Specifications for the long-awaited GWM Tank 300 line-up have been released, giving us our first detailed look at the make-up of this new ladder-frame SUV range in South Africa…
The GWM Tank 300 was originally scheduled to launch in South Africa in 2023 but ended up being delayed. With an official market introduction surely just around the corner, Haval Motors SA – which takes care of the Haval, GWM and Ora brands locally – has released full specifications for this fresh-faced ladder-frame SUV.
So, what have we learned? Well, we now know the Tank 300 line-up will comprise 3 derivatives from launch: the 2.0T 8AT 4×4 Super Luxury, the 2.0T 8AT 4×4 Ultra Luxury and the 2.0T HEV 9HAT 4×4 Super Luxury.
As you can see, there is a choice of powertrains. The standard turbocharged 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine makes 167 kW and 387 Nm, peak outputs that are delivered to all 4 corners via an 8-speed automatic transmission as standard. Interestingly, that’s a smidgen more power than originally reported. Combined fuel consumption is listed as 9.5 L/100 km.
Meanwhile, the hybrid version is based on a similarly sized 4-pot but churns out total system outputs of 255 kW and 648 Nm (gaining some extra twisting force compared with the originally supplied figures). The hybrid model switches to a 9-speed automatic transmission, while its claimed fuel economy is listed as 8.4 L/100 km. No sign of a turbodiesel option in the Tank 300 line-up.
Regardless of the selected powertrain, braked towing capacity comes in at 2 500 kg, while ground clearance is listed as 200 mm. The base model rides on 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 265/60 R17 tyres, while the Ultra Luxury and HEV upgrade to 18 inchers shod in 265/60 R18 rubber. All come with a full-size spare (alloy) wheel affixed to the tailgate.
The luggage compartment can handle a claimed 400 litres, a figure that’s expandable to 1 635 litres with the 60:40-split rear bench dropped down. While a rear differential lock (along with crawl control and a chassis-view camera) is standard across the range, the Tank 300 2.0T 8AT 4×4 Ultra Luxury adds a front diff lock to the equation. The hybrid model appears to employ a somewhat different 4×4 system, too.
Other features that are standard for all 3 derivatives include keyless entry, a sunroof, dual-zone air-conditioning, a towbar, privacy glass, leather trim for the steering wheel, gear-shift paddles, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen (with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), a 360-degree camera system, a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, automatic headlights (with an auto high-beam function) and adaptive cruise control.
Meanwhile, safety kit includes 7 airbags, stability control, automatic emergency braking, front collision warning, lane departure warning, lane keeping assistant, lane central keeping, hill-assist control, hill-descent control and tyre pressure monitoring, among others.
The Ultra Luxury trim level is set apart by items such as an electro-chromatic rear-view mirror, a heated steering wheel, 64-colour ambient cabin lighting (as opposed to 7 hues in the Super Luxury derivatives), Nappa leather seats (rather than the standard leather used in the other variants), heated/ventilated front seats and a driver’s seat massage function.
In Mzansi, the Tank 300 will be available in a choice of 5 exterior paint colours: White, Black, Mars Red, Orange and Grey. We’ll update this story with official pricing once it becomes available…
The GWM Tank 300 range in South Africa
Tank 300 2.0T 8AT 4×4 Super Luxury
Tank 300 2.0T 8AT 4×4 Ultra Luxury
Tank 300 2.0T HEV 9HAT 4×4 Super Luxury
All derivatives ship with a 7-year/200 000 km warranty (and 7-year/unlimited kilometre roadside assistance), with the hybrid variant’s battery pack further covered by an 8-year/150 000 km warranty. A 5-year/75 000 km service plan (with intervals of 15 000 km) is also included.
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