So, you've got your heart set on a premium off-roader that can traverse mountains and crawl over rocks, but you're wondering if the new Tank 300 is as comfortable as it is capable.
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Comfort on the move
Inside the luxurious Tank 300, the level of on-road refinement and list of tech and convenience features will impress the pickiest of car buyers. Features in all models include privacy glass, 360-degree surround-view cameras, a sunroof, dual-zone air conditioning, and automatic headlights.
Related: Which is the best variant of GWM Tank 300
Adaptive cruise control is standard for semi-autonomous cruising and safety spec include autonomous emergency braking, rear-cross traffic alert, a front collision warning, a lane departure warning, a lane keep assistant and seven airbags, along with traffic sign recognition. Hill-descent control and a tyre pressure monitor are among the handy features to have when you're off the beaten track.
Thanks to those G-wagon-inspired plush leather seats and ample legroom, those long stretches behind the wheel are made much more bearable.
Top 3 things you need to know about the Tank 300
Ride quality
It's no use owning a 4x4 that shakes your fillings loose on poor surfaces. Travelling thousands of kilometres shouldn't have to leave you stiff and sore.
The Tank 300's off-road focus might lead some to believe it would feel jittery on smooth surfaces. However, the ride is surprisingly comfortable, thanks to the soft suspension that absorbs bumps and imperfections on the highway and the rougher stuff.
It's worth noting that its ground clearance isn't as high as you'd expect, but if the Tank 300 is predominantly used as a suburban cruiser, then it probably won't bother you too much:
With axle twisters, steep climbs, a river crossing, muddy ruts and short, sharp descents, we managed to ascertain that the Tank 300 is capable, but will require more off-road-ready tyres for those looking at hardcore off-road driving, while the relatively low ground clearance figure means that the odd scrape is audible. - Sean Nurse (read his full article here.)
Fuel consumption
According to GWM, "The Tank 300 leads with impressive fuel economy for such a powerful vehicle, offering 9.5 L/100 km for the petrol version and an even more efficient 8.4 L/100 km for the HEV variant, blending performance with sustainability."
These figures sound a little ambitious and we will have to conduct some real-world driving tests first to find out if they are true. Other reviewers have reported figures of 13 litres per 100 km, which is not amazing considering that cars like the 2.8-litre turbodiesel Toyota Fortuner and 2.0-litre turbodiesel Ford Everest don't often go over the 11 litres per 100 km mark. The same goes for the Isuzu mu-X.
We compare the Tank 300 to the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and Isuzu mu-X in this article.
Verdict: Is the Tank 300 the ultimate long-distance champ?
It depends on your priorities. If comfort, tech and off-road capability are high on your list, and you're willing to manage fuel costs, then the Tank 300 could be a great choice. But if you are seeking the most fuel-efficient city and highway cruiser, other options might be worth exploring.
Check out the full list of Tank 300 Specs here.
