China’s GWM has lastly launched a turbo-diesel engine to its Tank 300 off-road SUV.
Be aware: It is a revised model of our most up-to-date assessment of the GWM Tank 300, as there have been no main modifications to the mannequin because it was printed.
We now have up to date key particulars akin to pricing and specs with the hottest data accessible. Learn our newest worth and specs article right here for all the small print.
This huge 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 capable of go after larger 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 response to GWM, the Tank 300 Diesel “in all probability 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 assessment of the 2024 GWM Tank 300 Extremely Hybrid
The turbo-diesel engine is the principle 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.
Consequently, the Tank 300 Diesel can tow 500kg greater than the petrol and hybrid autos. With a 3000kg braked towing capability, nevertheless, it nonetheless falls in need of the Toyota Fortuner’s 3100kg determine, in addition to the class-leading 3500kg supplied by the Prado and Everest.
The Tank 300 Diesel’s greater towing capability pushes it into the “heavy off-road passenger autos” class beneath the Australian Authorities’s incoming New Automobile Effectivity Normal emissions regulation, giving it the next 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 price?
GWM expects diesel variations to account for greater than half of all Tank 300 gross sales.
| Mannequin | Drive-away worth |
|---|---|
| 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 traces up towards the competitors, try our comparability instrument
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What’s the GWM Tank 300 like on the within?
For those who’re anticipating huge modifications contained in the Tank 300 Diesel, assume once more. It’s nearly equivalent to all of the petrol and hybrid variants, which isn’t any dangerous factor as a result of it’s nonetheless a high-tech and luxuriously geared up cabin for the value tag.
Hopping in, there are huge facet steps and chunky seize handles that make ingress rather a lot 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 motive force’s seat feels deliciously gentle and supple. It’s additionally supportive and has heaps of adjustment, together with thigh tilt, lumbar, and even a therapeutic massage perform. Whereas many Chinese language vehicles have gentle and clean upholstery, rather a lot don’t have snug driver’s seats, so it is a refreshing change.
Forward of the motive force is a giant steering wheel which is befitting of a automobile like this. It seems to be chunky with the thick spokes, but it surely doesn’t really feel too giant to carry due to the thinner outer rim. It provides loads of tilt and attain adjustment, which suggests folks of many various 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 digicam, 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 seems to be high-resolution, although it has a darkish theme so there’s a good bit of adverse house. It tells you all of the vital data it is advisable to see, like your present velocity clearly and brightly, nevertheless. There are a couple of totally different layouts you may select from, in addition to some infographic pages you may cycle by means of.
Shifting throughout, there’s a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system that’s equally as clear because the digital instrument cluster. The person interface has a variety of totally different components, but it surely isn’t too difficult to navigate round. Plus, if you happen to get misplaced there are shortcut buttons on the right-hand facet of the display screen.
You may open up a devoted off-road set of shows that are cool to mess around with. Specifically, I really like the ‘Conquerer Perspective’, which makes use of the surround-view digicam and has a clear chassis perform.
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 price noting the petrol variants solely get wired smartphone mirroring.
With my iPhone 15 Professional Max related wirelessly, I didn’t expertise any dropouts in anyway. Admittedly our drive loop was temporary, 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 if you happen to favor to plug in for faster charging.
I recognize 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 helpful as a result of you can also make additional modifications on there too.
Whereas the Tank 300’s inside seems to be high-tech and is luxuriously geared up for the value tag, it’s a little on the kitschy facet by way of aesthetics and is a tad by-product. Some examples of this embrace the Mercedes-Benz-esque round air vents with ambient lighting, a small analogue clock in the midst of the sprint, in addition to the silver textured panel forward of the entrance passenger.
However there are numerous 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 an absence of shiny piano black finishes, which is a large plus in my eyes.
The aviation-style gear selector nonetheless feels cool to make use of and substantial once you go from park to drive or reverse. There are additionally numerous 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 an honest 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 should not), and a typical glovebox.
Out again, the second row of this five-seater is an honest 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 comfy. There’s additionally loads of house for adults behind adults.
One other factor I like concerning the second row is there are large seize handles, that are nice if you happen to’ve received a driver who’s being adventurous behind the wheel. Different second-row facilities embrace 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 it is advisable to enable for house on the again when parking. Conversely, it has a full-sized spare wheel on it, which suggests there’s extra boot house accessible 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 the earth, but it surely’s sq. which permits for gadgets 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 |
| Peak | 1903mm |
| Wheelbase | 2750mm |
| Cargo capability | 400L – 5 seats, 1635L – 2 seats |
To see how the GWM Tank 300 traces up towards the competitors, try our comparability instrument
What’s beneath the bonnet?
GWM now provides 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 kind | Half-time 4×4 (2H, 4H, 4L) |
| Gasoline financial system (claimed) | 7.8L/100km |
| Gasoline financial system (as examined) | 9.1L/100km (70km on-road loop), 10.2L/100km (off-road) |
| CO2 emissions (claimed) | 205g/km |
| Gasoline 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 traces up towards the competitors, try our comparability instrument
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 received previous in a short time. Fortunately you’re capable of flip this off within the infotainment system if it bugs you an excessive amount of.
