Is the GWM Tank 300 NZ’s best value offroader?

A proper luxury offroader used to cost somewhere between $80,000 and $150,000. Until now. Great Wall Motors are bringing the Tank 300 to New Zealand shores with all the capability of the big name 4WDs at a much, much better price.

Starting at just $56,990 this may be the best value SUV on sale in New Zealand. With a retro design that’s a little bit Suzuki Jimny and a little bit Jeep Wrangler, we also reckon it’s one of the coolest.

Impressive off-road credentials

The NZ version of the Tank 300 comes with a hybrid drivetrain that pairs a 78 kW electric motor with a 180 kW petrol engine for a combined 258 kW and 615 Nm of torque (which is more than a top spec Landcruiser).

You can drive for short distances on EV power and access the instant torque of the electric motor to get yourself out of sticky off-road situations.

This grunty power train is paired with impressive off-road credentials. You’ll get electronically controlled front and rear diff locks with the Ultra trim (rear-only for the Luxe trim), plus 224 mm of ground clearance and approach/departure angles of 33 & 34 degrees. The Ultra trim also gets a nifty transparent chassis function that uses 360 degree cameras to create a clear view around and under the car to improve visibility in rough terrain.

Early Australian and New Zealand reviews of the Tank’s off-road capability have been impressive. But don’t take our word for it:

• “The GWM Tank 300 is an impressive 4WD wagon. It’s nice to drive on-road – smooth and refined – and very capable off-road,” Marcus Craft, Cars Guide.
• “The Tank pretty much shrugged off all the AARC (Australian Automotive Research Centre) could throw at it,” David Linklater, Driven Car Guide NZ.
• “The Tank 300 had no such issues on our hillclimb and mud bogs, irrespective of whether the front and rear diffs were locked,” James Wong, CarExpert Australia.

Unlike many of its competitors reviewers also noted that it was quiet and comfortable to drive on road, with plenty of power and sporty, responsive steering.

A lot of tech, a little luxury

Many of the GWM Tank’s offroad competitors have basic cabins and limited driver assistance tech (unless you spend $100,000+). But the Tank is very well endowed regardless of what spec you choose.

The Ultra has a gorgeous cabin with heated and cooled front seats accented with Nappa leather and a 12.3 inch infotainment touchscreen, 9 speakers, Apple Carplay and Android Auto. The infotainment screen seamlessly flows into a 12.3 inch instrument cluster, creating the appearance of one massive screen on the car’s dash. It looks a little like the cabin inside a late model Mercedes, believe it or not.

As well as keeping you comfortable the GWM Tank 300 will keep you safe. It’s got a 5-star ANCAP safety rating, 360 degree camera, adaptive cruise control, rear cross traffic alert with brakes and much more. The Ultra also comes with a few extra features like automatic parking and reverse assist (yes it parks itself).

Test drive a Tank

The GWM Tank 300 is the most exciting new SUV to come to New Zealand shores in years. If you’d like to find out more (or even test drive a Tank) call or email your local Niccars today.