GWM Electrifies P300 Bakkie Range in South Africa with New Hi4-T Plug-In Hybrid

Priced at R914 900, the newcomer seeks to bridge the gap between zero-emission urban driving and heavy-duty utility, offering a claimed 115 km of pure electric range alongside a 3 500 kg towing capacity and traditional low-range four-wheel-drive hardware.

High-Output Parallel Hybrid Architecture

At the core of the P300 PHEV is GWM’s proprietary Hi4-T hybrid system. The P300 employs a parallel architecture with a hybrid-dedicated 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine (180 kW / 380 Nm) that works alongside a 130 kW / 495 Nm electric motor integrated directly into the nine-speed automatic transmission.

Together, the system generates a combined output of 310 kW and 750 Nm of torque.

By running both power sources in parallel, the electric motor supplies immediate low-end torque while the petrol engine operates within its optimal efficiency band. This setup ensures that the drive is delivered directly to the wheels even when the high-voltage battery is at a low state of charge, preventing power drop-offs during long highway climbs or sustained off-road work.

Drivers can select between three primary operational modes:

• Electric Mode: Prioritises zero-tailpipe-emission driving for short urban runs.

• Hybrid Mode: Blends petrol and electric power for optimal highway and long-distance driving.

• Intelligent Mode: Manages battery reserve levels between 30% and 80%, incorporating a dedicated Camping Mode that reserves charge to run external appliances off-grid.

Battery, Range, and Fast-Charging

Energy is stored in a 33.1 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack. Under NEDC testing procedures, the P300 PHEV yields an electric-only range of up to 115 km, with GWM quoting a combined fuel consumption figure of 2.4 L/100 km.

Designed for off-road durability, the battery is mounted directly within the frame rails and carries an IP68 dust- and water-resistance rating. It has also undergone 28 days of salt-spray testing for corrosion resistance.

When plugged into a DC fast charger, the battery accepts up to 110 kW of input power, allowing a 30% to 80% charge in approximately 18 minutes at standard ambient temperatures. Additionally, the vehicle features dual-socket Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capabilities, outputting up to 6 kW when stationary and 4 kW while on the move to power job-site tools or camping equipment.

Chassis and Off-Road Credentials

Despite its electrified powertrain, the P300 Hi4-T retains standard body-on-frame architecture. Suspension consists of a double-wishbone front setup and a rigid rear axle supported by a 3+2 leaf-spring configuration.

Off-road traction is handled by a part-time 4WD system with selectable 2H, 4H, and 4L modes, featuring a 2.64:1 low-range crawl ratio and an electronically locking rear differential. An All-Terrain Feedback System and Off-Road Expert Mode come fitted as standard.

Key Geometry & Dimensions:

• Overall Length / Width / Height: 5 416 mm / 1 947 mm / 1 886 mm

• Wheelbase: 3 230 mm

• Ground Clearance: 200 mm

• Approach / Departure / Breakover Angles: 26° / 23° (21° with towbar) / 19°

• Braked Towing Capacity: 3 500 kg

The vehicle features an automated Trailer Driving Mode that engages when a trailer is plugged into the electrical socket. The system recalibrates the powertrain maps and temporarily disables certain driver-assist functions that could trigger false collision warnings while towing.

Exterior Styling and Cabin Specifications

Visually, the Pioneer Hi4-T derivative distinguishes itself through a black front grille, darkened light clusters, black wheel arches, black side steps, and black alloy wheels fitted with 265/60 R18 tyres over red brake callipers. Automatic LED headlights, High Beam Assist, and a spray-in bedliner are standard.

The interior aligns with modern SUV design standards, headlined by a 15.6-inch 2.5K central touchscreen running on a 7nm processor with 16GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. This is paired with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster.

Standard interior equipment includes:

• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

• 50W cooled wireless smartphone charging pad

• Heated and ventilated leather-trimmed front seats with power adjustment

• Heated macrofibre steering wheel

• Sunroof and dual-zone climate control with rear vents

• Reclining rear seats (27-degree backrest angle)

Safety and Driver Assistance

The P300 PHEV comes equipped with a Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), utilising a front camera, four fisheye cameras, corner radars, and ultrasonic sensors.

Active safety systems include Adaptive Cruise Control with Traffic Jam Assist, Autonomous Emergency Braking with Junction Assist, Lane Keep Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert with auto-braking, and a 360-degree camera system featuring a 3D view and "Transparent Chassis" functionality for manoeuvring over technical terrain.

South African Pricing and Ownership Terms

The GWM P300 2.0T Pioneer Hi4-T PHEV 9HAT is available immediately through GWM’s national dealer network.

• Retail Price: R914 900.00

• Warranty: 7-year / 200 000 km

• High-Voltage Battery Warranty: 8-year / 150 000 km

• Service Plan: 7-year / 75 000 km (12-month / 15 000 km intervals)

• Roadside Assistance: 7-year / unlimited distance