Firing it up, you get a hushed diesel word 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 won’t even realise this has a diesel engine.
The aviation-style gear shifter to pick out 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, but it surely gained’t blow your socks off. On the finish of the day, it is 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 accessible decrease down within the rev vary, which suggests the automobile can maintain greater 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 seems like a short second of turbo lag earlier than the automobile dials up the speed of acceleration. As soon as this occurs it feels removed from gradual, however the diesel engine can get a little 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 automated transmission. In apply, it flicks by means of upshifts rapidly to maintain the engine revs down low and to minimise gasoline consumption.
Regardless of this, if you happen to 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 once I went to cancel them after altering lanes, for instance, and would find yourself activating three indicator flashes in the wrong way. Tsk tsk, embarrassing…
At decrease speeds, you may really feel numerous suspension motion within the cabin, but it surely’s not as harsh or stiff as many body-on-frame utes as a result of there are coil springs throughout. In reality, the suspension within the Tank 300 does err on the softer facet, which suggests within the bends it might get the leans up. It’s enjoyable to mess around with, but it surely demonstrates this automobile is much from a dynamic weapon.
There are three totally 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 at all times stays on the lighter facet, 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 digicam with crystal-clear digicam high quality. GWM actually is aware of the right way to make a superb surround-view digicam.
Getting out on the open highway is the place this automobile feels most at residence. At 100km/h the diesel engine revs simply above idle, which makes for a simple driving expertise. In reality, you may barely hear the engine, although there’s copious quantities of wind noise that makes up for this. It’s essential bear in mind that is basically 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 seems like you can journey 1000’s of kilometres in and nonetheless really feel snug.
For essentially the most half, the Tank 300 Diesel will stick in high gear and coast together with no worries in any respect, but it surely does want to sometimes dive again a gear or two to take care of velocity up inclines. This makes the diesel engine word extra noticeable, however development doesn’t stutter.
This turbo-diesel engine makes the Tank 300 a extra fascinating possibility for many who wish to use their off-roader for overlanding. It’s additionally extra environment friendly than each the turbo-petrol and hybrid powertrains, which suggests you may journey additional between refills.
It’s lastly time to speak off-roading. In the course of the launch we had a short 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, it is advisable to use the paddle shifters to vary gears. That is unusual in lots of off-roaders, but it surely does mean you can 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 absolutely, however they alter the throttle calibration and traction management sensitivity, amongst different components.
The mode I examined essentially the most was ‘Knowledgeable Mode’, which is actually a customized mode that means that you can have three presets. It additionally means that you can dial within the actual means you need the automobile arrange for off-roading.
On the security 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 desires to tear the steering wheel out of your arms the second you drift a little bit near a lane marking.
Some programs nonetheless aren’t excellent although. One in all 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 couple of different car, this technique additionally received upset once 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 |
| Method angle | 33 levels |
| Departure angle | 34 levels |
| Ramp breakover angle | 23 levels |
| Wading depth | 700mm |
To see how the GWM Tank 300 traces up towards the competitors, try our comparability instrument
What do you get?
There are two trim ranges accessible, 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 operating lights
- Sunroof
- Privateness glass
- Two-piece under-body guard
- Tyre stress 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 shops (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 perform
- 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 traces up towards the competitors, try our comparability instrument
Is the GWM Tank 300 protected?
The GWM Tank 300 has a five-star security score from ANCAP, based mostly on testing performed 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 consists of:
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic help
- Protected exit warning
- Lane-keep help
- Adaptive cruise management
- Lane centring
- Visitors signal recognition
- Seven airbags (entrance, front-side, front-centre and curtain)
- Encompass-view digicam with ‘Clear Chassis Operate’
- 4 x parking sensors (entrance)
- 4 x parking sensors (rear)
Diesel variants add:
- Entrance cross-traffic alert
- Second-row baby 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 traces up towards the competitors, try our comparability instrument
How a lot does the GWM Tank 300 price 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 price | $606 |
| Complete capped-price service price | $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 traces up towards the competitors, try our comparability instrument
CarExpert’s Tackle the GWM Tank 300
The Tank 300 is already an excellent off-road SUV, providing loads of functionality and opulent appointments at an interesting worth level, however this new turbo-diesel engine possibility makes it an much more compelling bundle. In reality, it’s the decide 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 best way it delivers energy makes for a settled, snug and stress-free driving expertise, particularly on the freeway if you happen to can overlook the wind noise, but in addition off-road.
Crucially, it provides extra payload and towing capability than the turbo-petrol and hybrid powertrain choices. The previous continues to be a pinch level for these variants as a result of you must decide 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 accessible 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 exhausting 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 significantly better, but it surely’s nonetheless not excellent. 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 arms 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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