GWM has released the first pictures of its inbound facelifted GWM Tank 300 and revealed that the plug-in hybrid version comes with a much larger battery pack that will provide for an EV range of more than 200km.
That figure is expected to drop off on the more pessimistic Euro WLTP test cycle, but the large 60kWh pack is expected to provide comfortably more than the current Tank 300’s 37kWh battery’s 100-115km total.
More good news is, as well as looking better, beneath the skin engineers have gone to huge lengths to improve the way the Toyota Prado or Ford Everest rival drives and rides.
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Fractionally larger than the current vehicle, the new Tank 300 measures in at 4886mm long (+126mm), 1984mm wide (+81mm) and stands 1927mm tall (-3mm) and comes with a much longer 3010mm wheelbase (+260mm) for more space within.
Crucially, designers have relocated the front axle, slashing the overhang for better off-road performance and on-road stability.
Improving road manners, the Tank 300 embraces a redesigned front double-wishbone and fresh rear multi-link live axle, with all models including a locking rear differential and an optional front locking diff.
The current 2.4-litre turbo-diesel carries over, along with two petrols – a 265kW 3.0-litre turbo and a 175kW 2.0-litre four-cylinder.
Full details of the plug-in version have not yet been released but it’s thought the electrified Tank 300 could share its most advanced powertrain with the latest Tank 400 not available in Australia that pairs a 2.0-litre turbo petrol and two e-motors to produce a mammoth 635kW of power and 1195Nm of torque.
More benefits of sharing its bigger brother’s advanced PHEV is it introduces powerful 800-volt electrics for much faster DC charging of up to 163kW, with a 10 to 80 per cent refill of the battery taking around 20 minutes.
In China, the Tank 300 will also feature uprated driver assist tech that is set to include new hardware like an upgraded LiDAR binnacle above the windscreen but in markets like Australia we’re likely to miss out on the hands-off supervised highway and urban driving.
Finally, it’s hard to miss that the Tank 300 deletes the current version’s silver badging and replaces it with TANK lettering.
New towing recovery points either side of the numberplate carrier have also been added, while new A-pillar attachments will help owners easily add aftermarket accessories like brighter LED lightbars.
