I've been eagerly waiting for the Aussies to get their hands on the TANK300 for these reviews to come out... I'm a Brit living in China, had my 2023 TANK300 2.0LT since December 2022 (2023 version has AC button row under the vents, previous versions needed to use the touch screen). Couple of things I've noticed. 1. They screwed you on the indicators, they look like a nightmare. Chinese versions have traditional indicators, click down and up etc, with a short touch for single flashes. 2. We don't have that weird seat belt junk here. 3. 2023 Chinese models come with a 2 inch tow receiver and electrics. 4. In China it comes with AutoNavi Sat Nav, which is pretty good, but a three finger swipe across to the main driver screen moves the map to that screen, and can be controlled separately there, so you can have two map views at different scales/angles - or use the driver screen for sat nav while you have cams on the other screen. Review is spot on. I got this to go offroad camping in Mountains and Deserts here. There is a massive growing off road scene in China, and this car was made to eat that up, half the price of a Jeep or Toyota with front and back diff locks, and out of the box decent off road capabilities. People commenting about the tech and cameras meaning they cut corners on the body on frame, that's not true to be honest... this tech is standard in China now, its table stakes. Had this on all my Chinese cars for past 3-4 years, but the system on the TANK300 is great for wheel placement offroad. There is a Aussie translation of a Russian mechanic pulling this car apart, it's pretty good, people should check it out. The Chinese online video community has thousands of videos of people hammering these in the craziest conditions. They are pretty tough, I know Aussies have extreme off-road conditions, but so does China - Qinghau plateau, Gobi desert, Mountain ranges like no others, it was built for them. There are some on youtube, but its mostly on BilliBilli. They also have a policy here that if the car breaks down anywhere they will come and recover you - only problem is that the car needs to be unmodified (bummer), but that neatly segues into my main reason for commenting.. I can't wait to see what you do with this car (subscribing for that)... the aftermarket here is pretty vibrant, I've got a TopFire replacement grill, upgraded Coopers to (nearly) 33" KO2s , and am looking at a suspension upgrade. Pumped to see what Aussies do with it. The pioneers of Chinese off-road are a shop called YunLiang, they have their own version of the TANK, upgraded and covered by warranty, it's hard to get one but they sell all the same parts on their shop (they have a OME bp51 kit for the TANK alongside their own, but then there are also K-MAN and others available): www.yunliang4x4.com/pr.jsp?_reqArgs=%7B%22args%22%3A%7B%22libId%22%3A-1%2C%22groupId%22%3A6%7D%2C%22type%22%3A34%7D There are others selling kits for them, including TopFire (insane amounts of aftermarket kit on Taobao and JD.com)... having said that... I want the Aussie and SA companies to start building out aftermarket kit for these, ARB bumpers and baserack please, Front Runner, etc and for that, we really need these to get traction in Aus and SA, so my fingers are crossed. I saw that Savage Tech has a full kit on their car in a video, most of that looks like some of the Body Kit Junk being sold on Taobao
The indicator is a real turn off for me when I took the Tank for a test drive more than 2 weeks ago. Now many are also complaining to confirm my experience. I hope GWM will quickly change back to the traditional indicator before Chery Jetour arrive. If Jetour drives well it may be worth considering.
If GWM can deliver these to Australia in volume, they will take off. Toyota has catastrophic wait times on their 4x4 range, and I think it is only going to get worse with the next gen Prado. Most dealers have a year long wait list, but suspiciously have ‘used’ vehicles with 3 figure odometer readings going for $20k over RRP. Associated people are stacking wait lists to enable this. Australia has a history of embracing cheap and functional 4x4s too. Look at the Brumby or Suzukis.
Need your advice. Please tell me, is the tank 300 hybrid used in China? Here in Russia, I received an offer to buy a hybrid version and am trying to define which is better than classic units, cast-iron engine cylinders, an 8-speed gearbox, but with part-time 4wd system, or a full-time 4wd, but with an aluminum engine and a new 9-speed gearbox and a small hybrid (with a little fuel economi). Does it work reliably and will work 150-200 thousand?
