GWM has confirmed a V8-powered Tank 700 is on the way, with Australia and New Zealand firmly in the frame.
Speaking to ANZ media at the 2026 Beijing Auto Show, GWM Chairman Jack Wei confirmed the flagship off-road SUV is planned to adopt a newly developed V8 engine. While timing and market rollout have not yet been confirmed, the intent is clear. This engine is being developed specifically for global markets where large-capacity engines still matter.
“In the future, the Tank 700 will also use a V8 engine. The supercar uses a high-performance V8, while the Tank 700 uses a normal V8,” said Wei. “We developed this V8 to meet the needs of more global users, in markets such as Australia and New Zealand.”
That positioning matters. This is not a China-first powertrain. It is being built for markets like ours, where towing, touring and off-road capability still drive buying decisions.
The Tank 700 already sits at the top of GWM’s off-road lineup. In its current form, it runs a plug-in hybrid V6 setup, pairing a 3.0-litre twin-turbo engine with an electric motor. It is a large, full-size SUV with serious intent, aimed squarely at the premium 4WD segment.
The V8 forms part of a wider push from GWM into higher-output powertrains. The company has also confirmed a 4.0-litre twin-turbo hybrid V8 for its upcoming GF supercar, showing that multiple V8 applications are in development. The Tank 700 version is expected to be a more conventional setup, tuned for durability and real-world use rather than outright performance.
For New Zealand, the appeal is obvious. This is the space currently occupied by vehicles like the Land Cruiser 300 and Patrol, where engine character, towing ability and long-distance confidence still matter as much as interior tech.
There are still gaps. No confirmed specs, no confirmed launch timing, and no pricing. It is also unclear whether the V8 will incorporate hybrid assistance or remain purely combustion.
What this does confirm is direction. GWM is pushing the Tank brand further into premium territory, and it is willing to develop engines specifically for markets like Australia and New Zealand to get there.
If the Tank 700 V8 makes it here, it will not just be another option. It will be GWM’s most serious play yet in the large-capacity, long-range touring space.
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