The GWM Tank 700 luxury SUV was launched in China and is pictured here at Auto China 2026 with its Hi4-Z plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain. Given the expansion of the Tank sub-brand here in Malaysia, would this rugged off-roader be bound for our shores soon? There will be two plug-in hybrid powertrain options for this
The GWM Tank 700 luxury SUV was launched in China and is pictured here at Auto China 2026 with its Hi4-Z plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain. Given the expansion of the Tank sub-brand here in Malaysia, would this rugged off-roader be bound for our shores soon?
There will be two plug-in hybrid powertrain options for this ladder frame SUV, the Hi4-T and the Hi4-Z, both of which are vastly different in terms of layout.
The flagship Tank 700 Hi4-Z runs a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine making 248 PS on its own. It is paired with an electric motor integrated with a 3DHT transmission that produces 288 PS. There is another electric motor at the rear axle bringing another 322 PS to the party. All in, the total output is 864 PS.
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It also houses a 59.05 kWh ternary NMC battery that allows up to 190 km of EV range under the WLTC cycle.
Running on hybrid mode, it consumes only 1.16 litres per 100 km which climbs to 8.45 litres with a drained battery. The century sprint is dealt with in 5.6 seconds.
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Even with a ladder frame that indicates proper off-road use, the Hi4-Z has one notable drawback, that being the absence of a mechanical linkage between axles. If the rear end loses grip in slipper conditions, the car simply loses the 322 PS at that end.
The Hi4-T adopts a 3.0-litre V6 petrol mill with 355 PS. Mated to it is a 174 PS electric motor, positioned between the petrol lump and a 9-speed automatic gearbox. A smaller 37.1 kWh ternary NMC pack allows for up to 90 km of electric range. Hybrid mode consumes 2.97 litres per 100 km and 10.9 litres with a drained battery.
However, the Hi4-T has a conventional AWD system with three multi-clutch locking differentials.
Between the two, the Hi4-Z is the likely arrival on Malaysian shores though the exact specification remains to be seen. In China, there are two trims with the major differentiator being a front differential lock.
From a design perspective, the Tank 700 makes no qualms about its rugged nature. Large bumpers, a roof spoiler and a diffuser all combine for an aggressive appearance. Previously, other variants actually sported shorter bumpers for better approach and departure angles but it seems that form slightly edges out function in this case, unusual for ladder frame SUV.
Ground clearance ranges between 200-249 mm depending on the powertrain but air suspension is optional, allowing for further adjustment of the ride height.
Keeping with the off-roader approach, the Tank 700 has a swing-out tailgate and a full-size spare wheel mounted on it.
Inside, a 15.6-inch floating screen in the centre houses the infotainment, flanked by a 12.3-inch LCD instrument cluster. A third 17.3-inch monitor drops from the ceiling for the second-row occupants and they also have access to an additional 7.0-inch touchscreen in the armrest.
Putting the luxury in ‘luxury off-roader’ are heated, ventilated and 10-point massage functions for all seats, as well as a 5.4-litre built-in fridge and 21 speaker sound system.
ADAS is in the form of a LiDAR-based assisted driving system with a VLA (Vision, Language, Action) model that allows the car to perform Navigation on Autopilot (NOA) function on urban roads and highways.
In China, the Tank 700 starts at 62,780 USD (~RM 250,000) for the Hi4-Z Ultimate and 68,645 USD (~RM 272,000) for the Hi4-Z Extreme.