GWM Tank 400 set for Australian launch

GWM Australia has just dropped a massive teaser as to its next Tank model, all but confirming the butch-looking 2024 GWM Tank 400 for both the Australian and New Zealand markets via its social media channels.

We’re still to receive an official green light for the bigger brother to the GWM Tank 300 4x4 off-road SUV, but the Chinese brand’s local division has just dropped a 21sec video of the Tank 400 on its social media platforms.

The clip shows the Tank 400 Hi4T charging around an abandoned warehouse, along with a series of shadowy close-ups to accentuate its lumpy and bumper exterior.

“Now this is exciting. The all-new GWM Tank 400 has just been launched in overseas markets to great acclaim,” the video caption reads.

“Powered by an impressive 304kW/750Nm hybrid powertrain and capable of driving in pure EV mode for up to 105km (WLTC), the Tank 400 is a true off-roader for the electrified age.

“The only question remains is whether it will make its debut in the Australian and New Zealand markets.”

The brand then rounded out the post by calling for consumers to comment whether it should launch the 400 locally, to which the overwhelming majority of respondents have so far said yes.

GWM Australia is still to comment on just how close the Tank 400 is to a local launch, but the video suggests to us that it should be landing here before too long, slotting in between the Tank 300 and the bigger Tank 500, the latter also due to launch next year.

With the Tank 300 positioned as something of a cut-price Jeep Wrangler rival, and the looming Tank 500 taking direct aim at the Toyota Prado, the 400’s natural competition will be the Toyota Fortuner and other ute-based off-roaders like the Isuzu MU-X, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and SsangYong Rexton.

The key point of difference, however, is the Tank’s formidable electrified powertrain which batters all of the aforementioned models for power and torque, so much so it also outmuscles the V8 Nissan Patrol (298kW/560Nm) and V6 diesel Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series (227kW/700Nm).

Based around a 188kW/380Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, the system features a 120kW/400Nm electric motor and a 20kWh battery to produce the combined 304kW/750Nm output, all of which is harnessed by a nine-speed automatic transmission and dual-range 4x4 system.

GWM claims the battery can be recharged from 30-80 per cent in 24 minutes when using a 3kW AC wall charger and comes with vehicle-to-load (V2L) capabilities.

In terms of off-road and touring capabilities, the top-spec versions come with three locking differentials (front axle, centre and rear axle), has 224mm of ground clearance, 33-degree approach and 30-degree departure angles, 800mm maximum wading depth and can tow up to 2500kg, most of which puts it on par with its established rivals.

Given the smaller and less powerful Tank 300 Hybrid starts from $55,990 drive-away, it would be reasonable to expect the Tank 400 Hi4T to start from around $63,000 in Australia.

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