Not gonna lie, I dismissed this thing at first, but I have watched a few reviews on it now and I already follow an owners account on Insta and it has surprised me, I'm very interested to see how it holds up, especially with mods. The only Chinese brand I have hands on experience with is LDV as we have them for work vehicles, and despite truly painful turbo lag, and some finnicky controls, they're holding up better than the Kia's we used to have.
This car has been selling extremely well in china for over 2 years already, people do crazy 4wd drive tracks with it, well tested, i am waiting for the 500, will definitely get that one
I’ve driven the LDV and the Cannon. Night and day difference. The LDV feels like a cheap car with options sprinkled on it, the Cannon feels like a very well resolved, mature Japanese Ute. Very comfortable and quiet, well specced. The Tank is a level above that with an interior that is pushing up into BMW / Mercedes quality. With serious off road capability this is a unicorn.
I had a quick look at one of these today, and liked what I saw. I noticed a socket underneath which looked like trailer wiring pre-installed. A nice touch
Stick some felt on those belts, cost you $2 and 5mins, also get a wireless Carplay dongle, less than $100, hardly a deal breaker considering what you would pay for a competing 4WD (capability) that comes with wireless. That back door doesn't look right, other reviews show that back door closing snug. Maybe needs the strike plate adjusted. The soft indicator is the same in most case now, my 2 year old Outback has that, as do most BMWs... wait, that must be why BMWs don't use indicators! You can turn off the auto camera on corners, if its like a Cannon (which it is based), then hit the menu button when the camera comes up and switch off AVS.
The design is somewhat nice and rugged. The gadgets and features....mind blowing. The interior is a plus point which is on par or rather above even the G Wagon. Verdict, super impressive SUV made in China. Well, can't deny China made vehicle today because they surpassed almost every prominent and well-known car Brand and model on this planet. Good for you mate...nice red Tank!
Awesome video, subscription added. We purchased a jolion 3 months ago. So far faultless. Comfy, great to drive. If had a bit more in budget a tank would be in the garage. Value for money. Killing it.
As an unbiased shopper 2yrs ago I picked up a GWM Cannon, I drove everything and was more than happy with it for what I needed. If it's similar then yes the locker works in 2wd 😅 And you can change camera settings to only come on in reverse. Its only the payload that bothers me about the Tank 300. But if I was buying now (knowing I really don't need the ute after all) then I would seriously look at this. Can't wait to see what you do with it, compared to what is being done in Qld.
Have seen this coming for a while and it looks the part for its price, in a few years I think gwm will earn the trust back and this will be a top seller. Keen to see the hybrid
this car will be a huge hit, simple as that!!!! remeber KIA HYUNDAI, 2011 THEY WERE NOTHING, total redesign 2012 hello look at them now, china has plans, this is the start of it, cherry jetour check it out modern look of the tank 300, tank 300 has been out for years in china and russia, good car like it or not!!! its been tested in china for years, it works now its here to stay, cant wait for mine.
Your first 3 minutes sums up exactly why I would never even contemplate one of these. No development whatsoever. All those hi-tech features at such a cheap price means they've cut costs everywhere else. No thanks
Electric tech isnt expensive in china, its very cheap. big name car companies just choose to charge a massive markup on it in their vehicles to trick you into thinking you are getting "luxury". GWM is just giving you what you actually paid for, rather than ripping you off.
Interesting to see how it holds Up ,mate had a great wall ute saved him a fortune on fuel ,it rarely started ,and the gearbox melted down completely at 12000km of onroad use, hopefully you have a better Run
Way too many buttons to press to get the car to do what you want. - When Suzuki asked their panel what they wanted and didn’t want buttons was a no-thank-you-answer. Jimny owner wanted levers. Tank 300’s wants buttons - obviously. 🖕
Hi All from South Africa , I have seen few negative Aussie Vids on the rear wheels leaving the road surface when hitting the brakes hard ,not so much on hybrid ...Any comments please ?
