Peter Lyon
February 7, 2024
This week, China’s Great Wall Motors (GWM) revealed on its Facebook page that its Tank 300 will be available in Malaysia as early as mid-2024. The corporation also said that 300,000 units of the model have already left the factory.
Similar to Ora, GWM owns the Tank brand, which includes models like the Tank 300, Tank 400, and Tank 500. The smallest of all of them, the 300 measures 2,750 mm in its wheelbase, 4,760 mm in length, 1,930 mm in width, and 1,903 mm in height.
That makes the Tank 300 wider than the Mazda CX-5, taller than the Ford Ranger Raptor, and longer than the Honda CR-V, and with a longer wheelbase than Mazda’s CX-8.
According to the brand’s official Chinese website, there are two powerplant options for the Tank 300. Mated to an 8-speed automated gearbox, the first is a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine that produces 220 hp and 380 Nm of torque.
The flagship model gets a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with a 48V mild hybrid system packing 245 hp and 380 Nm and a 9-speed automatic. For some reason that was not explained clearly in GWM’s press release, the 48V mild hybrid version is dubbed the “Time Traveller.” This will no doubt become clearer when the crossover goes on sale.
Wheel sizes up to 18 inches are available for the Tank 300, an SUV equipped with a multi-link rear suspension and a double-wishbone front suspension setup.
The Tank 300 has many off-road and driver assistance features, including two 12.3-inch screens, wireless charging, eight speakers, heated and ventilated seats, soundproof glass, and gear shift paddles. But as these are specifications for the Chinese market, we’ll just have to wait to see how Malaysian spec models fare.
In terms of cost, the Tank 300’s lowest grade—known as the “Challenger,”–is priced at 199,800 yuan (about RM133,707); the “Conqueror” at 216,800 yuan (roughly RM145,083); and the “Time Traveller” is priced at 226,800 yuan (roughly RM151,775). Would you give up your Japanese SUV in exchange for this Chinese tank, then?
CARLIST THOUGHTS
Let’s not hold back here. Okay, there is no doubt that the Tank 300 ‘borrows’ distinct design hints from Jeep—from the squarish grille to the chunky body styling to the accented blacked-out wheel arches. Very ‘Jeep’ and very conservative in its styling execution. But by offering a choice of a 2.0L turbo and a 2.0L turbo with 48V mild hybrid system, it is appealing to a wide range of customers. Dare we suggest that we will see a fully electric version following in around one year?
