most up-to-date evaluation of the GWM Tank 300, as there have been no main modifications to the mannequin because it was printed.
Now we have up to date key particulars resembling pricing and specs with the freshest info obtainable. Learn our newest value and specs article right here for all the small print.
This large body-on-frame SUV was already a logical rival for off-roaders just like the small Suzuki Jimny and enormous Jeep Wrangler, however GWM is lastly in a position to go after greater competitors just like the top-selling Toyota Prado and Ford Everest, amongst others, with the choice of this diesel engine.
Australians love diesel engines of their ladder-frame off-roaders and, in accordance with GWM, the Tank 300 Diesel “most likely wouldn’t have occurred” with out demand from this market.
Whereas the two.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine is new to the Tank 300 vary, it’s not new to GWM. It additionally options within the Cannon and Cannon Alpha ute lineups.
At launch, the Tank 300 Diesel is being supplied in two variants, Lux and Extremely. They’re priced from $47,990 drive-away and $51,990 drive-away respectively.
WATCH: Paul’s video evaluation of the 2024 GWM Tank 300 Extremely Hybrid
The turbo-diesel engine is the primary distinction to the remainder of the prevailing Tank 300 vary, however GWM claims to have made greater than 20 element modifications and upgrades to this car.
Because of this, the Tank 300 Diesel can tow 500kg greater than the petrol and hybrid autos. With a 3000kg braked towing capability, nonetheless, it nonetheless falls wanting the Toyota Fortuner’s 3100kg determine, in addition to the class-leading 3500kg supplied by the Prado and Everest.
The Tank 300 Diesel’s larger towing capability pushes it into the “heavy off-road passenger autos” class below the Australian Authorities’s incoming New Automobile Effectivity Normal emissions regulation, giving it a better CO2 emissions goal than its petrol and hybrid siblings.
We drove the GWM Tank 300 Diesel in flagship Extremely trim as a part of the nationwide media launch drive between Melbourne and Healesville.
How a lot does the GWM Tank 300 value?
GWM expects diesel variations to account for greater than half of all Tank 300 gross sales.
| Mannequin | Drive-away value |
|---|---|
| 2025 GWM Tank 300 Lux Diesel | $47,990 |
| 2025 GWM Tank 300 Extremely petrol | $49,990 |
| 2025 GWM Tank 300 Extremely Diesel | $51,990 |
| 2025 GWM Tank 300 Extremely Hybrid | $56,990 |
To see how the GWM Tank 300 strains up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability software
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What’s the GWM Tank 300 like on the within?
For those who’re anticipating large modifications contained in the Tank 300 Diesel, suppose once more. It’s just about an identical to all of the petrol and hybrid variants, which is not any dangerous factor as a result of it’s nonetheless a high-tech and luxuriously outfitted cabin for the worth tag.
Hopping in, there are large aspect steps and chunky seize handles that make ingress lots simpler. It is a deceptively giant automobile and also you’d wrestle to get in with out these.
When you’re in there are Nappa leather-trimmed seats within the top-spec Extremely, which is the automobile we drove on the launch. You sit up excessive within the driver’s seat, which is a sought-after trait in autos like this.
The driving force’s seat feels deliciously tender and supple. It’s additionally supportive and has tons of adjustment, together with thigh tilt, lumbar, and even a therapeutic massage operate. Whereas many Chinese language vehicles have tender and clean upholstery, lots don’t have snug driver’s seats, so this can be a refreshing change.
Forward of the motive force is a giant steering wheel which is befitting of a automobile like this. It appears chunky with the thick spokes, nevertheless it doesn’t really feel too giant to carry due to the thinner outer rim. It presents loads of tilt and attain adjustment, which implies individuals of many alternative sizes and statures will be capable to discover a snug driving place.
All of the buttons on the steering wheel are bodily and make logical sense. There are even two configurable buttons that may activate issues just like the heated steering wheel and surround-view digital camera, amongst different issues.
Behind the steering wheel, there’s a set of paddle shifters that don’t really feel essentially the most premium ever however are decently sized and enjoyable to make use of.
There’s additionally a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster which appears high-resolution, although it has a darkish theme so there’s a good bit of detrimental house. It tells you all of the crucial info that you must see, like your present velocity clearly and brightly, nonetheless. There are a number of completely different layouts you may select from, in addition to some infographic pages you may cycle by means of.
