This stretched Tank 300 PHEV is said to cater for the more urban-bound off-road warrior.
While it was only rather recently that Malaysia received the Tank 300 HEV, GWM has nevertheless already gone and given its Tonka Toy off-roader a more extensive refresh back in its home market. And this latest update not only brings with it the usual revised styling and more technology, but also introduces a longer-wheelbase variant that is exclusively available with a PHEV powertrain.
Now according to GWM, this streched Tank 300 comes amid a strategic split to its lineup, with the standard-wheelbase models continuing to target hardcore off-road enthusiasts, while the newly-lengthened PHEV is instead aimed at buyers seeking greater everyday comfort and urban practicality.
And touching on that new length in a little more detail, the Tank 300L measures 4,886 mm long, 1,984 mm wide and 1,927 mm tall, making it 126 mm longer, 54 mm wider and 24 mm taller than the regular petrol and diesel variants. More significantly however, its wheelbase has been stretched by 260 mm to 3,010 mm, achieved by moving the front axle further forward rather than extending the rear overhang.
Under the bonnet of the Tank 300L are two plug-in hybrid powertrain options: the Hi4-T and the new Hi4-Z. The latter pairs a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor on each axle, replacing the conventional four-wheel-drive system. It also features a locking rear differential and a three-speed dedicated hybrid transmission that intelligently apportions power between the petrol engine and both electric motors.
The result is a combined output of 761 PS and 1,195 Nm of torque, enabling the Hi4-Z to sprint from 0-100 km/h in an improbable (especially for such an off-roader) 4.2 seconds. A sizeable 59.6 kWh NMC battery, mounted neatly within the wheelbase, meanwhile provides up to 200 km of WLTP-rated electric range. Combined with a 77-litre fuel tank, the Tank 300L is in turn capable of a claimed total driving range of 1,122 km.
The Hi4-T, on the other hand, soldiers on largely unchanged. Its 2.0-litre turbocharged engine is paired with a 177 PS and 495 Nm electric motor integrated into a nine-speed automatic transmission, retaining a conventional mechanical four-wheel-drive system with locking centre and rear differentials. It produces a combined 421 PS and 750 Nm, while its 37.1 kWh NMC battery delivers a WLTP-rated electric range of 105 km. Total driving range is rated at 913 km from its smaller 70-litre fuel tank.
Besides freeing up room for the larger battery, moving the front axle forward has incidentally also shortened the front overhang. As a result, the approach angle has actually improved from the standard-wheelbase model’s 33 degrees to 38 degrees, while the departure angle remains unchanged at 34 degrees. GWM did not disclose the breakover angle, though the significantly longer wheelbase will almost certainly have reduced it. To help offset this, ground clearance has been increased by 10 mm to 235 mm.
Visually, although the Tank 300L’s longer front end is noticeable in profile, GWM has cleverly disguised it with decorative fender vents positioned just ahead of the front doors. The stretched model also gains a beefier front bumper incorporating integrated driving lights and tow hooks.
And to better suit the supposedly more lifestyle-oriented buyers of the Tank 300L, GWM has added a series of M6 threaded mounting points on the exterior, along with tripod-style 1/4-inch threaded mounts inside the cabin for accessories such as auxiliary lights and action cameras. Supporting these are six auxiliary switches on the roof console, capable of powering accessories at up to 300 W each, or 1,040 W in total.
Finally moving inside, the Tank 300 now features a larger 15.6-inch infotainment touchscreen running GWM’s latest Coffee OS. This joins the cabin revisions introduced last year, including rectangular air-conditioning vents, a steering column-mounted gear selector, a redesigned centre console with increased storage and the return of a chunky three-spoke steering wheel.
Befitting of its more road-biased brief too, the Tank 300L has further gained a roof-mounted lidar sensor and additional exterior cameras. These enable highly automated city and highway driving, along with more advanced parking assistance, on top of the usual suite of driver assistance systems.
Tank 300L pricing in China starts from 249,800 yuan (around RM150,000) for the Hi4-T, rising to 259,800 yuan (around RM155,000) for the more powerful Hi4-Z. Whether this stretched PHEV eventually makes its way to Malaysia remains anyone’s guess, though those after another chunky GWM off-roader could perhaps already take a look at the Haval H7, which has already been confirmed for an imminent local launch.
