The GWM’s new Tank 700 luxury off-road SUV was launched in China with the Hi4-Z plug-in hybrid variant producing 635 kW (864 hp). It drives up to 190 km on a battery charge and goes to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds. The starting price of the GWM flagship off-roader is 428,000 yuan (62,780 USD).

Tank is a luxury off-road SUV offshoot of GWM. This brand’s flagship model, called Tank 700, entered the domestic market in 2024 with a 3-liter V6-based Hi4-T plug-in hybrid system. According to China EV DataTracker, its cumulative deliveries reached 19,343 units. It is a relatively low number, judging by the standards of the vast Chinese market. The new Tank 700 aims to reverse the negative trend.

It is worth noting that Great Wall Motor sells the petrol-powered version of the Tank 700 outside China. This variant offers a 3-liter petrol-powered V6 with a 48V belt starter generator. However, GWM decided not to launch this variant in China.

More on the new Tank 700

All variants of the Tank 700 switched to an aggressive design language with large bumpers, a roof spoiler, and a sporty diffuser. This styling variant was previously available only for the top-trim level of this model. Other versions offered shorter bumpers for better approach and departure angles, as well as a more modest appearance. Now, every trim level of the Tank 700 screams with sportiness, which is unusual for a body-on-frame off-roader.

Dimensions of the Tank 700 are 5105/2061/1985 mm with a wheelbase of 3000 mm. It is a boxy five-seat SUV with a swing-out tailgate and a full-size spare wheel mounted on it. The car rides on 22-inch rims. Another highlight of the new Tank 700 is updated active headlights with 260 LED elements. The car’s ground clearance is 200 – 249 mm, depending on the powertrain version. However, the Tank 700 could be equipped with air suspension, allowing adjustment of the ride height.

The interior of the Tank 700 adopts a 15.6-inch floating screen in the center console, complemented by a 12.3-inch LCD instrument cluster and a head-up display. A 17.3-inhc monitor sits on the ceiling in front of the second-row passengers. They also have an additional 7-inch touchscreen in the armrest. All seats of the Tank 700 support heating, ventilation, and 10-point massage functions. Other features include a 5.4-liter built-in fridge and 21 speakers.

The Tank 700 adopts a LiDAR-based assisted driving system with a VLA (Vision, Language, Action) model that allows the car to perform the Navigate Autopilot (NOA) function on urban roads and highways. This large off-roader also supports the autonomous parking function.

Two powertrain variants

The new Tank 700 is available in China with two plug-in hybrid powertrain options: the Hi4-T and the Hi4-Z. They differ not just by the e-motor output or another digit. These powertrains are totally different in terms of structure.

We will begin with the new Hi4-Z option. It adopts a 2-liter turbocharged engine under the hood with a peak power output of 185 kW (248 hp). The ICE is paired with an electric drive, which integrates a 3DHT transmission and an electric motor for 215 kW (288 hp). One more electric motor sits in the rear axle, producing 240 kW (322 hp). The peak power output of this system is 635 kW (864 hp). A ternary NMC battery for 59.05 kWh powers the system, providing 190 km of EV range under WLTC conditions.

The Tank 700 Hi4-Z speeds up to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds. Its fuel consumption is 1.16 liters per 100 km in hybrid mode (WLTC conditions). With a drained battery, it consumes 8.45 L/100km. This system is quite efficient. However, it has one notable drawback. It is an absence of a mechanical linkage between axles. If the rear axle of the Tank 700 Hi4-Z loses grip in tough off-road conditions, the car will simply lose 240 kW of power. So, this modification is aimed at efficient urban commutes, not for off-roading.

The Hi4-T is another story. It adopts a 3-liter V6 petrol-powered engine for 265 kW (355 hp) and a 9-speed automatic gearbox. An electric motor for 130 kW (174 hp) sits between an ICE and a gearbox. A 37.1 kWh ternary NMC pack supplies power to the e-motor. The Tank 700 Hi4-T can run up to 90 km on a single battery charge. Its fuel consumption in PHEV mode is 2.97 L/100km. With a drained battery, this SUV consumes 10.9 liters per 100 km.

The Tank 700 Hi4-T also speeds up to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds. However, this model is more off-road-oriented due to a conventional AWD system with a multi-disc clutch and three differential locks. The Hi4-T variant is the one offering a ground clearance of 249 mm. It’s not so efficient or comfy on urban roads. However, the Tank 700 Hi4-T has seemingly better off-road capabilities.

Prices

The Tank 700 Hi4-Z is a cheaper modification of this SUV due to a 2-liter engine. It is available for purchase with two trim levels. The front differential lock and the second-row electrically powered sunshades are the two most notable differences between those variants. Prices of the Tank 700 Hi4-Z are as follows:

• Tank 700 Hi4-Z Ultimate – 428,000 yuan (62,780 USD)
• Tank 700 Hi4-Z Extreme – 468,000 yuan (68,645 USD)

The Tank 700 Hi4-T is available in a single trim level called Pinnacle. Its price tag reaches 508,000 yuan (74,520 USD). It is considered to be a high price point in China, with a few domestic products like the Zeekr 9X or the Aito M9 being offered.