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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