Latest plug-in hybrid SUV from China’s GWM promises genuine off-road performance with ample electric driving range
GWM has confirmed two plug-in hybrid variants of its Tank 300 medium off-road SUV, which will launch in Australia with a starting price of $55,990 drive-away.
The Chinese automaker will first debut the range-topping ‘Ultra’ grade in early March, followed by the cheaper ‘Lux’ in early April. The models have limited-time launch prices of $59,990 and $55,990 drive-away, respectively.
Plug-in hybrid medium SUVs are more common-place now than ever before in Australia, with the market juggling the longstanding $63,790 Mitsubishi Outlander, and fresh blood $42,990 BYD Sealion 6 and $37,990 Chery Tiggo 7. Prices shown are before on-road costs.
But GWM’s PHEV-powered Tank 300 uniquely promises off-road prowess, with locking differentials and a ladder-frame chassis — meaning its closest rival would be the Denza B5 (from $74,990), or non-hybrids such as the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (from $73,200) and Jeep Wrangler (from $81,990).
Both of the inbound Tank 300 variants make use of a ‘Hi4-T PHEV’ powertrain, which combines a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with a 120kW electric motor to produce a combined output of 300kW and 750Nm.
Across both grades, the ‘Hi4-T’ system claims an EV-only driving range of 105km and combined fuel economy figure of 1.9-litres/100km — both figures are held to optimistic NEDC testing standards.
The PHEV system additionally supports vehicle-to-load up to 6kW, with GWM claiming a DC charging time of 24 minutes to go from 30 to 80-percent, peaking at 50kW.
Much like GWM’s Cannon Alpha PHEV and recently launched Tank 500 PHEV, the Tank 300 PHEV features a mechanical four-wheel-drive system paired with a plug-in hybrid powertrain.
The Tank 300 features a nine-speed automatic, low-range, front and rear locking differentials, and a three-tonne braked towing capacity. Terrain-specific drive modes are expected, but not yet confirmed.
If PHEV variants are to mirror the specifications of petrol, diesel, and plugless hybrid counterparts, the Tank 300 Lux PHEV will likely include feature:
17-inch alloy wheels
Locking rear differential
Two-piece underbody guard
Tank-turn function
LED headlights and taillights
Sunroof
Auto-folding, heated wing mirrors
Comfort-Tek (vinyl) upholstery
Microfibre leather steering wheel
12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
12.3-inch touchscreen
Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Nine-speaker stereo
Ambient interior lighting (seven colours)
Digital radio
360-degree camera, plus front and rear parking sensors
While stepping into the Tank 300 Ultra PHEV would grant:
Larger 18-inch alloys
Locking front differential
Three-piece underbody guard
Nappa leather upholstery
12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with massage
Heated and cooled front seats
Heated steering wheel in leather
Nine-speaker Infinity premium stereo
Ambient interior lighting (64 colours)
220-volt power outlet in the boot
Automated parking function with reverse tracking
Further details for the Tank 300 PHEV will be confirmed closer to its launch in March.
GWM Tank 300 2026: prices in Australia
All prices listed are drive-away.
Lux Diesel: $47,990
Ultra Petrol: $49,990
Ultra Diesel: $51,990
Ultra HEV: $55,990
Lux PHEV: $55,990
Ultra PHEV: $59,990
