China’s GWM has lastly launched a turbo-diesel engine to its Tank 300 off-road SUV.
Notice: It is a revised model of our most up-to-date evaluation of the GWM Tank 300, as there have been no main modifications to the mannequin because it was revealed.
We’ve got up to date key particulars resembling pricing and specs with the freshest info out there. Learn our newest worth and specs article right here for all the small print.
This large 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 greater 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 accordance with 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 provided in two variants, Lux and Extremely. They’re priced from $47,990 drive-away and $51,990 drive-away respectively.
WATCH: Paul’s video evaluation of the 2024 GWM Tank 300 Extremely Hybrid
The turbo-diesel engine is the primary distinction to the remainder of the present 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, nonetheless, it nonetheless falls in need of the Toyota Fortuner’s 3100kg determine, in addition to the class-leading 3500kg provided by the Prado and Everest.
The Tank 300 Diesel’s increased towing capability pushes it into the “heavy off-road passenger autos” class below the Australian Authorities’s incoming New Automobile Effectivity Normal emissions regulation, giving it a better 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 value?
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 in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability instrument
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What’s the GWM Tank 300 like on the within?
In case you’re anticipating large modifications contained in the Tank 300 Diesel, suppose once more. It’s just about 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 outfitted cabin for the worth tag.
Hopping in, there are large facet steps and chunky seize handles that make ingress loads simpler. It is a deceptively massive 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 mushy and supple. It’s additionally supportive and has tons of adjustment, together with thigh tilt, lumbar, and even a therapeutic massage operate. Whereas many Chinese language automobiles have mushy and easy upholstery, loads don’t have comfy driver’s seats, so this can be a refreshing change.
Forward of the driving force is a giant steering wheel which is befitting of a automobile like this. It appears chunky with the thick spokes, but it surely doesn’t really feel too massive to carry due to the thinner outer rim. It provides loads of tilt and attain adjustment, which suggests individuals of many alternative sizes and statures will have the ability to discover a comfy 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 probably 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 appears high-resolution, although it has a darkish theme so there’s a good bit of detrimental area. It tells you all of the vital info you must see, like your present pace clearly and brightly, nonetheless. There are a number of totally different layouts you’ll be able to select from, in addition to some infographic pages you’ll be able to cycle by way of.
Transferring throughout, there’s a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system that’s equally as clear because the digital instrument cluster. The person interface has plenty of totally different parts, but it surely isn’t too tough to navigate round. Plus, should you get misplaced there are shortcut buttons on the right-hand facet of the display.
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 operate.
As normal, the Tank 300 Diesel will get wired and wi-fi variations of each Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This mirrors what’s provided within the hybrid variants, although it’s value noting the petrol variants solely get wired smartphone mirroring.
With my iPhone 15 Professional Max linked wirelessly, I didn’t expertise any dropouts in any way. Admittedly our drive loop was transient, 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 preserve your telephone battery topped up whereas utilizing wi-fi smartphone mirroring. There’s additionally a USB-A and USB-C port should you 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 pace, amongst different issues. Once you make modifications it flashes up a local weather management interface on the touchscreen, which is useful as a result of you can also make additional modifications on there too.
Whereas the Tank 300’s inside appears high-tech and is luxuriously outfitted for the worth tag, it’s a little on the kitschy facet when it comes to aesthetics and is a tad by-product. Some examples of this embody 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 lots of 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 an enormous plus in my eyes.
The aviation-style gear selector nonetheless feels cool to make use of and substantial while you go from park to drive or reverse. There are additionally a number of bodily buttons surrounding it for varied off-road features, plus distinguished 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 distinguished seize deal with (or Jesus bar) forward of the entrance passenger remind you of this automobile’s off-road potential.
Up entrance, there’s a good 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 a good area to spend time in. Like many Chinese language fashions, the seatback of the rear bench is reclined again, which lets you get relaxed and cozy. There’s additionally loads of area for adults behind adults.
One other aspect I like concerning the second row is there are big seize handles, that are nice should you’ve received a driver who’s being adventurous behind the wheel. Different second-row facilities embody 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 you must enable for area on the again when parking. Conversely, it has a full-sized spare wheel on it, which suggests there’s extra boot area out there inside.
Talking of boot area, 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 biggest area on this planet, but it surely’s sq. which permits for objects 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 in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability instrument
What’s below 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) |
| Gas economic system (claimed) | 7.8L/100km |
| Gas economic system (as examined) | 9.1L/100km (70km on-road loop), 10.2L/100km (off-road) |
| CO2 emissions (claimed) | 205g/km |
| Gas 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 in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability instrument
How does the GWM Tank 300 drive?
