Off-road rig clash: GWM Tank 300 vs. BAIC B40 Ragnar

The Philippine market loves off-road vehicles, and the aforementioned fact is evident from the local popularity of the Ford Bronco, Land Rover Defender, and Jeep Wrangler. 

While the said rides are certified as rugged rigs, all of them sit a bit high when it comes to price. As a response, Chinese brands such as Great Wall Motor (GWM) and BAIC Motor have unleashed their line of rugged off-road models that won’t break the bank. 

For GWM Philippines, it introduced the Tank 300 in January 2024. BAIC Motor’s local arm, meanwhile, brought in the B40 Ragnar at the 2024 Manila International Auto Show. 

So, the question now is: which of these two off-road-capable sport utility vehicles (SUV) have better on-paper specifications? Let’s find out here. 

Tale of the tape

Before anything else, here are the dimensions of the GWM Tank 300 and the BAIC B40 Ragnar compared on a table side-by-side: 

Model	GWM Tank 300	BAIC B40 Ragnar
Dimensions (L x W x H, in mm)	4,760x1,930x1,903	4,630x1,925x1,871
Wheelbase (mm)	2,750	2,742
Ground clearance (mm)	224	210

 

Based on the figures above, we can surmise that the Tank 300 is slightly larger overall compared to B40 Ragnar. It also has a bit more in terms of ground clearance, and it has a slightly lengthier wheelbase. 

In the context of shopping for a car, taking note of dimensions is crucial. For one thing, it can determine how hefty the model is and if one even has space for the ride in the garage.

Particularly for the wheelbase, one may be able to glean how spacious the vehicle is in terms of legroom. Ground clearance is also crucial, especially in this case where we are comparing off-road vehicles. 

Exterior

Style-wise, both SUV models clearly reflect the fact that they are off-road-ready rigs. Both get boxy body silhouettes, with the Tank 300 having softer lines compared to the very angular-looking B40 Ragnar. 

When it comes to exterior equipment, both wear beefy front and rear bumpers, LED fixtures, and a rear exterior spare tire mount. The two also have metal side steps, LED fog lamps, highly accessible tow hooks, high clearance wheel arches, roof rails, rain-sensing wipers, and power-folding side mirrors. Both also come with manual tailgates. 

Completing the look of the Tank 300 and the B40 Ragnar is a set of 17-inch alloy wheels. 

Interior

Step inside the Tank 300 and the B40 Ragnar, and you’ll be greeted by fairly modern-looking cockpits with flat-looking dashboards filled to the brim with decorative trimmings and soft-touch surfaces. 

The two off-road rigs also offer a similar array of creature comforts listed here: 

• Leather upholstery
• Dual-zone automatic climate controls with rear vents
• Wireless smartphone charger
• Grab handles
• 60:40 split-folding second seats
• Folding second-row armrests

Concerning driving amenities, both also get a push-to-start button, an electronic parking brake, a drive mode selector, a tilt and telescopic steering column, a multi-function leather steering wheel, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat - among others. 

Concerning differences, the GWM model was kitted out with a sunroof, which is not available on the BAIC-made ride. On the other hand, the B40 Ragnar has an interior ambient lighting system, which is not present in the Tank 300. 

The B40’s interior is also much more colorful compared to the GWM model. To be exact, it comes with a livelier two-tone colored cockpit, while the Tank 300 was fitted with a more subtle-looking dash with polished silver and black trimmings. 

For digital screens, the Tank 300 has a 12.3-inch digital gauge and a similarly-sized touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The said central screen is linked to a nine-piece Infinity speaker system. 

In comparison, the B40 Ragnar was fitted with a 12.3-inch digital gauge and a 10-inch infotainment display linked to six speakers. It is slightly smaller compared to the one on the GWM SUV, and it also uses a third-party smartphone mirroring system instead of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

Safety

As expected from modern SUVs, both the Tank 300 and the B40 Ragnar come standard with a comprehensive list of basic safety equipment. 

Anti-lock braking systems, stability control, traction control systems, ISOFIX child seat anchors, hill-start assist, rear parking sensors, and hill-descent control are found on the two rides. The Tank 300, however, adds to those with a 360-degree-view camera, a fire extinguisher, and front parking sensors.

Additionally, the GWM model also has six airbags, whereas the BAIC has to work with only dual front airbags. 

The GWM Tank 300 also has an advanced driver-assist suite (ADAS), which is unavailable on the B40 Ragnar. 

For reference, here are the components of the ADAS suite found on the Tank 300: 

• Traffic sign recognition
• Lane keep assist
• Lane following assist
• Automatic emergency braking

Powertrain

Where mechanicals are concerned, both the Tank 300 and the B40 Ragnar use sturdy ladder-frame-type chassis. The two also get front and rear disc brakes, hydraulic power steering, a double-wishbone front suspension, and a multi-link rear suspension. 

The two model’s engines, however, are quite different. For a better overview of the two SUV unit’s powertrains, see the table below: 

Model	GWM Tank 300	BAIC B40 Ragnar
Engine	2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4	2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
Fuel type	Gasoline	Diesel
Transmission	Eight-speed automatic	Eight-speed automatic
Horsepower	214	161 hp
Torque	380 Nm	380 Nm of torque

While the two rides both have inline-4 mills with the same displacement size, the GWM is a gasoline unit, while the BAIC model is a turbodiesel. 

With the B40 being an oil burner, many would assume that it could produce a bit more torque, but that isn’t the case. Not only does it produce markedly less horsepower compared to the GWM, but it produces exactly the same amount of torque as the gasoline engine. 

By having more horsepower, the Tank 300 may prove to be the faster model on the road compared to the B40 Ragnar. On the other hand, the GWM is the heavier vehicle, tipping the scales at 2,155 kilograms (kg). In comparison, the B40 Ragnar’s curb weight clocks in at 2,140 kg.

Additionally, both rigs have locking front and rear differentials, low-range gearing for their 4x4 systems, and impressively generous approach and departure angles.

Price

The Philippine-spec GWM Tank 300 is priced at P2.678 million, while the BAIC B40 Ragnar retails at P2.368 million. 

Final thoughts

Both the GWM Tank 300 and the BAIC B40 Ragnar are promising SUVs when it comes to off-roading. Despite having vastly different engines, both have the same beefy amount of torque, enough to conquer challenging terrain and adventures in the boonies. 

Additionally, the two SUV units have plenty of creature comforts - the GWM has slightly more, but only the fussiest passengers will have something to complain about the B40 Ragnar’s plush five-seater interior. 

The Tank 300, however, does have a more complete safety kit compared to the B40. So, if the aforementioned is a priority for you, then you should lean more towards the GWM-made model. 

As we always say, however, give each car a thorough test drive before jumping the gun. Doing so, after all, will help any buyer determine if a car really is the right one to get. 

Also read: 

Check out the GWM Tank 300's strengths and weaknesses

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