Latest news with #Tank700
Herald Sun
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- Herald Sun
New ‘Temu' Mercedes is the real deal
You might think of this monster off-roader as a cheap rip-off of the Mercedes G-Wagen, but it's a technological masterpiece in its own right. While it is hard to deny the design inspiration for the GWM Tank 700 off-roader – especially those tail-lights! – the largest 4x4 from the Chinese maker has some hi-tech gadgetry and amazing powertrains to set it up as a fitting flagship model. It hasn't yet been confirmed for Australia, but the five-seat Tank 700 measures more than five metres long, two metres wide and almost two metres tall – and it has adjustable air suspension to raise or lower it to deal with difficult terrain. That suspension allows the ground clearance to increase from 249mm to 282mm, depending on the setting. I didn't get a chance to encounter anything dirty during my test drive in China, but the Tank 700's technical prowess is undeniable: it has rear, centre and front locking differentials, a sway-bar disconnect system, multiple drive modes and, of course, a low-range transfer a set of steel moguls and steps, the Tank 700 had no issues with articulation or climbing capability, and its spectacular surround-view camera system with see-through view made picking the correct line simpler than it would otherwise be… because it feels enormous to drive due to its physical dimensions MORE: iPhone car coming to Australia GWM Tank 700. Picture: Supplied It doesn't feel sluggish, though, because under the bonnet is a hugely powerful 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine that is teamed to a nine-speed automatic gearbox with an electric motor as part of the equation. It's a plug-in hybrid, with a 37.1kWh battery offering 90km of EV driving range, and the combined outputs are a stonking 385kW and 800Nm – almost as much as a Mercedes G-Wagen (V8, 430kW/850Nm).And speaking of V8s, it is expected that the Tank 700 is going to be the first vehicle from the business to score the new 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine – possibly with 500kW and more than 1000Nm, and with a bigger battery to support up to 200km of EV range – in the next 12-18 months. MORE: The Yank tank cutting Australia in two it is hard to deny the design inspiration for the GWM Tank 700 off-roader – especially those tail-lights! Top shelf tech. Comfortable luxury. The V6 model I tested wasn't really using the engine at all, with the electric motor managing momentum up and down the set obstacles, and the low range gearing playing a part in ensuring easy progress. Sadly, with the drive limited to a loop of set obstacles in a car park, there was no chance to see what the powertrain behaves like, nor whether it can hit 0-100km/h as fast as the claim suggests: approx 5.6 seconds! The interior of the Tank 700 is luxury-SUV levels of lush, too, with sumptuous perforated quilted leather trim for the seats, which are heated, cooled and massaging, while the expected tech on offer doesn't disappoint either, with a 16.2-inch media display and a 12.3-inch driver info screen offering up critical car info. MORE: Why Australia's new ute faces an ugly truth Unlike a G-Wagen, it'd likely be in the $100,000 range, not the quarter-million-plus zone. Would you consider it, if it The rear seat offers a similarly special feel, and there's a centre armrest with another touchscreen system for controlling media and temperature. There's easily enough space for a bigger adult to fit, but getting in and out is a scramble for smaller people. Furthermore, like the Toyota Prado, there are some load-in height considerations for the boot space, which isn't massive for a vehicle that is. It gets a side-swinging tailgate with a spare wheel mounted on the back, but there is no three-row model with seven seats, which is a shame considering its dominant dimensions. If GWM were to bring this in as a range-topping model, it would likely be the brand's first six-figure offering. But unlike a G-Wagen, it'd likely be in the $100,000 range, not the quarter-million-plus zone. Would you consider it, if it were to make it to market? Or would it need to have a V8 to justify that kind of price? Have your say in the comments! Plenty of room. Picture: Supplied 4.0 stars GWM Tank 700 PRICE: TBC POWERTRAIN: 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol-electric PHEV, 9-speed auto transmission, 4x4 OUTPUTS: 385kW/800Nm BATTERY: 37.1kWh NMC EV RANGE: 90km claim SPARE: Full-size Originally published as GWM Tank 700 review: this car is the real deal
News.com.au
18-05-2025
- Automotive
- News.com.au
GWM Tank 700 review: this car is the real deal