Transferring throughout, there’s a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system that’s equally as clear because the digital instrument cluster. The person interface has numerous completely different components, nevertheless it isn’t too difficult to navigate round. Plus, should you get misplaced there are shortcut buttons on the right-hand aspect of the display screen.
You possibly can open up a devoted off-road set of shows that are cool to mess around with. Particularly, I really like the ‘Conquerer Perspective’, which makes use of the surround-view digital camera and has a clear chassis operate.
As commonplace, the Tank 300 Diesel will get wired and wi-fi variations of each Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This mirrors what’s supplied within the hybrid variants, although it’s value noting the petrol variants solely get wired smartphone mirroring.
With my iPhone 15 Professional Max linked wirelessly, I didn’t expertise any dropouts in anyway. Admittedly our drive loop was transient, however I jumped between quite a few Tank 300s all through the day and didn’t have any hassles when connecting and reconnecting.
On the entrance of the centre console, there’s a wi-fi charger that helps hold your cellphone battery topped up whereas utilizing wi-fi smartphone mirroring. There may be additionally a USB-A and USB-C port should you want to plug in for faster charging.
I respect this automobile has a row of bodily local weather management switchgear for features like altering the set temperature and fan velocity, amongst different issues. Whenever you make modifications it flashes up a local weather management interface on the touchscreen, which is useful as a result of you may make additional modifications on there too.
Whereas the Tank 300’s inside appears high-tech and is luxuriously outfitted for the worth tag, it’s a little on the kitschy aspect by way of aesthetics and is a tad by-product. Some examples of this embody the Mercedes-Benz-esque round air vents with ambient lighting, a small analogue clock in the course of the sprint, in addition to the silver textured panel forward of the entrance passenger.
However there are various soft-touch surfaces that make the cabin really feel high-end. It’s not fairly often a $50k automobile feels this good inside. There’s additionally a scarcity of shiny piano black finishes, which is an enormous plus in my eyes.
The aviation-style gear selector nonetheless feels cool to make use of and substantial whenever you go from park to drive or reverse. There are additionally a lot of bodily buttons surrounding it for numerous off-road features, plus outstanding dials for the four-wheel drive system and drive modes.
Whereas I’ve harped on how the Tank 300 has a lavish and opulent inside, it’s additionally rugged. Touches just like the outstanding seize deal with (or Jesus bar) forward of the entrance passenger remind you of this automobile’s off-road potential.
Up entrance, there’s a good quantity of storage, together with two cupholders, a centre console field with airflow, little storage nooks that come out from the dashboard like cupholders (however will not be), and a typical glovebox.
Out again, the second row of this five-seater is a good house to spend time in. Like many Chinese language fashions, the seatback of the rear bench is reclined again, which lets you get relaxed and cozy. There’s additionally loads of house for adults behind adults.
One other component I like concerning the second row is there are large seize handles, that are nice should you’ve obtained a driver who’s being adventurous behind the wheel. Different second-row facilities embody air vents on the again of the centre console, USB ports, and a fold-down armrest with cupholders.
On the rear, the Tank 300 Diesel retains its side-hinging tailgate, which is a little bit of a ache as a result of that you must permit for house on the again when parking. Conversely, it has a full-sized spare wheel on it, which implies there’s extra boot house obtainable inside.
Talking of boot house, it’s unchanged within the diesel variants in comparison with the remainder of the vary. At 400 litres with all of the seats upright, increasing to 1635 litres with the second row folded, it isn’t the most important house on this planet, nevertheless it’s sq. which permits for objects to suit higher.
Boot-related facilities are few and much between, however there’s a 12V socket, bag hooks and a few tie-down factors.
| Dimensions | GWM Tank 300 Diesel |
|---|---|
| Size | 4760mm |
| Width | 1930mm |
| Top | 1903mm |
| Wheelbase | 2750mm |
| Cargo capability | 400L – 5 seats, 1635L – 2 seats |
To see how the GWM Tank 300 strains up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability software
What’s below the bonnet?