Once you first hop into the Tank 300 it performs a welcome jingle. It’s moderately 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. In case you 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 first rate, particularly at decrease speeds, but it surely received’t blow your socks off. On the finish of the day, this can be a four-cylinder single-turbo diesel transferring 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 out there decrease down within the rev vary, which suggests the automobile can maintain increased gears for longer and nonetheless speed up confidently.
This makes for a settled, comfy and enjoyable 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. In case you 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 sluggish, however the diesel engine can get a bit of 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 computerized transmission. In apply, it flicks by way of upshifts rapidly to maintain the engine revs down low and to minimise gasoline consumption.
Regardless of this, should you name for faster acceleration or encounter a steeper hill, it’ll fortunately dive rapidly again by way of the gears to get issues transferring 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 after 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’ll be able to really feel a number of 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 actual fact, the suspension within the Tank 300 does err on the softer facet, which suggests within the bends it will probably get the leans up. It’s enjoyable to mess around with, but it surely demonstrates this automobile is way from a dynamic weapon.
There are three totally different steering settings to select from, although I caught with the traditional ‘Consolation’ setting because it felt probably 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 best way to make an excellent 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 actual fact, you’ll be able to barely hear the engine, although there’s copious quantities of wind noise that makes up for this. You must keep 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 sometimes it feels rock strong on the freeway and freeway. It’s the form of car that seems like you may journey 1000’s of kilometres in and nonetheless really feel comfy.
For probably 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 pace 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 choice for individuals who need to use their off-roader for overlanding. It’s additionally extra environment friendly than each the turbo-petrol and hybrid powertrains, which suggests you’ll be able to journey additional between refills.
It’s lastly time to speak off-roading. Through 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.
Curiously with four-low, you must use the paddle shifters to alter gears. That is unusual in lots of off-roaders, but it surely does will let you 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 totally, however they alter the throttle calibration and traction management sensitivity, amongst different components.
The mode I examined probably the most was ‘Skilled Mode’, which is basically a customized mode that lets you have three presets. It additionally lets you dial within the precise manner 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 methods (ADAS) calibration. It has made this automobile a lot extra habitable and never so overbearing to drive.
The place you discover this probably the most is with the lane-keep help and emergency lane-keep help, because it not needs to tear the steering wheel out of your palms the second you drift a bit of near a lane marking.
Some methods nonetheless aren’t excellent although. Certainly one of these is the adaptive cruise management, which may nonetheless solely be adjusted in 5km/h increments, and also will preserve a sizeable distance between the automobile forward.
The opposite is the driving 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 number of different car, this method additionally received upset after I wore sun shades because it couldn’t correctly detect the place my eyes had been trying. 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 |
|---|---|
| Monitor entrance and rear | 1608mm |
| Floor clearance | 224mm |
| Strategy angle | 33 levels |
| Departure angle | 34 levels |
| Ramp breakover angle | 23 levels |
| Wading depth | 700mm |
To see how the GWM Tank 300 traces up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability instrument
What do you get?
There are two trim ranges out there, 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 working 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 operate
- Heated steering wheel
- Wi-fi telephone 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 driving 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 degree remotely.
To see how the GWM Tank 300 traces up in opposition to 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 carried out in 2022.
| Class | GWM Tank 300 |
|---|---|
| Grownup occupant safety | 88 per cent |
| Baby occupant safety | 89 per cent |
| Weak highway person safety | 81 per cent |
| Security help | 85 per cent |
Normal security gear contains:
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic help
- Secure exit warning
- Lane-keep help
- Adaptive cruise management
- Lane centring
- Site 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 in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability instrument
How a lot does the GWM Tank 300 value 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 value | $606 |
| Complete capped-price service value | $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 in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability instrument
CarExpert’s Tackle the GWM Tank 300
The Tank 300 is already an amazing off-road SUV, providing loads of functionality and opulent appointments at an interesting worth level, however this new turbo-diesel engine choice makes it an much more compelling package deal. In actual fact, it’s the choose of the vary.
In comparison with the turbo-petrol and hybrid powertrains, the turbo-diesel feels probably the most pure in a body-on-frame four-wheel drive like this. The way in which it delivers energy makes for a settled, comfy and enjoyable driving expertise, particularly on the freeway should you 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 it’s important to choose 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 out there 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 laborious the second you drift from the centre of your lane, however another security methods 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. Will probably be thrilling to see what’s in retailer for the GWM vary when ex-Holden car dynamics engineer Rob Trubiani will get his palms on the automobiles. This Chinese language carmaker is listening to native suggestions and levelling up. Established rivals ought to take discover.
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