You might think of this monster off-roader as a cheap rip-off of the Mercedes G-Wagen, but it's a technological masterpiece in its own right. While it is hard to deny the design inspiration for the GWM Tank 700 off-roader – especially those tail-lights! – the largest 4x4 from the Chinese maker has some hi-tech gadgetry and amazing powertrains to set it up as a fitting flagship model. It hasn't yet been confirmed for Australia, but the five-seat Tank 700 measures more than five metres long, two metres wide and almost two metres tall – and it has adjustable air suspension to raise or lower it to deal with difficult terrain. That suspension allows the ground clearance to increase from 249mm to 282mm, depending on the setting. I didn't get a chance to encounter anything dirty during my test drive in China, but the Tank 700's technical prowess is undeniable: it has rear, centre and front locking differentials, a sway-bar disconnect system, multiple drive modes and, of course, a low-range transfer a set of steel moguls and steps, the Tank 700 had no issues with articulation or climbing capability, and its spectacular surround-view camera system with see-through view made picking the correct line simpler than it would otherwise be… because it feels enormous to drive due to its physical dimensions It doesn't feel sluggish, though, because under the bonnet is a hugely powerful 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine that is teamed to a nine-speed automatic gearbox with an electric motor as part of the equation. It's a plug-in hybrid, with a 37.1kWh battery offering 90km of EV driving range, and the combined outputs are a stonking 385kW and 800Nm – almost as much as a Mercedes G-Wagen (V8, 430kW/850Nm).And speaking of V8s, it is expected that the Tank 700 is going to be the first vehicle from the business to score the new 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine – possibly with 500kW and more than 1000Nm, and with a bigger battery to support up to 200km of EV range – in the next 12-18 months. The V6 model I tested wasn't really using the engine at all, with the electric motor managing momentum up and down the set obstacles, and the low range gearing playing a part in ensuring easy progress. Sadly, with the drive limited to a loop of set obstacles in a car park, there was no chance to see what the powertrain behaves like, nor whether it can hit 0-100km/h as fast as the claim suggests: approx 5.6 seconds! The interior of the Tank 700 is luxury-SUV levels of lush, too, with sumptuous perforated quilted leather trim for the seats, which are heated, cooled and massaging, while the expected tech on offer doesn't disappoint either, with a 16.2-inch media display and a 12.3-inch driver info screen offering up critical car info. The rear seat offers a similarly special feel, and there's a centre armrest with another touchscreen system for controlling media and temperature. There's easily enough space for a bigger adult to fit, but getting in and out is a scramble for smaller people. Furthermore, like the Toyota Prado, there are some load-in height considerations for the boot space, which isn't massive for a vehicle that is. It gets a side-swinging tailgate with a spare wheel mounted on the back, but there is no three-row model with seven seats, which is a shame considering its dominant dimensions. If GWM were to bring this in as a range-topping model, it would likely be the brand's first six-figure offering. But unlike a G-Wagen, it'd likely be in the $100,000 range, not the quarter-million-plus zone. Would you consider it, if it were to make it to market? Or would it need to have a V8 to justify that kind of price? Have your say in the comments! 4.0 stars GWM Tank 700
Perth Now
03-05-2025
- Automotive
- Perth Now
Shanghai motor show proves China is winning
Over 150 brands, more than 30,000,000 new cars sold each year, and a focus on fast development proves China means business. The People's Republic is an industrial behemoth – a rolling stone that has no intention of slowing down. They build cities that house more people than the population of Australia in an area half the size of Greater Sydney. They can slap up roads and towers and tunnels in the time it takes our government to approve pre-planning for a roundabout. So it should come as no surprise that their car industry is easily the most powerful on the planet, with more annual sales than Europe and the USA combined. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. I was oblivious to any of this as I enjoyed some Easter chocolate. Little did I know how wide my eyes were about to open. Easter Monday, Paul and I boarded a flight to Shanghai as guests of GWM Australia. The plan was to spend two days at the motor show, film a few videos and undertake the first ever CarExpert live cross, beaming into Sunrise live from Shanghai. The first thing we noticed was the variation in cars. GWM, BYD, Haval, Zeekr, Chery – they were just the ones we recognised. There were dozens of cars we were googling on the drive from the airport to the hotel. Surprisingly, the German marques were few and far between. In fact, I think I saw more Cadillacs and Buicks than I did Mercedes. But arriving at the motor show was what really blew us away. I've been to SEMA in Las Vegas, which is probably the biggest auto show I've seen. Supplied