GWM Tank 400 2024 Review – International

The 2024 GWM Tank 400 is priced from around 285,000 yuan in China, which works out to $A58,826 based on current exchange rates – and that’s about the mark we’d suggest it would need to be positioned for our market.

GWM Australia is currently studying the case for selling the broad-shouldered Tank 400 in Australia, which would sit above the Tank 300 ($46,990 to $60,990 drive-away) but not encroach too heavily on Tank 500 territory ($66,490 to $73,990 drive-away).

You can expect the value equation to be rosy, based on GWM’s track record and the fact that the vehicle we tested was generously equipped, packing a pair of large high-resolution LCD screens in the cabin, power-operated leather seats, dual-zone automatic climate control and truckloads of eye candy on the outside – not all of it just for show, either.

The military-inspired design that has hints of the Aussie-built Hawkei (if you squint) certainly makes a big visual impact, while ground clearance of at least 225mm, all-terrain tyres and pumped wheel-arches all point to the (ladder-frame-based) wagon’s off-road capability.

Roof rails, a full-size spare tyre on the rear tailgate and advantageously designed front and rear bumpers deliver reasonable approach (33 degrees) and departure (30 degrees) angles, which are important for tackling steep terrain. The Tank 400 also has an impressive 800mm wading depth.

The Chinese mud-slinger is powered by a powertrain similar to that found in the GWM Tank 500, comprising a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine (180kW/380Nm) that in this case combines with a more powerful front-mounted electric motor (120kW/400Nm). It also draws from a larger 20kWh lithium-ion battery pack located under the floor.

Combined output is rated at 304kW and 750Nm for the Chinese-market Tank 400, which outmuscles not only the Tank 500 but the larger V6 turbo-diesel Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series (227kW/700Nm) and the V8 petrol Nissan Patrol (298kW/560Nm).

The large battery pack is also claimed to deliver a 105km pure-electric driving range (WLTC).

That said, if it gets the go-ahead for Australia, there’s every chance the Tank 400 would pack the same – and more cost-effective – powertrain as Tank 500, where the combined outputs are 255kW and 648Nm.

There are several appealing elements to the 2024 GWM Tank 400, starting with the way it drives.

The 2.0-litre turbo-petrol hybrid engine does a fine job of shifting the SUV’s significant mass, aided by a nine-speed automatic and full-time 4x4 system supplied by BorgWarner, complete with a low-range transfer case.

Like most Tank models, there’s a plethora of locking diffs to make off-road work easier, and although we didn’t get to put the 400 through the wringer off-road, we did get a chance to test wheel articulation via some man-made obstacles and it showed notable wheel travel and intelligently shifted torque to wheels with grip when one hoop was lofted.

Firing the Chinese challenger through a slalom course to test its dynamic performance revealed a fairly settled and predictable vehicle, impressive given its size and tall body.

Unlike the Tank 700, it doesn’t loll around like a boat on stormy seas when navigating corners and during quick directional changes, and after taking both vehicles through the same course, the Tank 400 felt infinitely more agile.

Unlike its bigger brother, the Tank 400 does not have air suspension, instead using conventional coil springs. Overall, it felt a lot more tied-down than the 700.

The interior of the Tank 400 is seriously luxurious, the power-operated leather seats, twin digital screens and upmarket switchgear generating a high-end ambience inside.

It’s a big unit, measuring 4985mm long, 1960mm wide and 1900mm tall, with a 2850mm wheelbase. There’s loads of room up front and enough space for three adults in the back seat, while boot space is fairly generous too.

Aussies on the prowl for a tough 4x4 off-road SUV currently favour diesel powertrains, so the 2024 GWM Tank 400’s reliance on a turbo-petrol hybrid would make it a tougher sell.

That it doesn’t have a seven-seat option also narrows its appeal.

Another hurdle the GWM Tank 400 faces is its potential positioning in the Australian GWM Tank portfolio.

We’re somewhat flummoxed as to where – and crucially why – it should slot into the local line-up, given that it is similar in capability to the Tank 300 and doesn’t bring anything particularly new or different to the table beyond the striking exterior design.

Long-term reliability also remains an unknown quantity given GWM Tank vehicles have only been on sale in Australia for a short time, despite reassurance provided by a seven-year factory warranty.

That remains a hypothetical question given the 2024 GWM Tank 400 is still to be confirmed for sale in Australia.

However, the Tank 400 is clearly well set up for Chinese buyers who enjoy an adventurous lifestyle and are keen to take the path less travelled.

We’d love to take this vehicle to our local off-road stomping ground to see how it copes with challenging terrain to get a better understanding of just how capable it is. We suspect it’ll give frame-based family SUVs such as the Ford Everest and Isuzu MU-X a run for their money in the rough stuff.

The Tank 300 has found a relatively strong following in Australia, and early signs are positive for the seven-seat Tank 500, so the prospects for the Tank 400 are good – if the business case stacks up and it’s launched in our market.

As ever, price will be the clincher, and careful positioning will be needed to avoid cannibalising sales of its siblings rather than luring in new customers who would otherwise be drawn to rival brands.

2024 GWM Tank 400 at a glance:
Price: $59,000 est (drive-away)
Available: To be confirmed
Powertrain: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol-electric
Output: 180kW/380Nm (electric motor: 120kW/400Nm)
Combined output: 300kW/750Nm
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
Fuel: 8.8L/100km (WLTP)
CO2: To be confirmed
Safety rating: Not tested