GWM also managed to secure a clean sweep of all T2 production vehicle categories at the rally.
While there has been a positive flood of off-road brands arriving on our shores these days, some naturally have more accolades to their name than others. And one marque that has been steadily adding to its trophy cabinet recently is GWM, with its flagship Tank 700 Hi4-T having just claimed overall victory at the 2026 Taklimakan Rally.
In fact, GWM enjoyed a particularly successful outing at this year’s event, securing a clean sweep of all T2 production vehicle categories. The Chinese automaker walked away with the T2.E New-Energy Manufacturers’ Cup, T2.1 ICE Manufacturers’ Cup and T2.3 Production Club Cup.
Contested over 17 days and spanning some 7,500 kilometres across some of the harshest desert terrain on the planet, the 2026 Taklimakan Rally featured 13 special stages and more than 3,400 kilometres of competitive racing through deserts, river crossings, rocky terrain and extreme temperatures.
This year’s rally also included some of the toughest stages in its history, including the third special stage (SS3), which stretched for 468 kilometres and became the longest single stage in six years. The notorious SS5 and SS6 “Devil Double” stages have meanwhile historically recorded some of the lowest finishing rates in the event.
Despite these conditions though, GWM’s factory-backed entries delivered an exceptional performance. The rally-winning Tank 700 Hi4-T secured 11 stage victories, while other GWM-backed teams added another 11 stage wins throughout the event. Perhaps most impressively of all, the automaker’s entire factory-backed lineup completed the rally without a single mechanical retirement.
Also noteworthy is that the competing vehicles were based on production vehicle architecture. Built according to FIA regulations for the T2 production category, the rally machines retained their original chassis structure, body architecture and core production drivetrain systems, highlighting the strength of the engineering foundations that begin on the factory floor.
More importantly for Malaysian customers, GWM is keen to emphasise that the lessons and engineering know-how gained from its rally programme eventually trickle down into its road-going Tank lineup, including the Tank 300 and Tank 500 currently on sale in Malaysia.
The Tank 300 has recently gained a hybrid powertrain option in Malaysia, complementing the turbocharged four-cylinder variant that first arrived here two years ago. Prices for the rugged and boxy off-roader currently start from RM 250,000 for the petrol-powered version, while the HEV commands a RM 10,000 premium.
The Tank 500 meanwhile is essentially GWM’s answer to the Toyota Land Cruiser and is actually larger than the already-massive Big T. Powered by the same hybrid powertrain as its smaller Tank 300 sibling, this ladder-frame luxury SUV is currently priced from RM 328,800.
And just to further sweeten the deal for prospective buyers, GWM Malaysia is currently offering savings of up to RM 30,000 on selected Tank 300 and Tank 500 HEV models. This is in addition to five years of free maintenance, inclusive of both parts and labour, across the entire Tank lineup.