AWESOME. I have been tempted by this thing for a long while, I expect it will be compromised but if the manufacturer and aftermarket support is there its a much easier sell
Tank 300 looks to be very capable. But with all its features it’s just a weekend “warrior”, a poor soccer-mom’s 4x4 dream. I think the Tank 300 will be a success, pretty close to the success of the Jimny, but not even near the failure of the new Defender. After watching heaps of Tank 300 reviews I still think it not any were better than the Gen4 Jimny nor the 70-series Land Cruiser no matter what LC you choose. The Tank 300 has potential, but still has a long way to go before gaining the 1st or 2nd place in the segment.
Good description of the way the car was designed and the tech in it. I have the Cannon UTE and its got the same stuff my Ranger had although done in a slightly less polished way. The Tank is really cool and Im looking at one in the next year or two.
I have driven a few cars from this brand , it's sub brands and also from Chery, they are making good cars with competitive pricing. Watching reviews I have noticed the bias against these cars because of the "Chinese" made mantra and how people view China rather on the genuine merits/demerits of the cars. Your review is a breath of fresh air.
Looking fwd to the content, i spent more than twice the puchase price of that Tank thingo just on upgrades to my Troopy and combined with the purchase price l coulda bought four of these, and like all 70ies my troopy is still a truck. I reckon those Tanks could really take off if they are solid and the aftermarket gets behind them, might take the hybrid for a drive when it comes out. I'll never get rid of the Troopy but hey, a Tank could be all the 4wd a lot of Aussies need hey. Modify the shit outa that thing and post away.
Super keen to follow this build!!! A 300 or prado or y62 modified is out of most peoples reach these days!! Seeing this thing modified is super exciting!! Wpuld love to see it kitted out with the works
Dave, the button with the "Blue Bottle - dealer description" inscribed on it is expert mode, allows you to alter drive modes. Interesting, the 2 dealers i approached couldn't tell me what the button was for, only learnt this today in another review. I'm really drawn to this beast.
It's insane how Chinese cars have from something I'd never buy to genuinely class competitive, even before you factor in the lower price, in only a few short years
I hate those stupid indicators!! Who is it who keeps putting them in new cars as if it's a brilliant idea??? Indicators worked just fine before, leave them alone!! 😖
As a big Land Rover fan I've been turned off their latest models from them being way too technical, the Defender being an example. The Defender is now just way too overpriced and is no longer a 'working man's vehicle'. This is why the misses and I have just bought the Tank 300. It's similar to what the Defender should have been at a price that is arguably unmatched.
When i first csme across this car i wanted it .... i love the jeep wranglers but wont own one after ao many bad reviews ... so this hit the spot for me & now after a review like this.... im sold!
Mahindra had the same thing v6 turbo petrol Jeep stop it coming into the country because it look like their new Jeep an then the 300 tank came into the country ; they’ve been here for about 3 years now
So they cant be used as tow vehicle, or they can ? My friend has bought one and plans on towing his boat. Really hope he's not been tricked by the sales team. I will give him the heads up
If the the tech in the tank is anything like the cannon, then I think these things might help you a bit. - the camera turning on as you go around a corner can be turned off in the camera settings. - the handbrake should automatically disengage when in gear and you tap the accelerator pedal. As for the indicator, I've heard from others who has bmw that you can turn off the indicator by tapping the indicator in the same direction again and it should turn off itself after a bit. (Not too sure as I don't have a bmw)
I only wish you could opt out and cancel the "idiot" features in the car. Does the turning camera interrupt say google maps constantly, or does maps override it?... We test drove one and really liked it, but the indicators were a nightmare though. Hoping they have a software update.
Swapping to 2021 Troopy? I’m in Adelaide. Even visited you shop once. Ive seen one in Mawson Lakes today around lunch time. Same color. But this is the only color I’ve seen. On the second thought 78 looks bigger and more room inside. Might even cut the roof one day.
david i admire your passion for 4x4 s mh concern is how government policy could destroy our past time pushing the electric way to fast ifear they will stop manufactures from bringing in fossil fuel vehicles or make it expensive to do so ithink its time to fight this stuff or we will be in trouble
360 degree camera view…? That’s for disabled people with a stiff neck due to accident & surgery. - The rest of us can turn our heads to see what we have around our vehicle.
