Since arriving on Australian shores in 2008, Great Wall Motors or GWM, as it’s now known, has undergone a remarkable transformation. Once seen as a budget brand with poor quality vehicles, it now stands tall among serious SUV contenders.
The 2025 Tank 300 Ultra Diesel is a testament to that evolution. With its blend of comfort, capability and value, it deserves a close look. Visually, it makes a bold statement. Its squared-off, boxy silhouette has a rugged presence, clearly designed with off road intent.
The Ultra Diesel variant features a black three-bar grille that, while functional, lacks visual flair. It’s flanked by distinctive LED headlights with integrated daytime running lights and indicators, giving the front end a modern and aggressive look.
Fog lights sit lower on the bumper, and large side mirrors with integrated cameras enhance visibility and safety. As a true four-wheel drive, the Tank 300 comes equipped with integrated guard extensions, side steps, and a respectable 224mm of ground clearance.
It rides on 18-inch chrome alloy wheels wrapped in hybrid off-road tyres, which look the part but proved less than ideal in slippery, muddy conditions during testing. At the rear, a side-hinged tailgate carries a full-size spare wheel.
Roof racks are standard but the rear wiper could benefit from a more robust design to better handle the spare wheel’s obstruction. Step inside, and the Tank 300 surprises with a level of comfort and refinement that belies its rugged exterior.
Heated leather front seats with white contrast stitching offer excellent support, and the 9-way adjustment ensures a comfortable fit. The cabin is bathed in natural light thanks to a sunroof that both tilts and slides, although the controls take some getting used to.
The 9-speaker sound system delivers impressive audio performance, cleverly concealed behind perforated door inserts. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity is seamless, and delivered through a 12.3-inch touchscreen.
While the steering wheel controls feel a bit fiddly, the micro-fibre faux leather wrap is pleasing to the touch. The five-seat layout provides generous rear legroom, and the upright roofline ensures ample headroom for all passengers.
Behind the rear seats, cargo space is plentiful at 400-litres and can be expanded to 1635-litres by folding the 60/40 split seats flat. Tie-down hooks are included, though the ones on the rear door feel slightly flimsy despite their 3kg rating.
Bottle holders are available at every seat, but the front cupholders, hidden beneath a sliding centre tray, are awkwardly placed and hard to access. On the plus side, the central storage bin is impressively large.
The centre console is home to a range of buttons and dials for off road and drive mode selection. The standout feature here is the futuristic gear selector, which feels solid and intuitive once you get used to its operation.
A side button enables movement, and park is engaged by pressing the ‘P’ button on top. You’ll also find a wireless phone charger on hand to keep your device humming along, and there are multiple USB ports throughout.
The dashboard layout is clean and functional, with large chrome heater vents and a central analogue clock that adds a touch of retro charm. Surrounding the clock are controls for heating and seat functions.
Ambient coloured lighting, including illuminated dials and LED door strips, enhances the cabin’s atmosphere. One design element that may divide opinion is the smooth grey dash trim, which extends across the passenger side and into the driver’s area.
It’s visually striking but may not appeal to everyone. Similarly, the exposed screw heads add a rugged aesthetic that some may find unfinished. A more concerning issue is the chrome side vents.
These reflect prominently in the rear-view mirrors, especially in bright sunlight, which creates a distracting glare. That aside, safety features are comprehensive, including lane keep assist, tyre pressure monitoring, and a 360-degree camera system.
The diesel Ultra benefits from features like front cross-traffic alert, second-row child presence detection, and six parking sensors front and rear. On the road, the 2.4-litre turbo diesel engine produces 135kW and 480Nm.
Fuel capacity is 75-litres, and GWM claims a combined consumption of 7.8-litres/100km. In mixed testing, including off road segments, we achieved around 8.0-litres/100km – an acceptable figure given the vehicle’s size and capability.
This powertrain performs admirably across varied conditions, with the 9-speed automatic transmission well-matched to the engine’s torque curve. Highway cruising is comfortable, though the ride can feel a bit firm over rough surfaces.
Cornering is handled with confidence, especially when the appropriate drive mode is selected. Off road, the Tank 300 performs well, while the standard tyres limit performance in wet and slippery terrain, the twin diff locks are easy to engage and enhance traction.
The body-on-frame construction and upgraded suspension contribute to a robust 3000kg braked towing capacity, making it a capable companion for towing. The Tank 300 is available in Fossil Grey, Dusk Orange, Crystal Black, Lunar Red, and Pearl White.
Backing the 2025 Tank 300 Ultra Diesel is a 7-year unlimited kilometre warranty, along with 7-years roadside assistance and capped price servicing. With a 5-star ANCAP safety rating and a drive-away price of $51,990, it represents exceptional value too.
You can find out more on the GWM ANZ website, or by talking to your local dealership. To get a low rate finance quote, talk to Australia’s best reviewed car finance broker; Credit One. To see a great range of vehicles for sale, check out OnlyCars.com.au.
Our test vehicle was supplied by GWM Australia & New Zealand for independent review purposes. Exhaust Notes Australia has not been paid to review this vehicle.
