GWM TANK 300 HYBRID

HYBRID OFFROADER IS BATTLE READY

- JOHN LAW

THE 2023 GWM Tank 300 Hybrid has landed in Australian dealerships from $55,990 drive-away to become the first ever mass-production hybrid off-roader sold here.

Tank is a GWM spin-off brand in China, but here in Australia it falls under the parent moniker and uses the same 'P71' ladder-frame underpinnings from the GWM Ute Cannon range. There are five models overseas, but the 300 is first to hit Aussies shores with the Prado-sized 500 likely to follow suit.

Measuring 4.68 metres long and riding on a 2.75m wheelbase, the Tank 300 hybrid is essentially China's answer to the Jeep Wrangler.

The Tank's price and looks alone are pretty attractive for a recreational offroader, but it's the 258kW power figure and 615Nm of torque that are the most headline-grabbing. This is a hybrid, but not one necessarily built with fuel efficiency in mind.

On-demand 4x4 with a low-range transfer case, locking rear (and optional front) differential give the Tank 300 hybrid plenty of potential on paper, too.

It's a curious looking beast, with a hint of Holden Jackaroo, or even retro-future Lada Niva to the exterior design. We'll admit that black isn't the best choice of colours, instead the poppy Hamilton orange or Lunar red work better.

Despite having all the off-road goodies, the Tank 300's equipment list reads more like a 4x4 you'd pose at Bondi with than cross the Simpson in.

The base Lux trim we drove is a $55,990 drive-away proposition and ships with 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, sunroof, leatherette upholstery, a heated steering wheel, four-way electric driver's seat, twin 12.3-inch displays and 360-degree camera on board.

GWM's touchscreen interface is typically frustrating and houses all the HVAC control within, but you'll likely learn the quirks over time.