2027 GWM Tank 300 breaks cover

The covers have come off the updated GWM Tank 300 in China, revealing larger dimensions and a longer wheelbase for the off-road SUV, along with a new Hi4-Z plug-in hybrid powertrain, though the updated off-roader has yet to be confirmed for Australia.

Despite being spruiked as an "all-new" model, the 2027 Tank 300 retains the familiar boxy styling of the current model, with most of the visual changes centred on its revised proportions.

According to Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) filings, the new Tank 300 measures 4886mm long (+126mm), 1984mm wide (+54mm) and 1927mm tall (+24mm), riding on a 3010mm wheelbase (+260mm).

Judging by its shorter front overhang, it appears as though GWM pushed the front axle forward, which will likely improve the SUV's approach angle and off-road capability.

Although we’re yet to see official interior images, subtle exterior tweaks include a roof-mounted LiDAR sensor and the replacement of the circular Tank badge with bold 'Tank' lettering across the grille.

Arguably the most important addition to the next Tank 300 lives under the bonnet, with the fitment GWM's Hi4-Z plug-in hybrid system for the first time.

The new powertrain combines a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a 59.6kWh battery and an electronically controlled four-wheel-drive system, rather than the mechanical 4x4 linkage used in the Hi4-T system.

The latter will continue alongside it, pairing a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine with a smaller 37.1kWh battery delivering around 105km of EV-only driving range, compared with around 200km for the Hi4-Z system.

Conventional turbo-petrol engines will also continue overseas, including 2.0-litre four-cylinder and 3.0-litre V6 options, while diesel hybrids are also expected to be available at some point.

The current Tank 300 range in Australia recently gained the Hi4-T plug-in hybrid, which sit alongside diesel, petrol and conventional hybrids, the latter pair of which are tipped to be phased out in favour of a lineup centred on diesel and PHEV power.

The redesigned Tank 300 has so far only been unveiled for the Chinese market, with GWM Australia yet to confirm launch plans for it Down Under, despite this week confirming nine new models it plans to launch in Oz before the year’s end.

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