Conquering Uncharted Terrains: The GWM TANK 300 Revolutionizes Off-Road Luxury in South Africa

In the bustling arena of rugged off-roaders, the GWM TANK 300 has roared into the spotlight, offering a blend of brawn and beauty that’s bound to make even the most discerning adventure seekers sit up and take notice. With GWM South Africa ushering in this behemoth, the TANK 300 isn’t just a vehicle; it’s a statement—a declaration of luxury, performance, and unparalleled off-road capability that’s shaking up the local landscape.

Bianca van Staden, the maestro behind GWM South Africa’s marketing, brand, and PR, isn’t just selling a car; she’s inviting South Africans to join a globally cherished off-road lifestyle that’s found fans in China and Australia alike. The TANK 300, she assures, is more than ready to conquer the hearts and rugged terrains of South Africa.

GWM’s journey in South Africa, beginning in 2007, is a tale of unwavering commitment and growth. From introducing commercial vehicles to becoming a powerhouse with a diverse lineup including HAVAL SUVs and the electric ORA, GWM’s expansion is a testament to its dedication to the South African market. The TANK 300 is the latest jewel in its crown, promising a fusion of luxury and off-road prowess that’s as rare as it is desirable.

Engineered with a no-compromise attitude, the TANK 300 is a fortress on wheels. Its ladder frame chassis is a marvel of strength, providing a foundation that’s both robust and refined. The vehicle’s design is a head-turner, combining modern aesthetics with nods to off-road icons of yore. It’s a beast that wears its ruggedness with elegance, ready to tackle both urban jungles and untamed wilderness with equal finesse.

Performance-wise, the TANK 300 is as versatile as it is powerful. Offering two distinct drivetrain options—a Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) version for those leaning towards efficiency and a turbo-petrol for the traditional power seekers—the TANK 300 is ready to dominate any terrain. With an array of off-road systems and a sophisticated 4×4 setup, this vehicle is a testament to GWM’s engineering prowess, promising an adventure that’s as thrilling as it is comfortable.

Inside, the TANK 300 is a sanctuary of luxury. Dual 12.3” LCD screens, quilted leather upholstery, and ambient lighting with up to 64 colors ensure that every journey is steeped in comfort and class. Practicality isn’t sacrificed at the altar of luxury, with features like a 220V power outlet in the HEV model and ample charging ports ensuring that adventurers are always connected and comfortable.

Safety is paramount in the TANK 300, with a suite of advanced features ensuring peace of mind. From Vehicle Stability Control to Adaptive Cruise Control and an emergency escape latch, GWM leaves no stone unturned in safeguarding its occupants.

Now, let’s talk brass tacks—the pricing. Starting at under R750,000, the TANK 300 is positioned as a value proposition that’s hard to ignore. With models ranging from the Super Luxury to the Ultra Luxury variants, there’s a TANK 300 for every taste and adventure.

In summary, the GWM TANK 300 isn’t just another entrant in the off-road segment; it’s a game-changer. Offering a blend of performance, luxury, and safety at a price point that’s bound to raise eyebrows, the TANK 300 is poised to become a beloved companion for South African adventurers. Whether you’re tackling the rugged trails of the great outdoors or cruising the urban sprawl, the TANK 300 promises a journey unlike any other—a true testament to GWM’s vision of bringing unmatched off-road luxury to the masses.

Specifications

The Hybrid Electric version of the GWM TANK 300 features the best in GWM engineering for unmatched power and torque with low fuel consumption. This model is also equipped with an iBooster Intelligent Braking System that allows for energy regeneration during braking.

Combined power (petrol/electric): 255 kW (Petrol engine: 180 kW @ 5 500 r/min – 6 000 r/min and electric motor 78kW)

Combined torque (petrol/electric): 648 Nm (Petrol engine: 380 Nm @ 1 700 r/min – 4 000 r/min and electric motor 268Nm)

Transmission: 9-speed Hydraulic Automatic gearbox

Fuel consumption: 8.4 litre / 100 km in a combined cycle

The GWM TANK 300 petrol models are equipped with a next-generation turbo-petrol engine with variable boost technology and direct injection. It offers ample power and torque and will, thanks to the on- and off-road management systems, offer great all-round driveability.

