The GWM Tank 300 has clearly changed the Australian 4x4 market. It offers tough looks and real capability at a price that disrupts the competition — and now things shift again with the hybrid version arriving.
This new model costs significantly more, which raises a key question for buyers: is the extra money worth it? The hybrid promises better fuel efficiency and a smoother drive on regular roads.
In this review we'll answer that exact question. We'll look at real-world fuel economy, how it drives on sealed roads, off-road performance, and finish with a clear cost analysis.
Hybrid vs Petrol: Specs Compared
First, let's look at the basic specifications. This gives us the hard data we need to understand the main differences between the petrol and hybrid models before we test real-world performance.
Key Performance & Price
The spec sheet shows exactly where your extra money goes. The hybrid gets a big boost in combined torque, but it also weighs noticeably more. GWM's hybrid system here is branded Hi4-T (the "T" is for Turbo), pairing the 2.0L turbo-petrol engine with an electric motor and a 9-speed hybrid automatic.
| Specification | Tank 300 Petrol (Ultra) | Tank 300 Hybrid (Ultra) |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L turbo-petrol | 2.0L turbo-petrol + electric motor |
| Combined power | 162 kW | 258 kW |
| Combined torque | 380 Nm | 615 Nm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 9-speed hybrid automatic |
| Official fuel | 9.5 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| 0-100 km/h (claimed) | — | ~7.9 sec |
| Kerb weight | 2,155 kg | 2,305 kg |
| Launch price | ~$55,990 drive-away | ~$65,990 drive-away |
The most impressive figure is the hybrid's massive 615 Nm of torque, which easily beats its petrol brother and helps it hit a claimed 0-100 km/h of around 7.9 seconds. But that performance comes with an extra 150 kg of weight — and we'll explore what that means later.
And to clear up a common mix-up: the Tank 300 Hybrid is a self-charging hybrid (HEV), not a plug-in (PHEV). There's no charging port — the battery is topped up by the engine and regenerative braking as you drive.
Real-World Fuel Economy
Brochure numbers are one thing; real-world fuel use is what actually affects your wallet. The hybrid's main selling point is efficiency, so we tested it thoroughly to see if it delivers.
Urban & Highway Results
We drove more than 500 km of mixed conditions in and around Sydney, and the differences became very clear. Where you drive heavily affects the hybrid's advantage.
Our testing showed these fuel consumption figures:
- City driving: the hybrid consistently used around 10.5 L/100km. The electric motor and regenerative braking work brilliantly in stop-start traffic, often running on battery power alone at low speeds. That dramatically cuts fuel use compared with the petrol model, which used closer to 13-14 L/100km in the same conditions.
- Highway cruising: at a steady 110 km/h on the Hume Highway, the hybrid's advantage shrank. We recorded approximately 9.8 L/100km — here the petrol engine does most of the work and the electric motor only helps occasionally.
- Combined figure: our tested combined figure for the hybrid was 10.1 L/100km — a clear improvement over the petrol model's real-world combined figure (around 11.5 L/100km), though still higher than the official 8.4 L/100km claim.
Hybrid Efficiency Compared
So how does the Tank 300 Hybrid's fuel efficiency compare with other vehicles? It's a mixed result that needs context.
Compared with a standard family hybrid like the Toyota RAV4, the Tank 300 uses significantly more fuel — a consequence of its heavy, non-aerodynamic, body-on-frame construction. The RAV4 can achieve figures closer to 5.0 L/100km.
However, compared with traditional diesel-powered 4x4s like a Ford Everest or Isuzu MU-X, the Tank 300 Hybrid's city efficiency is genuinely competitive. Many large diesels struggle to get below 11-12 L/100km in heavy city traffic, and this is an area where the Tank 300 Hybrid holds a clear advantage.
On the Tarmac
Most 4x4s spend most of their time on sealed roads, so we checked whether the hybrid's powertrain improvements translate into a better daily driving experience.
