GWM Tank 300 2025 News

A recall has been put out for some of GWM’s leading hybrid models as per a Federal Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts notice. The GWM Cannon Alpha plug-in hybrid ute, Tank 300 hybrid and Tank 500 hybrid and plug-in hybrid SUVs have been caught up in an electrical issue which could affect performance. There are a total of 1445 vehicle affected by the issue, all from cars sold in 2025.“Due to a manufacturing defect, the shielding ring in the high voltage wiring harness may not be properly grounded,” the notice reads.“This can reduce the effectiveness of electromagnetic shielding, which may cause abnormal communication with the engine and transmission control systems.“As a result, warning lights may illuminate, vehicle torque may be reduced, and cooling performance of the hybrid system may be affected.”According to the notice, reduced vehicle performance and cooling operation could increase the risk of an accident causing serious injury or death to vehicle occupants and other road users. GWM will contact owners of the affected vehicles to request an appointment with an authorised dealership and have the work to rectify the issue carried out for free. The rugged-branded Tank 300 and 500 have been among GWM’s best-selling vehicles in Australia, approaching 6000 sales between them for 2025.Only the Haval H6 and Jolion SUVs have sold more units for the brand this year. The Tank 300 currently comes as a petrol, diesel and hybrid in Australia, but it has been announced that GWM will bring across a plug-in hybrid version next year. The Tank 500 is now exclusively sold as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid, however it's understood a new diesel engine could come in 2026.The Cannon Alpha has also been a competitive seller for the brand, with more than 2000 sales in 2025. Offered with diesel power, it also comes with a plug-in hybrid powertrain which is an alternative to BYD's popular Shark 6.This isn’t the first wiring issue to be found on the Cannon Alpha, with the ute suffering from another similar issue earlier this year.  An electric power steering wiring harness may come into contact with the driveshaft when driving and become damaged. This could lead to a loss of power steering and engine shutdown. 

Mahindra has confirmed that the long-awaited Thar will not be sold in Australia in its current form. The rugged, body-on-frame wagon was expected to arrive sometime this year in traditional three-door and extended-body five-door wagon guises.

Mahindra has finally confirmed that the Jeep Wrangler-style body-on-frame Thar as we know it will not be imported to Australia.

China’s GWM has made an array of upgrades to its Tank 300 off-roader range that aligns it with the recently introduced turbodiesel variants.The Tank 300 petrol and hybrid variants have now been upgraded to get a maximum braked towing capacity of 3000kg, which is up from the previous 2500kg.This means the entire Tank 300 range is now capable of towing a braked trailer of up to 3000kg.While this is more than the Jeep Wrangler can tow (2495kg), it’s still down on the 3500kg benchmark the Ford Everest, Isuzu MU-X and Toyota Prado achieves.Payload has also been increased to 600kg for the hybrid and 610kg for the petrol.In order to increase the braked towing capacity and payload, GWM made more than 20 engineering enhancements to the Tank 300.These include larger front brakes and calipers, strengthened front knuckles, upgraded wheel bearings, and a reinforced prop shaft.Beyond these upgrades to the Tank 300 petrol and hybrid, GWM has “streamlined” the range down from six variants to four.As part of this it has seen the entry-level Tank 300 Lux petrol and hybrid discontinued from the range. They’re now only offered in the flagship Ultra trim.This comes as the recently introduced turbo-diesel engine option is now accounting for 60 per cent of monthly Tank 300 sales.“These important updates reflect our global team's growing understanding of the Australian market, where towing capability and payload remains a key consideration for buyers in this segment,” said GWM Australia and New Zealand head of marketing and communications Steve Maciver.Despite the towing capacity upgrade, GWM hasn’t increased the asking price of the Tank 300 petrol and hybrid.The range still opens at $47,990 drive-away for the Tank 300 Lux Diesel, and extends to $56,990 drive-away for the Tank 300 Ultra Hybrid.

GWM confirms new 3.0-litre diesel to live alongside new 4.0-litre V8 in high-end Tank and Cannon products for the Australian market.

GWM local ride and handling program to kick off this year, may also incorporate ADAS systems improvements.

Every new Chinese auto brand that launches in Australia has bold ambitions and even bolder sales targets. Some claim they want to be the top brand in Australia, others declare they will usurp much-loved brands in the top 10 sales charts in nothing flat.