Higher towing capacity confirmed for 2025 GWM Tank 300 diesel

GWM Australia has confirmed the upcoming 2025 Tank 300 diesel will be able to tow more than its petrol and hybrid siblings, however an official capacity is yet to be published.

A spokesperson for the Chinese brand told carsales the diesel variants’ increased torque – over the turbo-petrol (380Nm vs 480Nm) – would “result in the vehicles’ ability to tow more”, but they stopped short of divulging any numbers.

Odds are the 300’s maximum braked towing capacity will increase from 2500kg to around 3000kg with the fitment of the Cannon Alpha’s 135kW/480Nm 2.4-litre turbo-diesel engine, a move that will thrust the retro-inspired off-roader closer to the thick of the local ladder-frame action.

To be truly comparable to segment favourites like the Isuzu MU-X or Mitsubishi Pajero Sport however, the diesel Tank will also need a payload increase along with a fix for its infamous nose-diving – petrol variants lift the rear axle off the ground under hard braking.

“It is too early to comment on finalised payload for the new diesel variant. Details will be confirmed closer to official launch,” the spokesperson said.

“The local product team provide constant feedback to HQ on areas of improvements, this was one of them.”

A similar response was given when we pressed the nose-diving issue seeing as diesel engines typically weigh more than petrols, the representative reiterating the “original feedback” had “been provided to the engineering team at HQ for investigation”.

Industry-wide testing has shown the Tank 300 Hybrids aren’t as prone to axle hopping during emergency stops as the petrols are, largely because of the hybrid battery’s position (extra weight) over the rear axle.

The diesels stand to have the opposite effect and exacerbate the issue given they’ll likely be more nose-heavy than any other variant.

Despite this unnerving tendency, every Tank 300 variant currently offered in Australia carries a five-star ANCAP safety rating dating back to late 2022, so it would be reasonable to expect the diesel to follow suit and perform well against the more stringent 2023-25 protocols when it arrives in the first quarter of next year.

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