Power and Acceleration
A common worry with some hybrid systems is lag or a disconnected feel. The Tank 300 Hybrid tackles this directly.
From a standstill, the electric motor provides instant torque for a smooth, strong surge of acceleration. It effectively hides any potential turbo lag from the 2.0-litre petrol engine, making city driving effortless.
This immediate response also helps when overtaking at highway speeds — the combined power gives confident, quick acceleration when you need to pass trucks or merge onto a fast-moving motorway.
Drivetrain Smoothness
Refinement is where the hybrid truly separates itself from its petrol counterpart. The transition between electric and petrol power is almost unnoticeable.
GWM has done an excellent job setting up the 9-speed hybrid transmission. There are no jarring shifts or awkward pauses as the system manages its power sources.
The result is a quieter, more peaceful cabin, particularly at low to medium speeds. It feels more polished and premium than the petrol-only model, which elevates its credentials as a daily family vehicle.
The Ultimate Off-Road Test
Capability is the Tank 300's brand identity. A key question is whether the complex hybrid system and its extra weight help or hurt performance once the sealed road ends.
The Weight vs Torque Dilemma
The hybrid presents an interesting off-road puzzle: its greatest strength is also linked to its greatest weakness. The physics of weight versus torque are central to its performance.
On a recent trip to the Glass House Mountains, we tested both models back-to-back on a steep, low-traction climb. The petrol model needed more aggressive throttle input and momentum to keep moving, with wheels scrambling for grip.
In contrast, the hybrid crawled up with better control. The massive, instant torque from the electric motor allowed precise, low-rpm progress, and it walked over obstacles with minimal fuss. However, its extra 150 kg was noticeable in softer, sandy sections, where it showed a greater tendency to sink.
Effective Off-Roading?
Yes, the Tank 300 Hybrid can go off-road very effectively — but with important limitations. It excels in some scenarios while being compromised in others.
- Exceptional low-speed throttle control for technical rock crawling
- Instant, massive torque makes climbing obstacles feel effortless
- The extra weight is a clear disadvantage in soft sand and deep mud
- Added hybrid complexity is a concern for reliability in very remote areas
While the stock Tank 300 is capable, many owners look to enhance its durability for Australian conditions. For those planning serious adventures, the right protection and recovery gear make all the difference.
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The $10,000 Question
Now we reach the core of the debate: the financial justification. Does the hybrid's fuel efficiency offer a reasonable return on the substantial $10,000 price premium? A cost-benefit breakdown provides the answer.
Calculating Your Break-Even
To work out whether the hybrid makes financial sense for you, we can calculate a break-even point using our real-world combined fuel figures and a sample fuel price. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the average passenger vehicle travels around 12,100 km per year.
- Fuel saved per 100 km: 11.5 L (petrol) − 10.1 L (hybrid) = 1.4 litres
- Cost saved per 100 km: 1.4 L × $1.90/L = $2.66
- Break-even distance: ($10,000 ÷ $2.66) × 100 = ~376,000 km
In other words, based on mixed driving it would take an exceptionally long time to recover the initial $10,000 on fuel savings alone. The number improves dramatically if you drive exclusively in the city, but the payback period stays substantial.
Who Should Buy the Hybrid?
Based on that stark financial reality, the decision comes down to your primary use case and what you value most.
The urban commuter: this is the buyer the hybrid makes the most sense for. If your driving is 80%+ heavy, stop-start city traffic, your fuel savings will be maximised — and you'll greatly benefit from the smoother, quieter drive.
The long-distance tourer: for those covering vast highway kilometres, the petrol model or a more efficient turbo-diesel competitor remains more economical. The hybrid's efficiency advantage is minimal at a constant cruise.
The hardcore off-roader: this buyer may prefer the petrol model's lower weight for better performance in sand and mud, and value its mechanical simplicity for remote-area travel.
Living With the Tank
Beyond the powertrain, how does the Tank 300 work as a daily vehicle? Here's a look at practicality, technology and long-term ownership.
