GWM Tank 300 2023

If you were led blindfolded to the GWM Tank 300 and sat inside with all identifying badges covered, you would be forgiven for thinking you were inside a Mercedes-Benz G-Class Geländewagen.

A medium-sized SUV with ladder-frame construction and five seats, the Mercedes influence is very obvious, from the twin 12.3-inch display screens for instrumentation and multimedia/vehicle function systems, to the turbine-style dash air vents and general upmarket trim look and feel.

There’s even an analogue clock in the centre of the dash.

Yet, despite that, the GWM subscribes to classic 4WD wagon tropes inside, including the squared-off roof line, flattish windscreen and boxy proportions. There are even large grab handles for shorter occupants to help haul themselves up and inside the vehicle.

The Tank 300 offers more than sufficient space for five people, with a good driving position and easy reach of most switchgear and controls. Ventilation is ample but storage, while plentiful, is not especially volumous.

We’re not huge fans of the flat front seats, though, as they can be quite numbing after a while sat in them.

Modern and easy to fathom once familiarised, the electronic instrumentation is informative as well as multi-configurable, while the large touchscreen in the centre is colourful and features swipe technology to access the many and various screens.

Thankfully, GWM has fitted hard buttons for the main climate control and some vehicle setting systems, saving the driver from having to decipher apps and sub-menus whilst driving.

However, there are still too many vehicle settings within said touchscreen. The seatbelts rattle against their pillars. And the windscreen posts create big blind spots through roundabouts.

Entering the back-seat area, it features a 30:70 seat split, with the cushion tilting forward to allow the backrest to nestle in snugly and flatly to increase the load area as much as possible.

Two USB outlets, rear-facing air-vents, four grab handles, windows that drop all the way down, reading lights, some storage and a folding armrest with cupholders are all fitted.

To access the 400-litre cargo area, you’ll need to swing the left-side-opening door out. Note that the spare wheel is slung from behind, so there’s no need to worry about accessing that from inside the Tank 300.

There’s a very high loading lip up to the large aperture, but clear that, and you’re met with more nice finishes and flat if narrow floor area, with tie-down hooks, lighting, side storage nets and 12V outlets.

The floor lifts to reveal a few small storage options, but no luggage cover is fitted.