Check out the GWM Tank 300's strengths and weaknesses

Great Wall Motor (GWM) Philippines launched the Tank 300 this year as its adventure-ready platform for budget-conscious buyers. 

With its suggested retail price of P2.678 million, it undercuts many other nameplates, such as the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco. As such, it will definitely capture the attention of many who want a tough and solid off-road capable vehicle without breaking the bank. 

However, does the Tank 300 have any weaknesses? Also, what are its key strengths? Let’s find out here. 

Pros

It’s a proper off-roader

Based on its specs sheet, the GWM Tank 300 was built from the ground up as a proper off-roader. 

For starters, it uses a body-on-frame chassis, which is always preferred for off-roading. This is because vehicles with the said frame type have more flexibility and load-bearing capacity. By the way it is designed, it likewise ensures a high ground clearance and fewer chances of breaking one’s mechanical components due to its higher floor pans. 

For reference, the Tank 300 has a ground clearance of 224-millimeters (mm) and a maximum water wading capacity of 700-mm. 

Of course, the model comes with a four-wheel-drive system with several terrain drive modes. The aforementioned is backed up by an eight-speed automatic transmission with low-range gears and locking differentials. 

A vehicle with the ability to lock its differentials can get extra traction even when one side of the vehicle is not in contact with the ground. 

Appropriately enough, the Tank 300 comes with a “tank turn” feature. Per its name, it enables the vehicle to spin in place. It sounds a bit gimmicky, but the said feature may be utilized for maneuvering in tight trails. 

Another quality of the Tank 300 adding to its off-road readiness, is its 2.0-liter gasoline mill. It may not be as torquey as turbodiesel, but its 217 horsepower (hp) and 380 Newton-meter (Nm) output is more than enough to handle the weight of the GWM SUV.  

Rich in creature comforts

While it was kitted out as a ride ready for the boonies, it also boasts plenty of comfort-oriented amenities. 

For example, its neatly arranged cabin was kitted out with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a similarly-sized infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The two displays are seamlessly linked to form a cockpit-like feel for the person behind the wheel. Sound, meanwhile, is outputted by a nine-piece Infinity speaker system. 

Moreover, the model comes with Nappa leather seating, automatic air-conditioning vents, plenty of USB ports, a 220-volt power outlet, and a center front cabin armrest. 

The driver, meanwhile, has access to the following features: 

• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Electronic parking brake
• Push-to-start button
• Power-adjustable driver’s seat
• Multi-function microfiber-wrapped steering wheel
• Paddle shifters
• Analog clock

The GWM-made SUV also has a handsome-looking cabin, which comes with a lot of silver-plated decorative finishings for its dial-type driving controls, its steering wheel spokes, and the circular air vents for its air-conditioning system. 

Likewise eye-catching is the model’s gear shift lever, which looks like a fancy gaming joystick, or the throttle controls of an airplane. 

Didn’t skimp on tech

As expected from a modern SUV, the Tank 300 was equipped with plenty of safety features. It has a total of six airbags, anti-lock braking, front and rear parking sensors, ISOFIX child seat anchors, stability control, traction control, hill-start assist, hill-descent control, and a 360-degree view camera - among others. 

The aforementioned are further reinforced by the following advanced driver-assist systems: 

• Adaptive cruise control
• Roll movement intervention
• Secondary collision mitigation
• Traffic sign recognition system
• Lane keep assist

Cons

Only one variant available

In the Philippines, the GWM Tank 300 is only available in one variant. It isn’t a downside for the nameplate per se, but the brand could well to introduce the more powerful (and more environmentally friendly) hybrid version, which is already sold in other markets. 

To note, the 2.0-liter HEV version can produce up to 342 hp and 648 Nm of torque. 

Final thoughts

The GWM Tank 300 is a good option for folks wanting to acquire a relatively inexpensive off-road capable SUV. It is ready to go on adventures out of the box, and it has loads of safety and comfort-oriented features as well. 

Serious would-be buyers, however, should do well to give the ride a test drive. Doing the aforementioned will make one more acquainted with the model, and it will make for a more informed purchase in the end. 

GWM Tank 300 specs

Model	GWM Tank 300
Exterior
Dimensions (L x W x H, in mm)	4,760x1,930x1,903
Wheelbase	2,750
Ground clearance	224
Wheel size	17-inch
Lighting system	LED
Interior
Material	Nappa leather
Amenities	Auto-dimming rearview mirror Rain-sensing wipers Electronic parking brake Push-to-start button Power-adjustable driver’s seat Multi-function microfiber-wrapped steering wheel Paddle shifters Analog clock Dual-zone automatic air-conditioning USB ports Wireless smartphone charging pad Nine-piece Infinity speaker system Locking differentials
Instrument cluster	12.3-inch digital gauge cluster
Infotainment system	12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Seating Capacity	5
Powertrain
Engine	2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
Fuel type	Gasoline
Transmission	Eight-speed automatic
Horsepower	217
Torque	380 Nm
Brakes	Front and rear discs
Technologies
ADAS	Adaptive cruise control Roll movement intervention Secondary collision mitigation Traffic sign recognition system Lane keep assist
Safety	Six airbags Anti-lock braking Front and rear parking sensors ISOFIX child seat anchors Stability control Traction control Hill-start assist Hill-descent control 360-degree view camera
Security	Car alarm Engine immobilizer
Price	P2.678 million

Also read: 

Here are the GWM Tank’s 2 monochromatic color options

GWM officially launches PH-market Tank 300