GWM now presents a trifecta of powertrains within the Tank 300 vary domestically. The brand new turbo-diesel engine is shared with the Cannon Alpha, in addition to the up to date Cannon ute.
| Specs | GWM Tank 300 Diesel |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.4L 4cyl turbo-diesel |
| Energy | 135kW @ 3600rpm |
| Torque | 480Nm @ 1500-2500rpm |
| Transmission | 9-speed auto |
| Drive sort | Half-time 4×4 (2H, 4H, 4L) |
| Gas financial system (claimed) | 7.8L/100km |
| Gas financial system (as examined) | 9.1L/100km (70km on-road loop), 10.2L/100km (off-road) |
| CO2 emissions (claimed) | 205g/km |
| Gas tank | 75L |
| Weight (kerb) | 2280kg |
| Payload | 600kg |
| Braked towing capability | 3000kg |
| Gross car mass (GVM) | 2880kg |
| Gross mixture mass (GCM) | 5580kg |
To see how the GWM Tank 300 strains up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability software
How does the GWM Tank 300 drive?
Whenever you first hop into the Tank 300 it performs a welcome jingle. It’s reasonably lengthy and obtained outdated in a short time. Fortunately you’re in a position to flip this off within the infotainment system if it bugs you an excessive amount of.
Firing it up, you get a hushed diesel observe on this new Tank 300 variant. It’s not fairly as loud as within the Cannon ute, which itself isn’t very loud to start with. For those who weren’t paying consideration you may not even realise this has a diesel engine.
The aviation-style gear shifter to pick drive or reverse feels substantial. The automobile additionally performs a slingshot-like chime the primary time you go into drive, which is a enjoyable novelty.
Acceleration on this automobile is respectable, particularly at decrease speeds, nevertheless it gained’t blow your socks off. On the finish of the day, this can be a four-cylinder single-turbo diesel shifting a 2.3-tonne body-on-frame SUV so don’t go anticipating a break-neck tempo.
It produces 27kW much less energy than the turbo-petrol, however notably 100Nm extra torque. The latter can also be obtainable decrease down within the rev vary, which implies the automobile can maintain larger gears for longer and nonetheless speed up confidently.
This makes for a settled, snug and stress-free driving expertise, which completely fits a automobile like this. It surprises me that GWM didn’t introduce a turbo-diesel engine to the Tank 300 vary earlier.
The automobile feels most settled when pushed with docile throttle inputs. For those who stamp the throttle from a standstill you get what appears like a quick second of turbo lag earlier than the automobile dials up the speed of acceleration. As soon as this occurs it feels removed from sluggish, however the diesel engine can get a bit clattery and allows you to realize it’s working away.
Like different GWM fashions with this 2.4-litre turbo-diesel, it’s mated with an in-house-developed nine-speed computerized transmission. In follow, it flicks by means of upshifts rapidly to maintain the engine revs down low and to minimise gasoline consumption.
Regardless of this, should you name for faster acceleration or come across a steeper hill, it’ll fortunately dive rapidly again by means of the gears to get issues shifting alongside sooner.
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Annoyingly, the Tank 300’s indicator stalk reverts to the impartial place after you activate it. There have been events after I went to cancel them after altering lanes, for instance, and would find yourself activating three indicator flashes in the other way. Tsk tsk, embarrassing…
At decrease speeds, you may really feel a lot of suspension motion within the cabin, nevertheless it’s not as harsh or stiff as many body-on-frame utes as a result of there are coil springs throughout. Actually, the suspension within the Tank 300 does err on the softer aspect, which implies within the bends it may get the leans up. It’s enjoyable to mess around with, nevertheless it demonstrates this automobile is way from a dynamic weapon.
There are three completely different steering settings to select from, although I caught with the conventional ‘Consolation’ setting because it felt essentially the most pure. Nevertheless, steering really feel all the time stays on the lighter aspect, however nonetheless feels direct.
On the parking entrance, the Tank 300 Diesel comes with entrance and rear parking sensors, in addition to a surround-view digital camera with crystal-clear digital camera high quality. GWM actually is aware of tips on how to make a very good surround-view digital camera.
Getting out on the open highway is the place this automobile feels most at house. At 100km/h the diesel engine revs simply above idle, which makes for an easy driving expertise. Actually, you may barely hear the engine, although there’s copious quantities of wind noise that makes up for this. You should keep in mind that is primarily a field on wheels from an aerodynamics standpoint.
