Al-Qalam 
By Imraan Buccus
GWM just doesn’t know how to slow down, and thank goodness for that. The bold Chinese brand continues to barrel forward with innovation and finesse, and now they’ve added serious diesel brawn to their already popular Tank 300 range. Enter the new GWM Tank 300 Diesel – a rugged, yet unexpectedly refined SUV that’s designed to work hard, play harder, and turn heads while doing both.
From the first glance, the new diesel variant makes a statement. It’s got that muscular, squared-off profile that whispers “army grade”, but don’t let its butch exterior fool you. This SUV is just as comfortable tackling technical off-road trails as it is gliding through Sandton traffic – all while cosseting you in Nappa leather.
Diesel Torque Meets Clever Engineering
Under the bonnet, the 2.4L turbo diesel heart beats strong with 135 kW of power and a thumping 480 Nm of torque – numbers that’ll speak to anyone who knows a thing or two about towing or traversing gravel highways. With a massive 3-tonne towing capacity, this Tank isn’t just for show. Boats, trailers, horses, caravans – the diesel Tank 300 pulls them all without breaking a sweat.
And it’s not thirsty either. GWM claims an impressive 7.7L/100 km combined fuel consumption. That means fewer pit stops and more time off the grid – just the way we South Africans like it when we head to the Cederberg or take the back roads to the Berg.
True Off-Road Capability
Where the road ends, the Tank Diesel comes into its own. Seven driving modes – including Mud, Rock, Sand and Snow – help it adapt to whatever you throw at it. Then there’s the clever Tank Turn function, off-road cruise control, and low-speed 4WD, all working together to make the most treacherous routes feel like child’s play.
Need even more grip? Just hit a button and both front and rear differential locks engage within 200 milliseconds, sending all power to the wheels with traction. The suspension setup – double wishbones up front, multi-link at the rear – adds both control and comfort, while the impressive approach and departure angles (33 and 34 degrees respectively), 700 mm wading depth, and 224 mm ground clearance confirm that this SUV wasn’t built for city curbs alone.
What truly impressed me was the 360-degree “see-through” chassis camera. You can actually see what lies beneath the car when crawling over rocks or through rivers. It’s a level of confidence that turns an intimidating trail into a Sunday drive.
The Inside
Step inside and it’s a whole different story – this is where the Tank 300 Diesel really surprises. Heated and cooled full-grain Nappa leather seats with massage function, a heated steering wheel, and 64-colour ambient lighting transform this off-road brute into a mobile lounge.
The 12.3-inch touchscreen and matching digital instrument cluster are slick and easy to use, seamlessly integrating Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 9-speaker Infinity sound system is an audiophile’s dream, and if you’re like me and hate a noisy cabin, the acoustic glass and multi-layered insulation do a phenomenal job of keeping the outside world exactly where it belongs – outside.
Safety Without Compromise
Safety hasn’t been sidelined either. The new diesel Tank boasts a 5-Star ANCAP safety rating and an extensive suite of driver aids including Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Detection, and Automatic Emergency Braking. Even off the beaten track, you’re protected by a full set of airbags, a 360° camera, and Rear Cross Traffic Braking.
Ownership That’s Just as Solid
GWM backs up all of this with serious after-sales commitment. You’re looking at a 7-year/200,000 km warranty, 7-year roadside assist, and a 75,000 km service plan. It’s the kind of long-term reassurance that makes a big SUV like this not only tempting but downright sensible.
Your Tank, Your Colour
Available in bold hues like Mars Red, Black, Orange, White and Grey, the diesel Tank 300 invites you to make it your own – whether you’re dressing for the bush or the boulevard.
GWM’s new diesel variant doesn’t just expand the Tank 300 range – it elevates it. It’s everything South Africans want: power, comfort, tech, and off-road grit. Head to your nearest dealership and take this diesel beast for a spin. Just don’t be surprised if you don’t want to give it back.
