GWM is rolling out its fifth plug in hybrid, the Tank 300 Hi4-T, arriving in local showrooms by March 2026. PHEVs have been one of the fastest growing segments as buyers flirt with full EV ownership but want oil-burning range. The off roader is built for the shorter supermarket run but is as comfy on at thrifty highway cruising and getting to out of the way campsites. Starting at $55,990 driveaway for the Lux and $59,990 for the Ultra, it puts a lot of tech into a package that undercuts the established players. Chinese auto makers continue to embarrass the Brits, Yanks, and Euros who can’t get anywhere near this price.
At a glance:
- Transmission:9-speed Hybrid Automatic (9HAT).
- System Integration:The electric motor sits cleverly between the engine and the transmission.
- Four-Wheel Drive:Unlike many PHEVs that use electric motors for all-wheel drive, the Tank 300 Hi4-T retains a traditional mechanical four-wheel-drive system, featuring a low-range transfer case and locking differentials.
- Performance:A hefty 3000kg braked towing capacity.
The heart of this rather handsome SUV is a turbo petrol engine mated to an electric motor. It produces mountainous torque, and has heavy duty 4×4 hardware with low range and locking diffs. It means you can actually use that electric grunt to crawl through a gully or over a rock shelf without the car second guessing your every move.
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ABOVE: GWM Tank 300 Hi4-T PHEV
During the week, it functions like a quiet commuter. You get about 100km of electric range, which is plenty to get through a city crawl with the petrol engine rarely firing up. When the battery does run low, it supports fast charging, so you aren’t sitting around for hours waiting for a charge.
One of the more practical features is the ability to use the car as a giant battery pack. You can plug in high draw appliances like a fridge or a kettle while you’re parked up in the bush. It beats carrying a generator and makes a night under the stars a lot more comfortable.
The Ultra grade lands first in March, with the Lux following shortly after in April. GWM is cleverly offering a proper 4×4 that happens to be a hybrid, rather than a hybrid that happens to look like a 4×4. It offers a lot of capability for the money, especially for those who want to explore the tracks without the usual fuel bill or the noisy idle of a diesel. It is a rugged, heavy hitting wagon that bridge the gap between a daily driver and a serious weekend explorer.
For the price if a Rav4, you get a PHEV with Prado ability
FeatureSpecificationPrice (Lux)$55,990 DriveawayPrice (Ultra)$59,990 DriveawayPowertrain2.0L Turbo Petrol + 120kW Electric MotorTotal Output300kW and 750NmTransmission9-speed Hybrid Automatic (9HAT)Battery Capacity37.1kWh Lithium-ionElectric RangeUp to 105km (NEDC)Fuel Economy1.9L/100km (Combined)Drive SystemMechanical 4WD with Low RangeLocking DiffsFront and RearTowing Capacity3,000kg BrakedDC Fast Charging50kW (30 to 80% in 24 mins)V2L Output6kW External Power
FeatureSpecificationPrice (Lux)$55,990 DriveawayPrice (Ultra)$59,990 DriveawayPowertrain2.0L Turbo Petrol + 120kW Electric MotorTotal Output300kW and 750NmTransmission9-speed Hybrid Automatic (9HAT)Battery Capacity37.1kWh Lithium-ionElectric RangeUp to 105km (NEDC)Fuel Economy1.9L/100km (Combined)Drive SystemMechanical 4WD with Low RangeLocking DiffsFront and RearTowing Capacity3,000kg BrakedDC Fast Charging50kW (30 to 80% in 24 mins)V2L Output6kW External Power.
For the Drive-Away price of a Rav4, you get a PHEV with Prado ability, except this one can power your entire campsite.
|
Feature |
Specification |
|
Price (Lux) |
$55,990 Driveaway |
|
Price (Ultra) |
$59,990 Driveaway |
|
Powertrain |
2.0L Turbo Petrol + 120kW Electric Motor |
|
Total Output |
300kW and 750Nm |
|
Transmission |
9-speed Hybrid Automatic (9HAT) |
|
Battery Capacity |
37.1kWh Lithium-ion |
|
Electric Range |
Up to 105km (NEDC) |
|
Fuel Economy |
1.9L/100km (Combined) |
|
Drive System |
Mechanical 4WD with Low Range |
|
Locking Diffs |
Front and Rear |
|
Towing Capacity |
3,000kg Braked |
|
DC Fast Charging |
50kW (30 to 80% in 24 mins) |
|
V2L Output |
6kW External Power |
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Alan Zurvas is the founder and editor of Gay Car Boys, Australia's leading LGBTQI+ automotive publication. Before launching GCB in 2008, Alan's automotive writing was published in SameSame.com.au and the Star Observer. With over 16 years of hands-on car reviewing experience, Alan brings an honest, irreverent voice to every review — championing value and innovation over brand loyalty.
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