Introduction
The automotive industry has witnessed a surge in the popularity of SUVs in recent years. These versatile vehicles offer a combination of style, space, and capability that appeals to a wide range of drivers. Among the latest entries into this competitive market is the GMW Tank 400, a striking off-road SUV with a unique mech-inspired design and a hybrid powertrain. In this article, we’ll lead you into the features that make the Tank 400 a standout choice for adventure enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike.
A Bold Design That Commands Attention
The GMW Tank 400 made its debut as a concept vehicle with a mech-inspired design at the 2021 Chengdu Auto Show. Its futuristic and rugged appearance immediately captured the attention of onlookers. Now, in November 2023, the production version of the Tank 400 has finally hit the market. Luckily, it has retained much of the bold design that made the concept so captivating.
The exterior of the Tank 400 retains its distinctive mech-inspired styling, featuring robust headlight contours and bumper design. This design sets it apart from the crowd of retro-styled or Land Rover Defender-inspired SUVs on the market. The side profile continues the rugged theme, with decorative rivets around the wheel arches and distinctive triangular rear side windows. The darkened alloy wheels add a touch of mystery, and the 285/65 R18 tires provide excellent off-road capability. Additionally, GMW offers optional factory-fitted all-terrain tires, just like its larger sibling, the Tank 500.
Despite its muscular appearance, the Tank 400 doesn’t come across as overly large. It boasts a wheelbase of 2850mm, the same as the Tank 500, Toyota Land Cruiser, and the all-new Prado. However, its shorter exterior accents give it a total length of only 4985mm (including the rear-mounted spare tire). The approach and departure angles are an impressive 33° and 30°, surpassing the Tank 500’s 29.6° and 24°. With a width of 1960mm, it’s even wider than the Tank 500, contributing to its robust presence. The vehicle’s height of 1900mm allows for easy access to underground parking garages.
Interior Comfort and Technology
Inside the Tank 400, GMW has made significant changes compared to the concept version showcased at the Chengdu Auto Show. The centerpiece of the interior is the massive 16.2-inch infotainment screen that lies horizontally across the center console. Below it, you’ll find physical climate control buttons and two wireless charging pads for smartphones. While the wheelbase matches that of the Tank 500, the Tank 400 features the same electronic gear selector as the Tank 300, positioned behind the steering wheel, accompanied by an electronic parking brake and an auto-hold function. The area behind the cupholders integrates buttons for seat heating and ventilation for both the driver and front passenger. Various control buttons relevant to off-road driving are conveniently placed on the center console.
The steering wheel design is identical to that of the Tank 500, albeit slightly larger, and it feels just as comfortable to hold. Behind it sits the familiar 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
The Tank 400 comes equipped with a 10-speaker sound system in the base version, while the high-end Supernova trim boasts a 10-speaker Infinity audio system. Additionally, there are differences in sound insulation glass between the two trims. The base version features double-layer sound insulation glass for the front doors only. While the high-end variant gets double-layer sound insulation glass for all four windows. This enhanced soundproofing provides a more comfortable experience during off-road adventures.
As for seating, the two different configurations offer a choice between faux leather seats with heating in the base version. In the high-end variants, softer genuine leather seats with heating, ventilation, massage, and memory functions for both the driver and front passenger are in place. The Tank 400 excels by allowing the second-row backrest to fold forward completely, aligning with the rear cargo floor. This feature facilitates loading essential gear for long journeys or setting up a vehicle bed while camping in the wilderness.
Power and Performance
The GMW Tank 400 is powered by the same Hi4-T plug-in hybrid system as the Tank 500. It combines a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine producing 252 horsepower and 380 Newton-meters of torque with an electric motor integrated into GMW’s in-house-developed 9-speed automatic transmission—a P2 hybrid configuration. The electric motor generates 163 horsepower and 400 Newton-meters of torque, resulting in a combined system output of 408 horsepower and a peak torque of 750 Newton-meters. The official 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time is an impressive 6.8 seconds. GMW’s choice of the P2 configuration allows the Tank 400 to use pure mechanical four-wheel drive.
This design not only offers durability but also enhances off-road capability, especially when equipped with optional front and rear differential locks. When one or more wheels lose traction, the vehicle can distribute its peak torque of 750 Newton-meters to the wheels with grip through the gearbox and low-range gear, greatly improving its ability to overcome obstacles.
The Tank 400 shares its battery configuration with the Tank 500 Hi4-T. A 37.1 kWh lithium-ion battery is evenly mounted beneath the rear seat and the cargo floor, supporting both 3.3 kW AC output and DC fast charging. Due to its similar curb weight of 2.77 tons compared to the Tank 500 Hi4-T, the Tank 400 offers a WLTC electric-only range of around 105 kilometers (65 miles), making it suitable for regular city commuting.
However, the true benefit of this hybrid system goes beyond electric-only driving. In a real-world test by automotive enthusiasts, the Tank 500 Hi4-T achieved an astonishingly low fuel consumption of approximately 10 liters per 100 kilometers (around 24 mpg) in city conditions with severe traffic congestion and an average speed of less than 20 km/h (12 mph). This is comparable to the fuel efficiency of many compact sedans, proving that the Tank 400 is not only powerful but also fuel-efficient.
The Choice Is Yours
In summary, the GMW Tank 400 brings a refreshing and distinctive option to the midsize off-road SUV segment. Its mech-inspired design, impressive interior features, and robust hybrid powertrain make it an enticing choice for both urban and off-road adventures. Whether you’re a young explorer seeking a unique vehicle or someone in need of a capable and durable SUV, the Tank 400 deserves consideration.
If you’re looking for an SUV that combines dynamic performance with off-road capability, the Tank 400’s hybrid powertrain offers an excellent balance. It can conquer various terrains and challenges, making it a versatile and dependable choice.
Ultimately, whether you opt for the standard version or the high-end variant, the GMW Tank 400 promises an exciting journey ahead. It represents innovation and exploration, ready to tackle any adventure you have in mind.
So, which version of the GMW Tank 400 suits your style and needs? Regardless of your choice, you’ll embark on a thrilling automotive adventure with GMW’s latest creation.