Credit: CarExpert This put SEMA to shame. Designed to look like a four-leaf clover from above, the National Exhibition and Convention Centre Shanghai features 13 giant halls, each around 30,000 square meters – that's about three rugby fields each. And the motor show filled nine of them. There were brands you've never heard of, brands you will hear about soon, and brands that are well established around the world. GWM was a big player at the show, taking up half a hall just with their displays, covering everything from the little Ora Good Cat right up to the massive Tank 700 – and a twin-turbo V8 drivetrain. BYD also had a massive stand, along with the likes of Nio (the electric vehicle brand and battery-swapping company) and Chery. All of which dominated the halls they were in with their various sub-brands. Supplied Credit: CarExpert And the cars. Everything you can think of was there. Tiny econo-boxes, EV off-roaders, even 'flying cars' – I say it like that because they are really just glorified drones with wheels on them. Here in Australia, many like to think that Chinese cars are crude and rushed, slapped together in a shack by people who don't know what they're doing. I'm here to tell you, you couldn't be further from the truth. Yes, China's development cycle is accelerated compared to legacy automakers and yes, they keep throwing new models out there. But they aren't messing about. They have filled their ranks with personnel from some of the largest and most trusted brands around the world. They've sent their engineers to some of the best schools in the world and they are putting huge amounts of energy into market research to ensure the vehicles they produce live up to the expectations of customers. Trust me, if you want to do anything in China it takes 27 phone calls and a long list of people to sign off on it. These cars aren't just getting slapped together willy-nilly. They are meticulously planned and built to a standard – even if that standard is different to what the good folks at Holden had. China is in the middle of playing catch-up with legacy brands that have over 100 years of expertise behind them. They have done all this in the past 30 years, and now they make SUVs that produce 900Nm of torque and are as luxurious as a premium Euro-brand for a fraction of the price. China is coming, I'll probably buy one of their cars in the very near future – the iCar pickup is very tempting to park next to my future Ford Ranger Super Duty. If you want to hate on them, or throw shade or just make loud exclamations with no real backup to your logic then please, go right ahead. That only emboldens them to push harder. If you don't want to buy a Chinese-built car, there's nothing wrong with that. But what they are doing is providing vehicles that lower the barrier to entry for new car buyers. That can only be a good thing. So, I guess in that sense, China has won.
West Australian
24-04-2025
- Automotive
- West Australian
GWM reveals its first V8 – and the hardcore Tank 300 Hooke off-roader
The automotive world may be downsizing its powertrains globally, but that hasn't stopped GWM unleashing its first V8 in China this week. And it could power a range of future GWM luxury models and Tank off-roaders in Australia – including the hardcore Tank 300 Hooke limited edition unveiled alongside it at the Shanghai motor show yesterday. While you can no longer buy a V8-powered Toyota LandCruiser or, soon, Nissan Patrol , GWM says its all-new twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 has been in development for at least three years, and will be backed by plug-in hybrid (PHEV) technology. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now . Speaking to Australian media in Shanghai, GWM International vice-president James Yang said the new V8 was under consideration for a variety of models to be sold in China and export markets including Australia. 'Our R&D centre as well as engine development department, the technology and also the level of skill is very high,' said Mr Wang through an interpreter. 'For the past three-four years we have been working on this V8, including lab as well as real-world testing. 'The Tank 300 is a very customisable and personalised vehicle, and in China there are already multiple versions and special editions that have been launched including one with a V6 twin-turbo engine. '[A V8-powered Tank 300] is something that is definitely in consideration, and for right-hand drive markets is definitely something that we're still considering.' Mr Yang said GWM's new V8 could be applied to a range of Tank models in Australia. 'In this market, in the future, maybe we also want to launch the premium Tank 700,' he said. 