GWM will become one of just two auto brands to offer petrol, diesel, hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) versions of the same model when it launches the first PHEV versions of its large off-road SUV from next month.
The GWM Tank 300 Hi4-T will arrive in Australian showrooms in March in flagship Ultra trim, with the entry-level Lux following early in April.
The Lux is priced at $55,990 drive-away, while the Ultra is priced at $59,990 drive-away. GWM says these are “limited-time special launch offer” prices, though doesn’t confirm when they end.
That means the Lux PHEV is priced $7000 higher than its diesel counterpart, while the Ultra is $9000 more than the equivalent petrol grade, $7000 more than the diesel and $3000 more than the hybrid.
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The gulf widens further as, until the end of February, GWM is offering $1000 discounts across the Tank 300 lineup.
The Tank 300 is the latest GWM model to gain a PHEV powertrain option in Australia, following the larger Tank 500, the Haval H6 mid-size SUV, and the Cannon Alpha ute.
The Tank 300 Hi4-T mates a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a 120kW electric motor, for total system outputs of 300kW of power and 750Nm of torque, up to 105km of electric range on the NEDC cycle, and combined-cycle fuel consumption of 1.9L/100km.
GWM claims a 30 to 80 per cent charge will take 24 minutes on a 50kW DC fast-charger, while vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability allows you to power external electrical devices at up to 6kW.
Braked towing capacity matches the rest of the lineup at 3000kg and there’s a low-range transfer case and locking front and rear differentials.
GWM says a detailed feature list will be confirmed closer to launch. There are various differences between Lux and Ultra grades of the Tank 300 lineup depending on the powertrain.
However, all feature a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with satellite navigation and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
“With the Tank 300 Hi4-T PHEV, we’re continuing to expand our cutting-edge plug-in hybrid technology providing genuine off-road strength, all at a highly competitive price point,” said GWM Australia chief operating officer John Kett.
“As demonstrated across our other PHEV variants, we remain committed to delivering vehicles where customers can benefit from strong EV-only range, fast charging, V2L and true mechanical 4×4 capability.
“As the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) are likely to change the Australian automotive landscape like never before, GWM stands ready to deliver more technology for less.”
The Tank 300 Hi4-T will have little in the way of direct competition. The most obvious rival is the B5 from BYD’s new premium brand Denza, but it’s priced between $74,990 and $79,990 before on-road costs, making it quite a bit more expensive.
On the Australian new-car market in 2026, only the Kia Sorento also concurrently offers petrol, diesel, hybrid and PHEV powertrains. However, the Sorento’s base petrol engine has been axed and stock is set to run out by the end of March.