Look out Ford Everest, tough new 4WD would be perfect for Australia: 2025 GWM Tank 400 diesel revealed in China and could come here to tackle the Toyota Fortuner, Isuzu MU-X and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

This brawny four-wheel drive could make a serious splash in Australia.

Chinese brand GWM and its off-road focused Tank sub-brand is building a tough new diesel-powered 4WD, according to online publication CarNewsChina.

The car in question is the Tank 400, which sits in between the 300 and 500 that are both sold in Australia. The 400 is a similar sized to popular machines such as the Ford Everest and Isuzu MU-X.

So far the Tank 400 plug-in hybrid is reserved for the Chinese market, but the recent addition of a diesel engine shows it might be preparing for export markets where oil burning machines are more favoured. 

The Tank brand’s popularity in Australia could also open a door for the arrival of the 400.

GWM Australia communications boss Steve Maciver told CarsGuide at this year’s Beijing motor show the brand was looking at options to expand its local line-up including the Tank 400.

He also said while it might be a no for now it isn’t necessarily a no forever, which leaves the door open to the 400 arriving in the future.

Specifications for the new diesel-powered off-roader appeared in government regulatory documents, which are a precursor to the vehicle going on sale in China.

It’ll be powered by a 2.4-litre turbocharged diesel engine. The same engine makes 135kW and 480Nm and is matched to a nine-speed automatic transmission in the GWM Cannon Alpha dual-cab ute.

Earlier this year GWM’s Chairman Wei Jianjun, confirmed the same engine is expected to find its way into the Tank 300 four-wheel drive, too.

The 400 is a proper rugged off-roader and is underpinned by a ladder frame, which is found underneath hardcore machines such as the Toyota LandCruiser and Nissan Patrol.

It is only available with 18-inch alloy wheels, not monstrous 20-inch-plus rims found on road-biassed SUVs.

The Tank 400 will have a braked towing capacity of 2500kg and generous approach and departure angles of 33 degrees.

GWM has been growing steadily in Australia and is on the cusp of becoming a top 10 selling brand in the country.

Sales this year are up more than 23 per cent. The Haval Jolion compact SUV is the strongest performer with 8250 sales through the first seven months.

The Tank 300 is also enjoying a stellar year, with sales up an eye-popping 892 per cent for a total of 2421. The Tank 500 only launched a few months ago but has almost cracked 1000 since then.