'For this vehicle, I think the V8 is suitable, but only this model, or maybe such as the Tank 300 – the small vehicle, but the off-road capability is very good,' added Mr Yang, before asking journalists whether they thought the V8 was suitable for the Tank 300, 500 or 700. The Tank 700 is the current flagship of GWM's Tank brand (sub-brand here), and has yet to be locked in for our market. On the flagship off-roader, Mr Yang said: 'Because this model, in the future we'll have a different version. So we're also researching which is suitable for the Australian market.' No further details have been announced for the new V8, but it's claimed to rev to 8000rpm and incorporate both dual fuel-injection and oil pump systems, and Mr Yang confirmed it will command a price premium. 'Currently, this is still under consideration so we can't tell at the moment how much the premium will be,' he said. Through his interpreter, Mr Yang said the new V8 will be incorporated into a plug-in hybrid drivetrain that allows the vehicle to drive primarily on electric power, and only calls on the combustion engine during high-load situations such as hard acceleration and towing. 'The V8 will come in a plug-in system, and fundamentally when it's being driven in the city it will run majority in EV mode,' he said. 'When we consider towing massive 3.5-tonne plus caravans, the V8 would really help balance the whole situation with the plug-in. 'Overall, when in city driving, this will still run majority with EV mode and only when during hard work such as towing a massive van is when it will work in a hybrid situation.' However, most of the powertrain's torque will still be produced by the V8, rather than the electric motor positioned between the engine and transmission. Mr Yang said this type of powertrain was more suitable for off-roaders than pure-electric drivetrains. 'Basically with electrification on the vehicle, it's really changed the market and what we are doing is combining both,' he said. 'In particular, we found through research that when a motor is doing its peak output, it really heats up the entire system and that's when the performance sort of plateaus. 'In particular, in 4×4 vehicles such as towing and off-roading situations, it's also not that great when you think of just pure electric motor output because it really requires the motor to spin in order to generate the torque. 'That's why the low-speed and high-torque application is not that great for like a more pure electric kind of setup, and with the higher capacity of the engine, it really helps compensate the shortfall of the BEV especially once again in towing as well as off-road situations.' GWM's second eight-cylinder engine – following the flat-eight it revealed last year for its Souo motorcycle brand – could also power a range of new premium models being developed by the Chinese carmaker. Potentially sold under the Confidence Auto banner, they will be positioned above models from the Wey luxury brand launched by GWM in 2016. Revealed directly alongside the new V8 in Shanghai was the GWM Tank 300 Hooke, a hardcore off-road special-edition version of the large ladder-frame SUV that's already proving popular alongside the Toyota Prado and Ford Everest in Australia. Its engine wasn't disclosed, but is likely to be either the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder, the electrified PHEV version of that engine, or the 2.4-litre turbo-diesel now also available in Australia's Tank 300. The most capable GWM vehicle ever features live axles both front and rear, eschewing the standard Tank 300's independent front suspension. Four-corner coils and front/rear differential locks are retained, but the Tank 300 Hooke also adds 'disconnecting struts', a reinforced ladder frame, Cooper all-terrain tyres on beadlock-style wheels, a revised front bumper, and new front wheel-arch trims. Named after the Hooke Trail, an off-road track through a mountain range in western China, the Tank 300 Hooke special is said to be undergoing final testing ahead of its launch in China later this year. MORE: Inside Chinese GWM's plan to take on American pickups… potentially even in the US MORE: Everything GWM Tank 300
Perth Now
24-04-2025
- Automotive
- Perth Now
GWM reveals its first V8 – and the hardcore Tank 300 Hooke off-roader
The automotive world may be downsizing its powertrains globally, but that hasn't stopped GWM unleashing its first V8 in China this week. And it could power a range of future GWM luxury models and Tank off-roaders in Australia – including the hardcore Tank 300 Hooke limited edition unveiled alongside it at the Shanghai motor show yesterday. While you can no longer buy a V8-powered Toyota LandCruiser or, soon, Nissan Patrol, GWM says its all-new twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 has been in development for at least three years, and will be backed by plug-in hybrid (PHEV) technology. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Speaking to Australian media in Shanghai, GWM International vice-president James Yang said the new V8 was under consideration for a variety of models to be sold in China and export markets including Australia. 'Our R&D centre as well as engine development department, the technology and also the level of skill is very high,' said Mr Wang through an interpreter. 