GWM isn’t tiptoeing into electrification. It’s charging in, low-range engaged.
The Chinese automaker has since confirmed full pricing, powertrain specifics, and launch timing for the Tank 300 Hi4-T plug-in hybrid — an electrified off-road SUV that doesn’t bother to water down its hardcore lineage. Due to land in Australian and NZ showrooms from March 2026, the Tank 300 PHEV looks set to be one of the most interesting electrified four-wheel drives available in our part of the world.
And unlike many hybrids that sneakily give up grit for efficiency, this one is after both.
Serious Power, Familiar Hardware
The base of the Tank 300 Hi4-T itself is a workhorse status GWM’s Hybrid Intelligent 4WD system previously utilised in the bigger Tank 500 and Cannon Alpha twins. It teams a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine with a 120kW electric motor, for combined outputs of 300kW and 750Nm — numbers that well and truly trump most competitors in the class.
Importantly, this is not a software-simulated AWD layout. The plug-in hybrid Tank 300 retains a proper mechanical four-wheel-drive system, complete with a low-range transfer case and locking front and rear differentials. In other words, electrification hasn’t dulled the SUV’s off-roading DNA.
Electric Range That Actually Matters
One of the headline claims for the Tank 300 PHEV is its usable electric range. GWM claims an electric range of 105–115km (NEDC), depending on the market. That figure can drop to a more realistic WLTP range of around 90km in the real world, which is still impressive for something so large and capable.
In New Zealand, GWM has detailed a 37.1kWh lithium-ion battery powering the vehicle, which local specifications should closely track. The fuel figure is as low as 1.9L/100km, indicating how much around-town work you can accomplish without the petrol engine waking up.
Fast Charging and Power on Tap
Another strong card is charging flexibility. The Tank 300 Hi4-T can max out at 50kW DC fast charging, for a more promising-sounding claim of topping up from 30-80 percent in about 24 minutes at best.
It also comes with Vehicle-to-Load (V2L), which provides up to 6kW of external power. That means tools, camping equipment, or even small appliances can be used directly from the SUV—a feature that’s become more popular among off-roaders and touring enthusiasts.
Towing and Terrain: No Compromises
Despite the additional mass from its batteries, the Tank 300 plug-in hybrid also claims a 3,000kg braked towing capacity to remain in line with its diesel and petrol siblings. Several terrain-specific drive modes alter power delivery and traction for sand, mud, rocks, and snow.
This mix of electrification and traditional capability is at the heart of GWM’s pitch. The company has made it very clear that its PHEV strategy isn’t about producing soft-roaders – it’s all about adding electric torque and efficiency to proper four-wheel drives.
Pricing and Variants
In Australia, the Tank 300 PHEV sits at the top of the heap as the most advanced drivetrain yet:
- Lux 2.0L turbo plug-in hybrid: $55,990 drive-away
- Ultra 2.0L turbo plug-in hybrid: $59,990 drive-away
The Ultra version is coming before launch, with the Lux edition to follow soon after.
On the other side of the Tasman, in New Zealand, pricing starts at NZ$63,990 for Lux, rising to NZ$68,990 for Ultra – this is truly bang-for-your-buck territory, with a PHEV that sits neatly between budget-conscious and flagship levels.
A Strategic Move for GWM
The Tank 300 Hi4-T is the fifth plug-in hybrid to be offered by GWM in New Zealand and will help continue the brand’s electrification drive Down Under. And it helpfully fills the void beneath the larger Tank 500 Hi4-T, itself a more compact but still mildly formidable option.
Given how quickly electrification is taking hold across the SUV class, what sets GWM apart? Instead of asking buyers to sacrifice, the Tank 300 PHEV sets out to show that efficiency, electric range, and real off-road hardware can coexist—all without exploding pricing.
Final equipment lists and market-specific specifications will be announced closer to launch. Still, one thing is already certain – this sure isn’t a hybrid acting tough. It is a rugged SUV, one that also just so happens to be very smart with electricity.
For more information about the GWM Tank 300 PHEV, please visit their official website.
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Hey, I’m Badal! I’m super passionate about cars—especially electric ones. Whether it’s EVs, electric trucks, bikes, or anything with a battery and wheels, I’m all in. I love writing blogs and articles that break things down for fellow enthusiasts and curious readers alike. Hope you enjoy the ride as much as I do! Enjoyed reading? You can buy me a coffee on PayPal ☕ → paypal.me/BadalBanjare
