What’s this new car all about then?
GWM has officially rolled out plug-in hybrid versions of the Tank 300 for New Zealand with the launch of the Hi4-T model that uses the same powertrain as the larger Tank 500 Hi4-T. Joining the diesel, petrol and standard hybrid models in the 300 line up, the 300 Hi4-T PHEV tops the range, coming in both Lux and Ultra variants, both with the same 300kW/750Nm powertrain.
Like its ICE and hybrid siblings, the Tank 300 Hi4-T is a five-seater ladder chassis SUV with part-time 4WD, and a rear electronic locking differential. The PHEV powertrain more than double the power output of the diesel variant, while also offering considerably more torque, and will push the 300 to 100km/h from a standing start in a frankly silly 6.3 seconds.
The 300 sits on the same ladder chassis as the GWM Cannon ute, with double wishbone suspension at the front and a solid axle with coil springs at the rear, making it a pretty traditional off-roader in terms of chassis set up, however it's high-tech powertrain is most certainly not a traditional off-roader set up.
Blending a 180kW/380Nm 2.0-litre petrol four-cylinder turbo engine with a 120kW/400Nm electric motor and a 37.1kWh battery, the 300 Hi4-T features an NEDC claimed all-electric range of 115km (likely to be closer to 80 or 90km in the real world) and a combined fuel consumption figure of 1.9L/100km on a full charge, or 8.3L/100km on a depleted battery.
This means a considerably amount of silent all-electric running, combined with some serious performance punch, more in line with that other recent high-tech entrant into the ladder chassis 4X4 segment, the Denza B5.
But where the Denza lands squarely at the luxury end of the segment, the Tank is priced right in the meat of the mainstream, yet still packs the big power and performance, while also making a pretty good fist of the comfort, refinement and, yes, even luxury side of things.
How much is it?
As mention earlier, the Hi4-T models top the Tank 300 range, with the Lux landing in New Zealand at $62,990, while the Ultra drops in at $67,990.
Both are comprehensively equipped, with the Lux coming standard with such niceties as 18-inch alloy wheels, V2L capability, leather accented power-adjustable seats, an electric sunroof, LED lights all round, a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a full driver assist and safety suite.
The Ultra adds a front locking diff, Nappa leather accented seats, heated and cooled front seats with a massage function for the driver, a heated steering wheel, extra underbody protection, and 64 colour ambient interior lighting.
What's it like to drive?
For a ladder chassis SUV, the Tank 300 has always boasted an impressively refined ride and the Hi4-T simply adds considerably more power to that. This basically means that it feels impressively brisk off the line, effortlessly responsive when up and running, and simply unstoppable off the road.
While driving time was limited - and split between the 300 and 500 Hi4-T - it is very apparent that the powertrain is lively and responsive in a way you simply don't expect in a ladder chassis off-road focussed SUV.
The PHEV powertrain more than double the power output of the diesel variant, while also offering considerably more torque, and will push the 300 to 100km/h from a standing start in a frankly silly 6.3 seconds.
While the soundtrack from the 2.0-litre turbo engine does seem a little at odds with the bulky power on offer - it is clearly a small capacity engine and revs like one - the overall effect is one of truly satisfying shove regardless of where or when you sink the throttle pedal to the floor.
What’s the pick of the range?
While the Lux is extremely well equipped, the extra $5k for the Ultra is worth spending, particularly if you are actually planning on using the 300 Hi4-T off road, as the addition of the front locking diff alone is worth it. However, if urban use is more your thing, then the higher-quality leather seats that are heated and cooled also makes a strong case for the extra spend.
What other cars should I consider?
To be completely honest, there are very few direct competitors for the Tank 300 Hi4-T when it comes to plug-in hybrid ladder chassis 4X4s, with the most mechanically similar alternative - the aforementioned Denza B5 ($88,990 to $96,990) - costing considerably more.
The second most obvious competitor for the 300 is the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado hybrid ($85,490 to $107,490), but it too is considerably more expensive, while also being considerably less powerful and, yes, considerably less well equipped.
In terms of other PHEVs (that aren't the Denza), you need to look at crossover-style alternatives like the Mitsubishi Outlander ($64,990 to $81,990) and the Toyota RAV4 PHEV ($57,990 to $66,990) that forgo the Tank's prodigious off-road capabilities, as well as its 3000kg towing ability.
And given the 300's brilliantly retro looks, the Jeep Wrangler has to be in the equation too, although its retail pricing ($84,990 to $104,990) and the fact that the PHEV 4Xe version isn't available anymore (or, indeed, ever available locally) makes it a very different proposition in everything aside from off-road capability and cool looks.
