Top 10 reasons why the new GWM P300 double cab is good for families
GWM launched a more sophisticated P Series bakkie with a 2.4-litre turbodiesel mill a few months ago, and we recently subjected this double cab model in 4x4 LT trim to family duty. Does it have what it takes? We also cover safety, space, and child-friendly features across the 2.4T range.
The R650k bakkie segment is a battlefield, but the P300 LT arrives armed with a sunroof, adaptive cruise control, and a 7-year warranty. It throws down a major gauntlet to the established players. We spent a week doing the school run, grocery haul, and weekend adventure to see if it's the high-spec, low-cost family hero it claims to be.
1. A thoroughly modern cabin and large, advanced touchscreen system
The 12.3-inch high-res touchscreen has confusing native menus and layouts that complicate simple tasks, but at least it's big! Fortunately, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto bypass most interface frustrations. Wireless charging from LT upwards eliminates cable management, but it's not the quickest charger.
The cabin is focused on feeling more like a modern SUV than just a bakkie and is right up there with the premium brands.
2. A sunroof brightens family journeys
LT and LTD specifications include a sunroof as standard equipment, while the LS misses out. Find another double-cab bakkie offering this feature at the LT's R599 900 starting price! The sunroof transforms the cabin atmosphere for rear passengers, making longer family trips feel less confined, which is helpful if you have kiddos who get carsick.
Related: GWM P300 launch report
3. Safety feature generosity
Basic safety remains impressive on all models: six airbags on LS and LT (dual front, front side, curtain), with the LTD adding a seventh front centre airbag. LS models have a driver fatigue system, emergency signal, reversing camera, cruise control and rear parking sensors.
LT and up get all the semi-autonomous safety goodies, like adaptive cruise control, traffic jam assist, rear cross traffic alert, lane keeping assistance, lane-change assistance, front and rear collision warnings, etc. It can also spot bicycles and pedestrians and stop for them.
The 360-degree camera and see-through chassis functionality allow you to see your surroundings and what's underneath the car. These are features you find in the top-spec premium brands; sometimes you even have to pay extra for them!
Related: GWM P300 pricing vs Isuzu D-Max
4. Easy child seat installation
ISOFIX anchor points handle two child seats properly across all 2.4T trims, with top tethers that route sensibly. (Although we haven't tried, those with kids say no yoga poses are required to secure everything.)
5. Climate comfort
Auto air conditioning comes standard across all specifications, and rear passengers get dedicated air vents regardless of trim level. Front seat heating appears from LT upwards, while only the LTD adds seat ventilation for the driver who overheats easily during summer school runs.
6. Easy load bay access, thanks to a step!
The LT and LTD include a rear deck pedal extending from the tailgate, providing a step to reach items at the back of the load bay. The LS misses this feature, which seems minor until you're trying to retrieve sports bags or camping gear from the far end without being tall enough to reach across comfortably.
7. Rear USB ports that end charging wars
Every P300 2.4T trim includes front and rear USB ports as standard equipment. In the back there are 2 USB-A ports for rear passengers, allowing children to charge devices independently during journeys. You'll have to get an adapter if the kids have USB-C compatible devices. No more arguments over whose phone gets priority or hunting for cable splitters!
8. Seating comfort
You won't find any cloth seats here! The LS and LT provide leatherette seats with manual adjustment on the LS, upgrading to electric adjustment from LT onwards. The LTD steps up to leather seats for enhanced durability and comfort. Rear passengers get adequate legroom rather than being treated as cargo, as long as they're not tall adults. Yes, you can comfortably fit a shorter adult in the middle, and all three have a three-point safety belt.
9. Peppy engine performance
The 135kW/480Nm 2.4T motor moves the P300 adequately for family requirements without fuss, much nicer than the somewhat tardy 2.0T in the SX model.
A new nine-speed automatic shifts smoothly enough in traffic, while 2WD models tow 3 tonnes and 4WD versions handle 3.5 tonnes; sufficient for holiday trailers without strain. The suspension is not as comfortable as the Nissan Navara, however, so don't expect perfection in this regard, at this price point.
10. Warranty coverage that demonstrates confidence
The seven-year/200 000km warranty with roadside assistance exceeds most competitors. The included seven-year/75 000km service plan provides budget certainty, with 15 000km intervals that won't dominate your maintenance calendar. However, there is a bit of uncertainty surrounding resale value, so keep this in mind.
Related: P300 vs JAC T9 vs Mahindra Pik Up vs LDV T60.
Family testing verdict
Our LT 4x4 test model, priced at R649 900, delivered genuine family capability through thoughtful features rather than badge prestige. The combination of rear charging ports, a sunroof, heated seats, a rear deck pedal, and comprehensive safety equipment provides modern convenience at accessible pricing.
The specification jump from LS to LT represents the most significant value improvement for families, while the LTD mainly offers luxury refinements rather than additional functionality.
The finicky infotainment system and bumpy ride are not disasters, considering the four-wheel-driven LT model costs only R650k!
The range's sweet spot is undoubtedly the LT models, which offer a choice between RWD and 4WD.
Check out the P300 SX in this launch review if your new-bakkie budget is smaller.
Pricing
GWM P300 2.4T Models
Double cab LS: R 529 900
Double cab LS 4x4: R 579 900
Double cab LT: R 599 900
Double cab LT 4x4: R 649 900 (tested)
Double cab LTD 4x4: R 699 900
GWM P300 2.0T Models
Single cab SX: R 414 950
Double cab SX manual: R 446 950
Single cab SX 4x4: R 471 950
Double cab SX auto: R 489 950
Double cab SX 4x4 manual: R 499 950
Double cab SX 4x4 auto: R 537 950
