After some months of being previewed, the GWM TANK 300 is officially launched in the Malaysian market today. The estimated price of RM250,000 which was said to be ‘estimated’ earlier is indeed the actual price (excluding insurance). Though it is priced higher than other models from China, GWM Malaysia says that the initial response has been encouraging and over 300 bookings have already been received.
Special package for first 300 owners
The first 300 owners of the TANK 300 in Malaysia will enjoy special benefits from the company as a token of appreciation for their confidence. These are free scheduled service maintenance for the first 5 years (or maximum of 100,000 kms); an unlimited mileage lifetime warranty for the engine and transmission (only for first registered owner); GWM Thule Adventure Kit worth RM8,999; and a series of Adventure Trips with the TANK in China.
In conjunction with the launch of the TANK 300, 10 customers who have completed their vehicle registration by August 12, 2024 will also have the chance to win an Adventure Trip with the TANK in China. The selection of lucky customers will be made through a lucky draw contest.
The TANK is already a well proven product with over 300,000 units sold in 3 years. In China, it has been the bestselling off-road SUV for 42 consecutive months.
However, for Malaysians, it is still a brand new product though GWM (Great Wall Motor) is actually no stranger to this market as its Haval SUVs have been sold for over 10 years. To give peace of mind, GWM Malaysia is offering a warranty for a full 6 years (no limit on mileage) from the date of registration.
Aftersales services and replacement parts are assured from a nationwide (including East Malaysia) network of service centres.
What’s a TANK 300?
For those who don’t yet know about the TANK 300, here’s an overview of the key features of the luxury SUV which has also been engineered to travel over very rugged terrain and through difficult conditions.
An authentic off-road SUV
While modern SUVs have switched to a monocoque structure like a passenger car’s, the TANK 300 uses ladder-frame construction which off-road drivers regard as being more superior for the chassis. The part-time 4×4 system is managed intelligently and the drivetrain also has front and rear electronic axle differential locks to overcome the most difficult surface conditions.
For power, the TANK 300 uses a 2-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine which produces 220 ps/380 Nm. An 8-speed automatic transmission is the only one available for the Malaysian market. Besides the traditional High and Low ranges, there are also driving modes to optimise performance over 9 different surfaces and conditions.
Try it yourself
We recently had a chance to drive the TANK 300 in very tough conditions and can say that it performed very impressively. You too can experience it yourself at M4TREC, a 4WD training and experience centre in Semenyih, Selangor, on July 20 and 21. You can book a drive by filling out the form here: https://forms.gle/Xi7ZuvMPo9jDJwEW9 .
Luxurious interior
Inside the traditionally-styled body (which includes a spare wheel on the rear door), the cabin has a premium feel with high quality materials such as Nappa leather. The dual 12.3-inch instrument panel and touchscreen display provide lots of space for all kinds of information, including the views around and even under the vehicle. The driver is able to see the angle of the wheels and projected path as well as terrain conditions, giving more confidence when driving in new terrain.
The standard equipment and features are commensurate with the price, and the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) has a very comprehensive range of active safety systems. Even in off-road conditions, the driver can leave control to some of the active systems to get through a difficult section safely. It’s slow but that is how it should be when driving off-road.
Entering an under-served segment
The TANK 300 enters a segment that has not seen newcomers for some time as most companies have switched their focus to the crossover SUVs and pick-up trucks. It could well attract the interest of those people who used to buy the ‘ninja turtle’ (as the Toyota Land Cruiser was nicknamed) or Mitsubishi Pajero for use on construction sites or to visit projects in the jungle.
“To us at GWM, providing an off-road SUV that impresses not only with its looks but also with its comfort and luxury, without compromising safety or performance, is essential. We strive to ensure every journey is enjoyed to the fullest, with complete peace of mind,” said Mike Cui An Qi, Managing Director of GWM Malaysia.