Not too long ago, GWM Malaysia invited selected members of the media for a field day with their Tank 300. Although the Tank 300 was launched back in July 2024, most people have only experienced it on normal roads or, at best, light off-road conditions. To properly showcase its capabilities, GWM Malaysia brought us to Sepang Bay 13 to test the vehicle in treacherous terrain. Adding to the challenge, it was a rainy morning, so the course was wet and muddy.
As a quick introduction, the GWM Tank 300 is the brand’s entry into the off-roading market. Fully imported from China, it’s priced at RM250,000. Powering the Tank 300 is a 2.0L turbocharged engine producing 220 PS and 380 Nm of peak torque. The engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and a part-time four-wheel-drive system, which allows switching between 2H, 4H, and 4L modes. This is further supported by multiple drive modes and locking front and rear differentials to enhance its off-road capabilities. To make things more interesting, all the Tank 300 units provided for the event were factory-fresh and equipped with highway tires.
Although the rain stopped by the afternoon, the course remained muddy. We began our day in a tent set up specifically for the event, where we were treated to some delicious food and GWM-branded coconuts, adding to the tropical vibe. GWM had prepared around seven units of the Tank 300 for four different activities throughout Sepang Bay 13.
For my group, we started with the obstacle course. It began with rock crawling, where the Tank 300 drove over large rocks laid on the ground. Then came the side slope, where the vehicle had to traverse a slanted surface, demonstrating its stability and control. The course continued with obstacles like pipe crossings, hill climbs, deep potholes, and water wading. The Tank 300 performed impressively, using its electronics to find grip and pull itself through challenging situations. It handled all the obstacles without much trouble. 
Next, we tackled a 1.5km forest trail — tight and twisty, but the Tank 300 navigated it well. As the day went on, the trail began to dry, making it grippier than in the morning. However, some corners remained muddy, requiring careful throttle and steering input to avoid understeering into ditches. This applied to the rally stage as well, where we got to drive at slightly higher speeds, though slowing down for muddy corners remained necessary. 
Lastly, while it wasn’t a high-speed run, we took on a tighter course where helmets were required. This activity highlighted the maneuverability of the Tank 300. The track was extremely muddy, and switching to “Snow Mode” noticeably improved throttle response, making the vehicle much more controllable in slippery conditions. 
Overall, I found the Tank 300 surprisingly impressive. Taking off from a standstill on dirt was smooth and controlled — a level of refinement that outshines many other internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles from China. The event proved the Tank 300 can tackle far tougher terrain than many SUVs on the market, which genuinely surprised me. 
While this was a fascinating off-road test, and GWM Malaysia gave us the freedom to really push the vehicle, I’m now curious to see how it performs in everyday, on-road conditions. For that, I’ll have to wait until GWM provides a unit for a full review. For now, if you’re into light off-roading, the Tank 300 is definitely up to the task. However, at RM250,000, it’s a significant investment for an off-roader — but if that’s what you’re after, the Tank 300 has certainly proven itself. 
