GWM (Great Wall Motors) is set to become one of the first automakers to offer a single model – the Tank 300 – with petrol, diesel, hybrid, and now plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain options in Australia. The PHEV version, dubbed the Hi4-T, will arrive in showrooms next month with launch pricing that significantly undercuts key competitors, most notably the Denza B5.
Competitive Pricing and Trim Levels
The Tank 300 Hi4-T will be available in two trim levels: Lux and Ultra. GWM is offering introductory pricing of $55,990 (drive-away) for the Lux and $59,990 (drive-away) for the Ultra. These prices are limited-time offers, but GWM has not specified an end date.
These figures represent a premium over the diesel and petrol variants: the Lux PHEV is $7,000 more expensive than its diesel counterpart, while the Ultra PHEV is $9,000 above the petrol version, $7,000 above the diesel, and $3,000 above the hybrid. However, the PHEV remains notably cheaper than the Denza B5, which ranges from $74,990 to $79,990 before on-road costs.
Powertrain and Performance
The Tank 300 Hi4-T combines a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol engine with a 120kW electric motor, producing a total output of 300kW and 750Nm of torque. This setup offers up to 115km of electric range (NEDC cycle) and a combined fuel consumption of just 1.9L/100km.
Charging times are competitive: a 30-80% charge takes approximately 24 minutes using a 50kW DC fast charger. The vehicle also features vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability, allowing users to power external devices at up to 6kW.
Off-Road Capability and Features
The Tank 300 Hi4-T retains the model’s robust off-road credentials, including a 3000kg braked towing capacity, a low-range transfer case, and locking front and rear differentials.
Both trim levels come standard with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with satellite navigation and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Detailed feature breakdowns for each trim will be released closer to the launch date.
Market Context and Future Trends
GWM’s move to offer multiple powertrain options in a single model is strategic, particularly as Australia prepares for the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES). The company aims to provide consumers with a range of choices while remaining competitive on price.
Currently, only the Kia Sorento also offers petrol, diesel, hybrid, and PHEV versions concurrently, but stock of the Sorento’s base petrol engine is dwindling. This positions GWM favorably in a rapidly evolving market where automakers are increasingly focusing on electrification and fuel efficiency.
“As demonstrated across our other PHEV variants, we remain committed to delivering vehicles where customers can benefit from strong EV-only range, fast charging, V2L and true mechanical 4×4 capability,” said GWM Australia COO John Kett.
The Tank 300 Hi4-T is poised to disrupt the market by offering a compelling blend of performance, capability, and affordability in the emerging PHEV segment.
