That became immediately obvious during the launch drive program for the new GWM Tank 300 PHEV, where the brand laid out not only its latest drivetrain technology, but also its ambitions for New Zealand. After spending time behind the wheel both on-road and off-road, it’s clear GWM sees Tank as far more than just another SUV badge in an increasingly crowded market.
For those unfamiliar with the new model, the Tank 300 PHEV combines a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine with an electric motor and plug-in hybrid battery system, producing a combined output of approximately 300kW and 750Nm. Power is delivered through a nine-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel-drive system, while the platform itself remains body-on-frame with proper low-range gearing underneath.
Unlike many electrified SUVs now entering the market, the Tank still retains genuine off-road hardware. Front and rear locking differentials are available, alongside multiple terrain modes, crawl control, and the kind of suspension articulation you’d expect from a dedicated ladder-frame 4WD rather than a soft-roader crossover.
On paper, it’s a fascinating combination.
A plug-in hybrid drivetrain producing serious power figures, wrapped inside something that still looks and feels like a traditional off-roader.
The Tank 300 PHEV also carries over much of the styling that’s helped the standard Tank models gain traction globally. It’s unapologetically upright and boxy, with clear inspiration drawn from classic off-road vehicles, while inside there’s a far more premium cabin than many buyers likely expect from the badge. Twin digital displays dominate the dashboard, while the materials, switchgear, seating, and overall presentation feel noticeably more refined than earlier generations of Chinese SUVs.
That broader push toward premium positioning formed a major part of the launch presentation itself. GWM New Zealand openly discussed its ambitions of becoming a top-five automotive brand locally, while outlining how each sub-brand now has a dedicated role within the wider business. Cannon focuses on practical utility and ute buyers, Ora covers EV technology, Haval handles mainstream SUVs, while Tank is being developed as the tougher lifestyle and off-road arm of the company.
There was also a major focus on localisation. GWM repeatedly referenced its “grow local, grow more” strategy, leaning heavily into New Zealand-specific marketing, dealer expansion, field days appearances, and partnerships like the New Zealand Warriors sponsorship to strengthen the brand’s local identity.
But naturally, the real question surrounding the Tank 300 PHEV is whether the drivetrain actually works in the environments these vehicles are marketed toward.
Fortunately, GWM didn’t avoid that question.
The launch drive included dedicated off-road sections designed to showcase the Tank platform’s capability, and the results were impressive. What stands out immediately is how refined the hybrid system feels at low speed off-road. Electric torque delivery works incredibly well in technical terrain, allowing the vehicle to crawl smoothly and predictably without the sudden surging or throttle spikes that can sometimes upset traction in turbocharged petrol or diesel drivetrains.
On steep climbs, loose surfaces, and slower technical sections, the Tank 300 PHEV felt composed and surprisingly natural to drive. The transition between electric and petrol power is largely unobtrusive, while the low-speed control available through the drivetrain gives the vehicle a very settled feel when working through obstacles.
The chassis itself still carries the same ingredients that have made the Tank platform popular with off-road buyers in the first place. You’ve still got the ladder-frame chassis underneath, proper low-range gearing, locking differentials, and genuine off-road geometry that separates it from the increasingly soft SUV market.
What the hybrid system changes is the character of the vehicle.
Where traditional turbo-diesel off-roaders often rely on revs and gearing to build momentum, the Tank 300 PHEV delivers immediate torque in a much smoother and quieter fashion. In many ways, it actually suits technical off-road driving remarkably well. The electric assistance fills gaps in the power delivery and makes the vehicle feel more responsive at low speed than many conventional drivetrains.
On-road, the hybrid system also transforms the Tank’s personality. The additional refinement, quieter operation, and instant electric torque make it feel noticeably more modern than the standard petrol-powered version. It retains the upright, tough styling and commanding driving position the Tank range has become known for, but with a much more polished overall driving experience.
Beyond the vehicle itself, one of the more interesting aspects of the launch was how openly GWM discussed future drivetrain development. During the presentation, executives confirmed hybrid diesel technology is currently under development globally — something that could become highly significant for markets like New Zealand and Australia, where towing, touring, and rural use still heavily favour diesel powertrains.
The company also confirmed several additional launches are coming throughout the remainder of the year, including the Cannon PHEV, updated Tank variants, and additional models yet to be formally announced.
For many buyers, though, the biggest hurdle remains trust. GWM appears fully aware of that. A significant portion of the presentation focused on dealer network growth, after-sales support, servicing, and parts supply — areas that are critical if the brand wants to move further into higher price brackets and compete directly with more established names.
After spending time with the Tank 300 PHEV both on-road and off-road, it feels increasingly difficult to dismiss GWM as simply a budget challenger brand. The level of product development, drivetrain sophistication, and market investment now being shown suggests something much more serious is happening.
Whether traditional buyers are ready to fully embrace a hybrid-powered Chinese off-roader remains to be seen. But based on what we experienced during the launch program, GWM is no longer knocking on the door of the New Zealand 4WD market, it’s already inside.
Oh, and what's this?
Also sitting at the launch was the limited-run GWM Cannon-XSR, which we recently covered on 4XJournal. Based on the Cannon platform, the XSR sharpens the formula considerably with a more aggressive off-road focus, including black-finished 18-inch wheels wrapped in 265/65R18 all-terrain tyres, steel front and rear bumpers, underbody protection, a snorkel, front and rear locking differentials, Crawl Mode, and GWM’s Turn Assist by Braking system. Power comes from a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel paired to a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission and selectable high and low-range four-wheel drive. Priced at $52,490 RRP, the Cannon-XSR positions itself as one of the more aggressively priced factory off-road utes currently available in New Zealand. Seeing it in person alongside the Tank range reinforced just how heavily GWM is now leaning into the adventure and 4WD market locally.
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