As such, the automobile can get blown round a tad in excessive winds, although usually it feels rock stable on the freeway and freeway. It’s the form of car that appears like you may journey hundreds of kilometres in and nonetheless really feel snug.
For essentially the most half, the Tank 300 Diesel will stick in prime gear and coast together with no worries in any respect, nevertheless it does want to sometimes dive again a gear or two to take care of velocity up inclines. This makes the diesel engine observe extra noticeable, however development doesn’t stutter.
This turbo-diesel engine makes the Tank 300 a extra fascinating possibility for individuals who wish to use their off-roader for overlanding. It’s additionally extra environment friendly than each the turbo-petrol and hybrid powertrains, which implies you may journey additional between refills.
It’s lastly time to speak off-roading. Through the launch we had a quick jaunt on some tracks within the Toolangi State Forest, which the Tank 300 Diesel ate up with ease. However we already know this automobile is extraordinarily succesful off-road.
Just like the turbo-petrol variations, the Tank 300 Diesel has a part-time four-wheel drive system. This implies the automobile can solely be utilized in two-high (rear-wheel drive) on sealed surfaces. 4-high and four-low can solely be used on unsealed surfaces.
Apparently with four-low, that you must use the paddle shifters to vary gears. That is unusual in lots of off-roaders, nevertheless it does can help you take extra direct management over how a lot you need the engine to rev.
Along with this, there are a plethora of off-road drive modes. So many who we didn’t get to check all of them out totally, however they alter the throttle calibration and traction management sensitivity, amongst different components.
The mode I examined essentially the most was ‘Professional Mode’, which is actually a customized mode that means that you can have three presets. It additionally means that you can dial within the precise manner you need the automobile arrange for off-roading.
On the protection entrance, GWM has had Chinese language engineers come out to Australia and tweak the Tank 300’s superior driver help programs (ADAS) calibration. It has made this automobile a lot extra habitable and never so overbearing to drive.
The place you discover this essentially the most is with the lane-keep help and emergency lane-keep help, because it not needs to tear the steering wheel out of your palms the second you drift a bit near a lane marking.
Some programs nonetheless aren’t good although. One in every of these is the adaptive cruise management, which may nonetheless solely be adjusted in 5km/h increments, and also will hold a sizeable distance between the automobile forward.
The opposite is the motive force consideration monitoring, which admittedly isn’t as dangerous as some others on the market, however will chime the second you look away from the highway. It even went off as I used to be doing a head test earlier than altering lanes.
Like a number of different car, this technique additionally obtained upset after I wore sun shades because it couldn’t correctly detect the place my eyes have been wanting. The automobile would throw up a message saying ‘Driver Monitor Degradation’ on the digital instrument cluster, in a poor Chinese language-to-English translation.
| Off-road dimensions | GWM Tank 300 Diesel |
|---|---|
| Observe entrance and rear | 1608mm |
| Floor clearance | 224mm |
| Strategy angle | 33 levels |
| Departure angle | 34 levels |
| Ramp breakover angle | 23 levels |
| Wading depth | 700mm |
To see how the GWM Tank 300 strains up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability software
What do you get?
There are two trim ranges obtainable, with some specification variations relying on the powertrain.
2025 GWM Tank 300 Lux diesel gear highlights:
- 17-inch black-finish alloy wheels
- 265/65R17 spare tyre
- Electronically locking rear differential
- Hill descent management
- Energy-folding, heated exterior mirrors
- LED headlights and tail lights
- Daytime working lights
- Sunroof
- Privateness glass
- Two-piece under-body guard
- Tyre strain monitoring
- Six-way energy driver’s seat
- Consolation-Tek leatherette upholstery
- Microfibre and leatherette steering wheel
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- DAB+ digital radio
- Satellite tv for pc navigation
- Entrance and rear USB ports
- 9-speaker sound system
- Ambient inside lighting (seven colors)
- 12V energy retailers (entrance and baggage cabin)
The Extremely petrol provides:
- 18-inch chrome-finish alloy wheels
- 265/60R18 spare tyre
- Three-piece under-body guard
- Electronically locking entrance differential
- Nappa leather-based upholstery
- Heated and ventilated entrance seats
- Eight-way energy driver’s seat with therapeutic massage operate
- Heated steering wheel
- Wi-fi cellphone charging
- Infinity nine-speaker sound system
- 64-colour ambient lighting
- Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
The Extremely petrol misses out on wi-fi smartphone mirroring, requiring a cable as a substitute. DAB+ digital radio and satellite tv for pc navigation are additionally lacking.
