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GWM Tank 300: a seriously capable SUV that conquers southern markets

A true 4x4 for the price of a city SUV

GWM Tank 300
Photo: GWM

You might have expected your next SUV to be sleek, quiet and almost invisible in traffic. Well, with the GWM Tank 300, such quiet anonymity is already on the “what ifs” list. It disguises itself as an urban crossover, but carries the soul of a true SUV. And that’s exactly what it’s made for – a bad day, a good nature trip or a weekend trip will take on a new dimension. With the courtly touch of a retro-military vehicle and technological equipment that doesn’t disappoint – yes, the TANK 300 is a surprisingly “lifestyle” off-road machine.

The TANK brand belongs to the Chinese manufacturer Great Wall Motor (GWM). The GWM Tank 300 model first appeared in 2020 under the name “WEY TANK 300”, and then TANK became an independent brand with a tasteful off-road style. The basic building block? A ladder-frame chassis construction – which means: not just a crossover, but a serious off-roader that can feel the forest path as well as the city street.

GWM Tank 300
Photo: GWM

Style and presence – GWM Tank 300

TANK 300 looks like something out of a picture book: “I’m going over the rocks in the evening” and “I’m going to the city for coffee tomorrow”. Square edges, high “stance”, massive wheel arches – it attracts attention everywhere. But just like “big eyes and a small heart” it can be disappointing: here the heart actually exists. Everyday usability is present: a large 12.3-inch screen, leather/neoprene seats, ambient lighting, wireless phone charging.

Photo: GWM

Technical data – for number lovers

Powertrain: GWM Tank 300

  • 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine: power around 162 kW (~220 hp) and torque around 380-387 Nm.
  • Hybrid: Combined system – turbo + electric – power approx. 258 kW (~350 hp) versus 648 Nm in some versions.
  • Latest: 2.4 l diesel – power ~135 kW and torque ~480 Nm.

Dimensions and construction: GWM Tank 300

  • Length around 4 760mm, width 1 930 mm, height approx. 1 903 mm.
  • Spacing: 2 750 mm.
  • Ground clearance approx. 224 mm.
  • Approach/departure angle: approximately 33°/34°.

Capacity

  • Load/towing capacity: up to 1000 kg on some diesel versions 3,000 kg traction.
  • What about acceleration and top speed? For the petrol version, 0-100 km/h can be around ~10 s, top speed around 170 km/h (~105 mph).

Interior and everyday usability

If you imagine an SUV that performs in the city without compromise – the GWM Tank 300 has it all: leather (or leather-accented) seats, driver's seat massage, multi-color ambient lighting, 9-speaker Infinity system, wireless charging. (GWM) The large wheels and frame construction mean that parking may be more challenging than with a “normal” SUV, but you’ll feel a bit more adventurous with every journey out of the race location.

Photo: GWM

Lifestyle – why TANK 300

Imagine a weekend: coffee in the city center in the morning, and a trip to nature in the afternoon – without changing vehicles. The TANK 300 allows you to do just that. This is not your typical “prestige” SUV that is just for looks – here is a function that wears it well. If you are inspired by freedom, travel, curiosity and – why not – the feeling of being different, then the TANK 300 is a genuine candidate.
Important: It's not perfect for everyone - if you live in an ultra-dense urban area, with narrow streets and parking on every corner, you might want a smaller car. But if you want a compromise between city comfort and off-road uncompromisingness - here it is.

Photo: GWM

Conclusion: A tempting price

The GWM Tank 300 impressed me: for a brand that is not yet as old as the “big players”, it shows ambition that can be felt. It is stylish, it is raw, but not awkward in the city. However, for a price that often remains below the “big names”, you get more than just a car – you get an experience, an even better specification.

Photo: GWM
GWM Tank 300
Photo: GWM

Price wise TANK 300 places it among the surprisingly affordable true SUVs. The base model with a petrol engine starts at around 28.000 €, which means that for this amount you get a serious “off-road” construction with a frame chassis, four-wheel drive and a lot of technology. Better equipped versions – hybrid or diesel – can go up to about 40.000 €, depending on equipment and drive. Compared to competitors such as Jeep Wrangler or Land Cruiser, which typically exceed €60,000, the TANK 300 offers an exceptional balance between price, performance and style. You could say that this is one of those cars that, when you look at the price, makes you want to check if there is a zero missing – but no, the numbers are correct.

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