'For the past three-four years we have been working on this V8, including lab as well as real-world testing. 'The Tank 300 is a very customisable and personalised vehicle, and in China there are already multiple versions and special editions that have been launched including one with a V6 twin-turbo engine. '[A V8-powered Tank 300] is something that is definitely in consideration, and for right-hand drive markets is definitely something that we're still considering.' Mr Yang said GWM's new V8 could be applied to a range of Tank models in Australia. Supplied Credit: CarExpert 'In this market, in the future, maybe we also want to launch the premium Tank 700,' he said. 'For this vehicle, I think the V8 is suitable, but only this model, or maybe such as the Tank 300 – the small vehicle, but the off-road capability is very good,' added Mr Yang, before asking journalists whether they thought the V8 was suitable for the Tank 300, 500 or 700. The Tank 700 is the current flagship of GWM's Tank brand (sub-brand here), and has yet to be locked in for our market. On the flagship off-roader, Mr Yang said: 'Because this model, in the future we'll have a different version. So we're also researching which is suitable for the Australian market.' No further details have been announced for the new V8, but it's claimed to rev to 8000rpm and incorporate both dual fuel-injection and oil pump systems, and Mr Yang confirmed it will command a price premium. 'Currently, this is still under consideration so we can't tell at the moment how much the premium will be,' he said. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Supplied Credit: CarExpert Through his interpreter, Mr Yang said the new V8 will be incorporated into a plug-in hybrid drivetrain that allows the vehicle to drive primarily on electric power, and only calls on the combustion engine during high-load situations such as hard acceleration and towing. 'The V8 will come in a plug-in system, and fundamentally when it's being driven in the city it will run majority in EV mode,' he said. 'When we consider towing massive 3.5-tonne plus caravans, the V8 would really help balance the whole situation with the plug-in. 'Overall, when in city driving, this will still run majority with EV mode and only when during hard work such as towing a massive van is when it will work in a hybrid situation.' GWM Tank 700 Credit: CarExpert However, most of the powertrain's torque will still be produced by the V8, rather than the electric motor positioned between the engine and transmission. Mr Yang said this type of powertrain was more suitable for off-roaders than pure-electric drivetrains. 'Basically with electrification on the vehicle, it's really changed the market and what we are doing is combining both,' he said. 'In particular, we found through research that when a motor is doing its peak output, it really heats up the entire system and that's when the performance sort of plateaus. GWM Tank 500 and Tank 300 Credit: CarExpert 'In particular, in 4×4 vehicles such as towing and off-roading situations, it's also not that great when you think of just pure electric motor output because it really requires the motor to spin in order to generate the torque. 'That's why the low-speed and high-torque application is not that great for like a more pure electric kind of setup, and with the higher capacity of the engine, it really helps compensate the shortfall of the BEV especially once again in towing as well as off-road situations.' GWM's second eight-cylinder engine – following the flat-eight it revealed last year for its Souo motorcycle brand – could also power a range of new premium models being developed by the Chinese carmaker. Potentially sold under the Confidence Auto banner, they will be positioned above models from the Wey luxury brand launched by GWM in 2016. GWM Tank 300 Hooke Credit: CarExpert Revealed directly alongside the new V8 in Shanghai was the GWM Tank 300 Hooke, a hardcore off-road special-edition version of the large ladder-frame SUV that's already proving popular alongside the Toyota Prado and Ford Everest in Australia. Its engine wasn't disclosed, but is likely to be either the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder, the electrified PHEV version of that engine, or the 2.4-litre turbo-diesel now also available in Australia's Tank 300. The most capable GWM vehicle ever features live axles both front and rear, eschewing the standard Tank 300's independent front suspension. Four-corner coils and front/rear differential locks are retained, but the Tank 300 Hooke also adds 'disconnecting struts', a reinforced ladder frame, Cooper all-terrain tyres on beadlock-style wheels, a revised front bumper, and new front wheel-arch trims. Named after the Hooke Trail, an off-road track through a mountain range in western China, the Tank 300 Hooke special is said to be undergoing final testing ahead of its launch in China later this year. MORE: Inside Chinese GWM's plan to take on American pickups… potentially even in the USMORE: Everything GWM Tank 300