Chinese are good imitators but not innovators , I'm seriously thinking of buying one very shortly One third tbe price of a new defender and probably more reliable
If you look at other cars there's a reason on the passenger side they use cloth to hold the seat belt buckle and use plastic on the drivers. The cloth prevents that tapping when driving. And the drivers is cheaper plastic holder as the drivers seat belt will always be worn.
Subscribed 👍 Keen to see how far this goes. A few mates bought the budget model of the Cannon and so far not too bad but as with any vehicle there were the odd annoying features such as confusing shifter and not being able to adjust audio when in reverse..
The braking system where it picks up the rear is it not to increased pressure on the front tyres to shorten the braking distance. Is it not a good thing.
The camera coming on when you go slow around corners is a brilliant idea. My prado does that too, but you can disable it if you want on the prado. Especially sometimes you suddenly come up to a very tight spot and you need the camera to see if you can clear the corner or not. You should leave it on. The indicators are like that on my BMW, it sucks, but if for example you have indicated left and want to cancel them, just push down once more to the left and it will stop. At least it does on my BMW. The car looks nice, but after seeing several videos from China of these cars and other makes not deploying airbags in a crash, breaking down many times in the first year, being repaired and still breaking down, would put me off buying one, not that I have any plans to buy one. I think its good you are a guinea pig for future potential buyers, because then people can see if this car proves to be reliable long term. I hope it is, but rather sceptical about its lastability and reliability. I also hate this more tech in cars. It in my opinion is too much. My prado has more than enough tech without going over board and lots of physical buttons and switches. Having to do nearly everything through a touch screen would just piss me right off.
Congratulations on your new car. One suggestion is NOT to look up on Chinese social media regarding this Tank 300. I start to feel sorry for you unfortunately.
First of all, how exactly a Tank 300 is regarded in China, where it has been around for a while. A little history, it was a “Social Media hotties” (网红）truck when it was released. But quickly people realized this inexpensive (the bottom of the price range) “off road” truck is not what it advertised to be. Due to it doesn’t do very well off road, which is put at the bottom of the list, and doesn’t drive very well and thirsty when compared to other Chinese brands. The quality is not really there either in order to keep the price low. The depreciation is horrible, it normally lost 40 to 50% value just one year. Which it is name the car that is affordable by 3000 Yuan RMB ($420 US dollar according to current exchange rate) monthly income group. Despite the bottom of barrel cost of a used one, people don’t even want it due to the quality and unreliable high tech in it. In a country that social status is so overwhelming, people don’t want to be seen in one of this. For Chinese cars, there are basically two groups: the government owned automakers and privately owned ones. The former group get all the goodies such as parts and workers, the privately own brands are getting the less desirable parts despite how high tech they are. Among privately owned mainstream automakers in China, GWM is the bottom of the barrel. There are some so called privately owned automakers are actually not what they seem to be, such as BYD, Cherry etc.
I honestly just dont understand how the hell benz, or bwm or audi dare to sell their suv for over 150k with much more poor quality either in assembly or mechanical reliability, the only thing different is their badge and marketing cost i guess
You were obviously under the embargo conditions, judging by today's RU-vid channels releasing all there videos on this vechile exactly 5 hrs ago. But you purchased it and can say what you want. Coincidence I guess.
With the cameras- wonder if shows actual colour of vehicle unlike others. The turning cameras may be good for blind spots. Look forward to this build and review.
With the Cannon it gives you 4 different colour choices. So if it's white, black or blue your fine (the 4th is brown😅) but any other colour your out of luck. I assume the Tank will be the same. I think I may go test one and find out for myself.
Greetings from Canada 🇨🇦 , great review ! This is not available in Canada just yet but is this Tank 300 also competitive with the Toyota 4RUNNER which I own here in Canada 🇨🇦 ?