Power: 162 kW @ 5 500 r/min

Torque: 380 Nm @ 1 800 r/min to 3 600 r/min

Transmission: 8-speed Automatic gearbox

Fuel consumption: 9.5 litre / 100 km

Interior: Luxury and practicality

The GWM TANK 300 will undoubtably set a new benchmark for luxury in its class. But this does not come at the expense of the practicality that overland adventurers look for in their vehicle.

Luxury 

All versions of the GWM TANK 300 feature luxuries that are unmatched both in quantity and at the model price. These include:

• Dual 12.3” high-definition LCD screen

The cojoined screens form one large screen that offers a fully customisable instrument cluster and a large infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The screen also displays the images from the various external cameras and offers full control over the vehicle’s comfort and off-road systems.

The dual screen system displays off-road ready information such as altitude, air pressure, compass, body roll angle, steering wheel and wheel angle and tyre pressure.

• Ambient lighting

The Super Luxury models feature a choice of 7 ambient colours, while the Ultra Luxury version has no less than 64 ambient colours to choose from.

• Leather upholstery

Quilted leather abound in the cabin, including in the door panels and, using micro-fibre leather, on the steering wheel.

• Multi-function, multi-adjustable controls

All models feature a steering wheel that is adjustable in all directions, has controls for the infotainment, phone and cruise-control systems, feature paddle shifters for the automatic transmission. 

• Charging ports

Type A and C in the front row and Type A in the rear. A 12V charging port in the luggage compartment and to the roof rails. 

The HEV model in Super Luxury specification have a 220 V power output in the luggage compartment and wireless charging between the front seats.

• Electrically adjustable seats

Six-way electric adjustment for the driver and four ways for the passenger on the Super Luxury specification. 

• More!

And add to this long list of features – Bluetooth, dual zone climate control with rear high and low mounted air vents, a high-performance sound, electric windows all round, privacy glass, a soundproof windshield and side windows for the front occupants, automatic low and high beams, automatic windscreen wipers and many, many more luxuries. 

Practicality

As is befitting of a true off-road vehicle such as the GWM TANK 300, there are many ingenious design features that improve the vehicle’s practicality.

These include:

• Grab handles on the A and B-pillar

• Stainless steel door sills

• Roof-mounted grab handles (excluding the driver)

• Rope hooks

• A dashboard-mounted handle for the front passenger

• 60/40 split rear bench and 100% folded seats

• Tyre pressure monitoring

• Keyless entry

• Keyless start

Safety and security

GWM’s unwavering focus on safety and security is clearly evident in the list of standard safety features on all versions of the GWM TANK 300.

The list includes (but is in no means exhaustive):

• Vehicle stability control (ESC and ESP and ETC)

• Hydraulic brake assist (HBA) with Anti-Lock Brakes and four disc brakes

• Anti-slip regulation and traction control (AST and TCS)

• Roll Movement Intervention (RMI)

• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)

• Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)

• Front Collision Warning (FCW)

• Lane Keep Assistance (LKA)

• Traffic Jam Assistance (TJA)

• Lane Departure Warning (LDW)

• Driver Fatigue Monitoring

• Emergency Braking Signal

• Second Collision Mitigation

And many more features, including several passive safety features that are normally not expected in this category. 

These include:

• Seven airbags

• ISOFIX child seat anchors

• Pre-crash seatbelt system

• Three-point seatbelts for all occupants, and

• An emergency escape latch in the luggage compartment.

Colours, price, warranty and service plan

There are five distinct colours to choose from. These are: White, Black, Mars Red, Orange and Grey.

All models are sold with a 7-year / 200 000 km new vehicle warranty and unlimited roadside assistance for the same period. A 5-year / 75 000 km service plan is included across the range, and service intervals are 12 months or every 15 000 km whichever comes first.

The HEV model has an additional warranty that covers the complete high-voltage system and vehicle battery for a full 8-years / 150 000 km. 

Says Van Staden: “While we can boast about the incredible list of features and safety equipment in the GWM TANK 300, we are mostly proud of its pricing and value proposition. With a starting price of less than R750 000, the GWM TANK 300 is truly in a class of its own.”

The GWM TANK 300 range will comprise the following models:

• Tank 300 2.0T 8AT 4×4 Super Luxury R725 950 (Available Late Q1)

• Tank 300 2.0T 8AT 4×4 Ultra Luxury R775 950 (Available Late Q1)

• Tank 300 2.0T 9HAT 4×4 Super Luxury R851 950For more information on the GWM TANK range, visit www.gwmtank.co.za

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