GWM has been in South Africa for 18 years, first arriving with 1500 vehicles in 2007. Some of those first vehicles to arrive were workhorse bakkies that were, let's say, rough around the edges. Updates would follow rapidly, and by 2014, the Steed range of bakkies had been updated multiple times. In 2020, the Steed range was again updated to what was known as Pao or Cannon in other markets. The name was changed for the South African market from POER to P Series for reasons we can only guess.
Related: GWM P300 (2025) First Drive Review
In 2025, the P Series again received a significant update and a name change. The outgoing P Series is still sold alongside the new P300 and P500 models to help distinguish the two model derivatives. The P series will remain the workhorse option, while the new P300 and 500 models lean more toward a luxury urban offering. We spent a week with the high-spec LT 4x4 model and were impressed with this new offering.
Everything you need to know about the GWM P Series
Styling
The new P300 delivers a safe and somewhat boring design that is neither eye-catching nor offensive. It looks much better than the outgoing P Series with a chrome delete all around and a subdued grille design that chucked the blingy chrome and replaced it with a shaded grey number. This new iteration brings the P300 into the same design category as vehicles like the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger with its widened wheel arches and sculpted body lines. Interestingly, it is now the only double cab to offer a sunroof, a design choice that does a fantastic job of lighting up the completely redesigned interior.
Chinese manufacturers have done very well by listening to consumer feedback and then changing the new model to set it apart from competitors. Small inclusions like the fold-out step in the tailgate make getting into the load bin much easier. The holistic design may seem very generic, but it's what people want, and there is an undeniable cool factor to the new styling.
The Drive
Much like the styling, the P300's drive is also unoffensive. Yes, there is still significant bakkie bounce from the rear axle, but that's a given with any double cab with a solid rear setup. The P300 is very well behaved on the gravel, offering 270mm ground clearance and permanent 4x4, and with its three selectable drive modes of Eco, Normal and Sport, as well as a low range option and a rear difflock, can handle muddy terrain just as well as smooth tarred roads with aplomb.
It's comfortable and quiet on the road, with barely a rattle from the engine and confident handling from the suspension. It's not overly rough or cushy; it does what it says on the can. Regarding comfort and drive, it's on par with what you will get from a Toyota Hilux or Isuzu D-Max.
Performance
Under the bonnet, you will find a new 2.4L turbo diesel and a self-developed 9-speed automatic transmission. Incidentally, the same engine and gearbox are also in Tank 300. The setup delivers 135kW and 480Nm and sends power to all four wheels through an intelligent 4WD system that can be switched to Rear Wheel Drive when engaging ECO mode.
The P300 is no slouch. If you mash your right foot, you can quickly reach national highway speeds with little effort. The pedal feel still has a small issue, but it is nowhere near as bad as the outgoing P Series.
Space and Comfort
The interior design is the biggest change between the P Series and the new P300. The dashboard has been completely changed with new screens, switchgear, and that sunroof mentioned above, which does a brilliant job of creating an airy cabin. There is plenty of space for driver and passenger upfront, but like with most double cabs, rear passengers sacrifice legroom. It can comfortably seat five adults in comfy leatherette seating.
The new dashboard has an impressive layout that is very intuitive. On the passenger side, you will find a backlit bakkie signature and a lovely textured surface that runs the length of the space. In the centre console, you will find a wireless smartphone charger, USB ports, auto climate control, and controls for the heated seats for driver and passenger to keep the cold at bay during winter.
Safety
The 2025 GWM P300 4x4 LT boasts a comprehensive suite of safety systems, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind spot monitoring. It also includes adaptive cruise control, driver fatigue monitoring, and traffic sign recognition. In terms of passive systems you get 6 airbags, ISOFix in the rear bench seat, Hill Descent Control, Tyre Pressure Monitoring and a 360 degree camera system.
Fuel Consumption
GWM claims a consumption figure of 8 L /100km. Our consumption figure settled at around 9.6 L/ 100km on the combined cycle, as Eco mode driving would bring it down to about 8.2 L/100km, while Sport mode and off-road shenanigans pushed it past 12.0 L/100km. This is a stark difference from the old P Series, which struggled to drop below 10.0 L/100km at any point.
Price
GWM P300 2.4T double cab LS | R 529 900 |
GWM P300 2.4T double cab LS 4x4 | R 579 900 |
| GWM P300 2.4T double cab LT | R 599 900 |
| GWM P300 2.4T double cab LT 4x4 | R 649 900 |
| GWM P300 2.4T double cab LTD 4x4 | R 699 900 |
GWM P300 is sold with a 7 Year / 200 000km warranty and a 7 Year / 75 000km service plan.
The Verdict
The P300 improves on the old P Series in almost every aspect. It's better looking, has a better interior, better tech and features, a better drive and powerplant, better dynamics, and better fuel economy. Most importantly, GWM has managed to keep the price respectable, with similar specified vehicles approaching the R900 000 mark. We have to commend GWM, and if you want a double cab for not a lot of money, we highly recommend the P300.
