Great Wall Motors (GWM) has officially expanded the offering of its popular Tank 300 SUV, introducing a highly anticipated turbo-diesel engine variant. The launch, which took place in Australia, signifies a response to a growing demand among local consumers for diesel-powered off-road vehicles, a trend that shows no sign of fading. Previously, the Tank 300 could only be equipped with petrol or hybrid powertrains, making this addition a notable step forward for GWM.
The Tank 300 Diesel, equipped with a 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, is positioned to fill a gap within GWM’s lineup in Australia, where a staggering 75% of large and upper-large SUVs sold are diesel. This new option offers customers a more rugged and efficient alternative for adventure-seeking buyers who appreciate the attributes of a more traditional diesel engine.
GWM's spokesperson remarked, "This model probably wouldn’t have happened without demand from this market," highlighting the importance of customer feedback in shaping the company's offerings. Launching with enticing pricing, the Diesel variant enters the market at $47,990 for the Lux trim and $51,990 for the Ultra variant, making it competitive against models like the Toyota Prado and Ford Everest.
Under the hood, this Diesel engine generates a respectable 135kW of power and 480Nm of torque, providing improved towing capability with a maximum of 3000kg, a significant enhancement over its petrol counterparts. The improved capacities come without drastically altering the Tank 300's performance at lower speeds, delivering a comfortable and enjoyable drive, both on and off the road.
One of the standout features of the new Tank 300 Diesel is its nine-speed automatic transmission, which replaces the previous eight-speed used in the petrol versions. This nuanced setup makes daily driving and off-road adventures a breeze, although the calibration may demand a bit of patience for smooth transitions, especially in low-speed scenarios.
Inside, the Diesel maintains a high-tech and luxurious feel that has become a hallmark of the Tank 300 range. Both the Lux and Ultra variants feature richly appointed interiors, with Nappa leather seats in the Ultra, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a comprehensive infotainment system that includes both wired and wireless smartphone mirroring. The upgrades may not be immediately visible to the average eye, as the Diesel variant mirrors the aesthetic of the petrol models, but enhanced materials and thoughtful design elements showcase an effort to elevate the user experience.
During the launch event, held in the picturesque Toolangi State Forest, GWM demonstrated the Diesel’s capabilities on several off-road tracks, where it displayed impressive performance. The Tank 300 Diesel is equipped with multiple off-road modes designed to help navigate a variety of terrains, showcasing GWM's commitment to delivering an SUV that genuinely suits Australia’s adventurous spirit.
In addition to its enhanced performance, the new model also addresses previous criticisms about the advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) present in earlier iterations. Participants in the media launch noted significant improvements in functionality, leading to a more seamless driving experience without the overbearing alerts that characterized previous models.
Safety has not been overlooked either. The Tank 300 Diesel has maintained the five-star ANCAP safety rating that the model achieved in 2022. Standard equipment includes autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and a suite of airbags to ensure comprehensive protection for all occupants. GWM's engineers have worked diligently to fine-tune these systems, enhancing their usability and reducing false alerts, which tends to detract from the driving experience.
As for ownership, GWM offers a robust package with a seven-year unlimited kilometre warranty, coupled with seven years of roadside assistance and capped-price servicing, ensuring peace of mind for buyers. With these features, the Tank 300 Diesel is poised to attract a new wave of consumers who prioritize reliability in their adventures.
As GWM is gearing up for what they expect to be a significant sales boost, they project that Diesel variants could account for over half of all Tank 300 sales moving forward. This is a testament to their understanding of the market and a clear sign that they’re hitting the mark.
Finally, while there might still be some minor areas for improvement—such as steering sensitivity and throttle response—these remain relatively insignificant in the grand scheme of what the Tank 300 Diesel has to offer. The combination of competitive pricing, improved performance, and a well-rounded feature set positions it strongly against its rivals, making it a compelling choice for prospective SUV buyers.
