The GWM Tank 300: How reliable is it?

We came across a video from the highly respected ReDriven YouTube channel that outlines the ownership and reliability experience with the GWM Tank 300. With insights from our personal experience and local feedback, we have some interesting information to share.

SA’s love for diesel

When the Tank 300 originally launched locally, it arrived exclusively with a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine and a high-performance Hybrid (HEV) variant boasting a massive 255 kW and 648 Nm. While the HEV was incredibly fast, its real-world fuel consumption and highway towing left South African overlanders a bit sceptical. Long-distance road trips and heavy towing over vast local distances require long-range reliability and low-end torque.

Enter the 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel (2.4T). Borrowed from GWM’s heavy-duty commercial range, this engine pumps out 135 kW of power and 480 Nm of torque, mated to a 9-speed automatic gearbox. Local tests prove that this engine bridges the gap. Instead of the thirsty petrol variants, the diesel manages a much more palatable real-world fuel figure (averaging between 8.2L/100km on open highways to around 9.8L/100km overall). This extends the driving range to roughly 850 km on its 78-litre tank—making those long treks down the N1 to the Cape or deep into the bush far more viable.

G-Wagon bling on a budget

Visually, the Tank 300 makes an absolute statement. It features a retro-modern, boxy aesthetic clearly inspired by iconic off-roaders, characterised by round LED headlights with a striking horizontal daytime running light bar, pronounced black plastic arches, and a full-sized spare wheel boldly mounted on a side-hinged tailgate.

In a country where road presence matters just as much as capability, the Tank 300 is a certified head-turner. GWM even showcased a G-Wagon-esque kitted version at the Festival of Motoring, proving how easily this vehicle captures local imagination.

Interior

Step inside, and the rugged exterior gives way to what local reviewers call a "5-star luxury cabin." The German inspiration is unmistakable, featuring circular turbine-style air vents and dual 12.3-inch screens seamlessly integrated across the dashboard.

If you opt for the top-tier Ultra Luxury trim, the spec sheet reads like a vehicle costing twice its price:

• Nappa leather seats with heating, ventilation, and massaging functions.

• An 8-way electrically adjustable driver's seat and a heated steering wheel.

• A 9-speaker Infinity audio system.

• 64-colour ambient lighting and an aviation-style gear selector.

We have found a few ergonomic quirks. Because the dual-screen setup was structurally lifted from left-hand-drive layouts without flipping the layout for right-hand-drive markets, the volume control and specific shortcuts sit far to the passenger's side, forcing the driver to lean over. Additionally, we noted that the high amount of reflective, metallic surfaces in the cockpit might feel a bit overly shiny when the bright South African sun beams through the sunroof. Furthermore, while the 400-litre boot is practical, it surprisingly lacks a standard tonneau cover to hide your luggage from prying eyes—a vital security feature for local urban driving.

Off-road prowess

Don't let the luxury trimmings fool you; underneath lies a tough-as-nails ladder-frame chassis. The video review and technical data show that the Tank 300 has the hardware to back up its name:

• Ground clearance: 224 mm

• Wading depth: 700 mm

• Angles: An aggressive 33-degree approach and 34-degree departure angle.

• 4x4 Hardware: A 2H/4H/4L transfer case, standard rear differential lock, and an additional front differential lock on the Ultra Lux model.

  
  

It also includes advanced off-road software like Crawl Control, Turn Assist (which brakes the inside rear wheel to give you an incredibly tight turning circle on narrow mountain passes), and a clever "transparent chassis view" camera that allows you to see the exact positioning of rocks and ruts right beneath your front axle on the infotainment screen.

The Catch: The biggest mechanical flaw highlighted across almost all local road tests is unresponsive throttle calibration. When taking off at a local intersection or attempting an overtaking manoeuvre, there is a noticeable lag. Press the pedal slightly, and nothing happens; press it harder to compensate, and the vehicle abruptly lurches forward as the 9-speed gearbox scrambles to deploy all 480 Nm of torque at once. It takes some getting used to.

