Tank off-roaders revealed as GWM goes to war with Toyota

GWM has unveiled two new models under its Tank sub-brand, and the Chinese car giant has Toyota firmly in its sights.

Revealed at the ​​Chengdu motor show, GWM showed off its new Tank 400 and Tank 500 four-wheel-drives – with the 500 built to take the fight to the peerless Toyota LandCruiser Prado.

The seven-seater Tank 500 is underpinned by a ladder-frame chassis, and is powered by a 48-volt mild-hybrid 3.0-litre turbo-petrol V6 engine.

UPDATE, December 2022: GWM Tank 300 now on sale in Australia!

The new GWM Tank 300 Hybrid is now on sale in Australia, with a starting price of $55,990. It's not cheap, but you get a lot of kit. Hit the link below for details.

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An in-house nine-speed automatic transmission sends 260kW and 500Nm to the rear wheels, with a part-time, low-range four-wheel-drive system and front/rear locking differentials available, according to FormaCar.

Company officials had previously referred to the Tank 500 as the 600, but changed the model name without explanation – likely to allow room in its range for a larger LandCruiser rival.

So far GWM has publicly shown five Tank models, from the 300 to the 800, with just the 600 missing from the line-up.

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While both the Tank 400 and 500 have the same 2850mm wheelbase – also shared with the LandCruiser 300 Series – it appears from its chunky exterior the 400 is designed to be a more purposeful off-road vehicle, with the 500 offered as the more comfortable, family-oriented option.

Details of the 400’s powertrain have not yet been revealed, but it’s expected the four-wheel-drive will be pitched against the likes of the Jeep Wrangler, Ford Everest, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, and Toyota Fortuner.

It’s understood GWM Haval is currently evaluating four-wheel-drives for Australia, though it is expected the models could be sold under the Haval brand if they are brought here.