The diesel and hybrid Extremely fashions function all of the aforementioned options, plus:
- Semi-autonomous parking help
- Driver’s seat and mirror reminiscence
- Auto reverse monitoring
- 18-inch black-finish alloy wheels (diesel solely)
Solely hybrid and diesel fashions have auto up/down for all energy home windows, whereas petrol fashions solely have this for the motive force’s window.
Hybrid and diesel fashions additionally completely function GWM App connectivity, permitting you to remotely management the locks, local weather management and heated and ventilated seats in addition to test the car’s gasoline stage remotely.
To see how the GWM Tank 300 strains up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability software
Is the GWM Tank 300 protected?
The GWM Tank 300 has a five-star security score from ANCAP, based mostly on testing carried out in 2022.
| Class | GWM Tank 300 |
|---|---|
| Grownup occupant safety | 88 per cent |
| Youngster occupant safety | 89 per cent |
| Susceptible highway person safety | 81 per cent |
| Security help | 85 per cent |
Normal security gear contains:
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic help
- Secure exit warning
- Lane-keep help
- Adaptive cruise management
- Lane centring
- Site visitors signal recognition
- Seven airbags (entrance, front-side, front-centre and curtain)
- Encompass-view digital camera with ‘Clear Chassis Operate’
- 4 x parking sensors (entrance)
- 4 x parking sensors (rear)
Diesel variants add:
- Entrance cross-traffic alert
- Second-row little one presence detection
- 6x parking sensors (entrance)
- 6x parking sensors (rear)
- Driver monitoring system
Hybrid variants add:
- Freeway Help
- Reverse Help (Extremely Hybrid solely)
- Auto Parking Help (Extremely Hybrid solely)
To see how the GWM Tank 300 strains up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability software
How a lot does the GWM Tank 300 value to run?
The GWM Tank 300 Diesel is roofed by a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee, with seven years of roadside help, and 7 years of capped-price servicing.
| Servicing and Guarantee | GWM Tank 300 Diesel |
|---|---|
| Guarantee | 7 years, limitless kilometres |
| Roadside help | 7 years |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 15,000km |
| Capped-price servicing | 7 years |
| Common annual service value | $606 |
| Complete capped-price service value | $4245 |
After the primary service at 12 months or 10,000km, providers are required each 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first.
To see how the GWM Tank 300 strains up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability software
CarExpert’s Tackle the GWM Tank 300
The Tank 300 is already a terrific off-road SUV, providing loads of functionality and opulent appointments at an interesting value level, however this new turbo-diesel engine possibility makes it an much more compelling bundle. Actually, it’s the choose of the vary.
In comparison with the turbo-petrol and hybrid powertrains, the turbo-diesel feels essentially the most pure in a body-on-frame four-wheel drive like this. The way in which it delivers energy makes for a settled, snug and stress-free driving expertise, particularly on the freeway should you can overlook the wind noise, but additionally off-road.
Crucially, it presents extra payload and towing capability than the turbo-petrol and hybrid powertrain choices. The previous remains to be a pinch level for these variants as a result of you must choose whether or not to load up passengers or gear.
There’s extra room for flexibility within the diesel variants, however extra payload wouldn’t go astray, particularly given the utmost 300kg of towball obtain removes half of the obtainable payload.
We commend GWM for getting its engineers to readdress the Tank 300’s problematic ADAS calibration in Australia, as a result of they’ve made it significantly higher than it was beforehand.
It not pulls the steering wheel laborious the second you drift from the centre of your lane, however another security programs just like the adaptive cruise management and driver consideration monitoring are nonetheless removed from the benchmark.
So diesel energy has made the Tank 300 a lot better, nevertheless it’s nonetheless not good. It will likely be thrilling to see what’s in retailer for the GWM vary when ex-Holden car dynamics engineer Rob Trubiani will get his palms on the vehicles. This Chinese language carmaker is listening to native suggestions and levelling up. Established rivals ought to take discover.
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MORE: Discover the GWM Tank 300 showroom