Interior and Technology
Inside, the hybrid and petrol models are nearly identical, which is no bad thing — the cabin impresses with its design and material quality for the price.
The main difference is the digital driver's display. The hybrid features unique screens that show power flow between the engine, battery and wheels, plus your energy-consumption history. The infotainment system is functional, though it can feel a step behind market leaders in responsiveness.
Community Reliability Insights
To gauge long-term prospects, we monitor discussions in Australian GWM Tank 300 owner forums and Facebook groups, where early adopters provide invaluable real-world feedback.
A recurring theme among new owners involves minor software glitches with the infotainment system, often fixed with dealer updates. Some prospective buyers also raise questions about the long-term health and replacement cost of the hybrid battery — a valid consideration for any hybrid.
Overall sentiment remains positive. Most discussions, like those in a detailed CarExpert owner survey, focus on the vehicle's strong value proposition and impressive standard feature list.
The Final Verdict
After extensive testing and analysis, here's our clear, actionable conclusion on the GWM Tank 300 Hybrid. The decision comes down to a trade-off between daily refinement and long-term cost.
- Fuel economy: significantly more efficient in the city, but the advantage shrinks on the open highway — leading to a very long financial break-even for the average driver.
- On-road: undeniably smoother, quieter and more responsive than its petrol sibling.
- Off-road: superior low-speed control thanks to torque, but a weight penalty that can hinder it in soft sand or mud.
- Cost: the $10,000 premium is substantial and, for most users, won't be recovered through fuel savings alone.
For the urban-based adventurer who spends most of the week in traffic and prioritises daily refinement over outright cost-effectiveness, the Tank 300 Hybrid is a compelling, polished package.
However, for the dedicated remote tourer, the budget-conscious buyer, or the serious off-roader concerned with weight and complexity, the capable and proven petrol model remains the smarter, simpler choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the GWM Tank 300 Hybrid worth the extra $10,000?
It depends on your driving. For mostly city use, the better efficiency (~10.1 vs ~11.5 L/100km real-world) and the smoother, quieter drive make it worthwhile. But on fuel savings alone the $10,000 premium takes roughly 376,000 km to recoup, so highway tourers, remote travellers and hardcore off-roaders are usually better off with the lighter, simpler petrol model.
What is the GWM Tank 300 Hybrid's real-world fuel consumption?
In our testing around Sydney, the hybrid returned about 10.5 L/100km in the city, 9.8 L/100km on the highway, and 10.1 L/100km combined. That beats the petrol model's real-world ~11.5 L/100km, but is still above GWM's official 8.4 L/100km figure — typical for a heavy, body-on-frame 4x4.
Is the GWM Tank 300 Hybrid a plug-in (PHEV)?
No. The Tank 300 Hybrid sold in Australia is a self-charging hybrid (HEV) using GWM's Hi4-T system — there's no charging port and you never plug it in. The battery is topped up by the petrol engine and regenerative braking as you drive, so it works just like filling up any petrol car.
GWM Tank 300 Hybrid vs petrol: which is better off-road?
The hybrid's instant electric torque gives superior low-speed control for technical rock crawling and climbs. The petrol model's 150 kg lighter kerb weight makes it better in soft sand and deep mud, and its simpler mechanicals are reassuring for remote travel. Choose the hybrid for control, the petrol for light weight and simplicity.
How fast is the GWM Tank 300 Hybrid (0-100 km/h)?
GWM claims a 0-100 km/h time of around 7.9 seconds for the hybrid, thanks to its 258 kW and 615 Nm combined outputs. That's noticeably quicker than the 162 kW / 380 Nm petrol model, with the electric motor providing instant low-down torque off the line.
What is Hi4-T in the GWM Tank 300 Hybrid?
Hi4-T is GWM's turbocharged hybrid four-wheel-drive system (the "T" stands for Turbo). In the Tank 300 it pairs a 2.0L turbo-petrol engine with an electric motor and a 9-speed hybrid automatic, tuned for strong torque and low-speed off-road control rather than for plug-in electric range.