South African value proposition

Where the Tank 300 truly deals a knockout blow is the pricing structure. GWM recently expanded the lineup to include an entry-level 2WD diesel model alongside its robust 4x4 options, undercutting established rivals drastically:

• 2.4T Luxury 2WD AT: R649 900

• 2.4T Super Lux 4WD AT: R699 900

• 2.4T Ultra Lux 4WD AT: R739 900

To put this in perspective, for the price of a baseline entry-level Toyota Fortuner 2.4 GD-6 4x4 or entry-spec Land Cruiser FJ, GWM offers the Tank 300 Ultra Lux Diesel—complete with Nappa leather, massaging seats, front- and rear-diff locks, and a dual-screen cockpit.

Furthermore, GWM addresses local scepticism regarding Chinese reliability by backing the Tank 300 with a 7-year / 200 000 km warranty, 7 years of unlimited roadside assist, and a 7-year / 75 000 km service plan.

Reliability

In the ReDriven video review, the analysis of the GWM Tank 300's reliability is broken down into specific categories based on real-world data from the used car market, mechanical teardowns, and consumer feedback.

Because GWM (and the Tank sub-brand) is relatively new compared to legacy brands like Toyota, the video takes a very calculated look at how the vehicle holds up. Here is exactly what the video covers regarding reliability:

1. Mechanical & drivetrain reliability

• Engine & gearbox: Mechanically, the core components (like the engine and the automatic transmission) are noted as being structurally robust. Because GWM utilises these powertrains across their heavy commercial lines (like the P-Series bakkies), the fundamental mechanical blocks are built to handle high stress.

• The software catch: While the physical gears and pistons are reliable, the electronic calibration controlling them is a weak point. The data highlights that the software managing throttle response and gear shifting feels unrefined, resulting in jerky inputs rather than a mechanical failure. This is in line with our local experience, where calibration was the biggest issue with the product, not a lack of mechanical robustness.

2. Suspension, braking, and undercarriage

• Built for abuse: Underneath the car, the suspension components, bushes, and braking systems are praised for their heavy-duty build quality. The video notes that even on examples that have been driven hard or taken off-road, the hardware under the car shows impressive durability and doesn't suffer from premature wear or excessive rattling.

3. Exterior and build quality "glitches"

• Paint and plastics: The video points out a few minor areas where cost-cutting impacts long-term wear. Some exterior plastics and trim pieces can fade or loosen over time if exposed heavily to harsh weather. This is another area we have covered in our reviews before; we noted that some materials and trim elements appear to be substandard and not really up to the test of time, let alone the harsh climate in South Africa. This is very minor and can be remedied in a facelift or with more robust aftermarket parts.

• Sensor hypersensitivity: A major reliability annoyance raised is the electronic sensor array. The cameras and safety systems (like Lane Keep Assist and forward collision warning) are prone to glitches or oversensitivity, occasionally triggering false warnings on the dashboard. While not a mechanical breakdown, it impacts the daily perception of reliability. This isn't just a Tank 300 or even just a GWM problem; this is something we have encountered with many Chinese products, which again points to the need for better calibration and regular software updates.

4. Parts availability and after-sales support

• New-brand risk: The video explicitly addresses the elephant in the room for any newer Chinese brand: getting parts. While GWM has set up massive parts distribution centres, the video warns that if you have a major accident or require a highly specific electronic component, waiting times for parts shipping can still be longer than with an established legacy brand.

• Locally, GWM parts availability has improved significantly, backed by an extensive national parts warehouse and an established network of over 100 dealerships. For popular models (such as the Haval Jolion, H6, and P-Series), standard service items, filters, and brake pads are highly accessible with fast turnaround times in major urban areas. However, while routine maintenance is highly efficient, major body panels, specialised electronics, or niche components can still face delays of a few weeks if they are out of stock nationally and require direct importation from China.

Verdict

If you can look past the quirky screen ergonomics and the frustrating throttle lag, the GWM Tank 300 turbodiesel stands out as one of the best value-for-money buys in South Africa. It blends the hardcore capability required for a weekend trip to the Baviaanskloof with the premium, head-turning luxury needed for the daily Sandton commute—all at a price tag that makes the traditional segment leaders look wildly overpriced.