GWM has introduced the updated Tank 700 Hi4-Z ahead of the Beijing Auto Show, drawing attention with its bold design and powerful plug-in hybrid system. The model, which has been available in China for some time, now stands out with increased performance and new technical features targeting both luxury SUV and off-road segments.
The Tank 700 Hi4-Z makes a strong visual statement. Its exterior blends elements reminiscent of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class with cues from the Suzuki Jimny, resulting in a boxy yet aggressive stance. The latest update introduces sportier accents and a body kit that amplifies its presence, aiming to attract buyers seeking both style and substance in a large SUV.
Under the bonnet, the flagship Hi4-Z version features a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine producing 248 hp, complemented by a front electric motor with 288 hp and a rear-mounted electric motor. Together, the system delivers a total of 864 hp—figures typically associated with high-performance sports cars. The plug-in hybrid setup includes a 56.1 kWh battery pack, offering an electric-only range of up to 190 km.
Despite the impressive output, acceleration remains moderate for the segment: the Tank 700 Hi4-Z reaches 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds. This performance is likely affected by the SUV’s substantial size and weight. Fuel consumption is claimed at 1.16 l/100 km in hybrid mode and 8.45 l/100 km when operating solely on the combustion engine.
GWM also revealed the Hi4-T variant, which is more focused on off-road capabilities. This version is powered by a larger 3.
0-liter V6 engine with 355 hp and a 174 hp electric motor, paired with a nine-speed automatic gearbox. While its combined power output is lower than the Hi4-Z, the Hi4-T also reaches 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds, likely benefitting from a lighter, 37.1 kWh battery. Features such as front, center, and rear locking differentials enhance its suitability for challenging terrain.
The Tank 700 positions itself in a competitive landscape, targeting buyers who might otherwise consider established names in the luxury and off-road SUV markets. With its bold styling and advanced hybrid technology, the model competes both with traditional combustion SUVs and newer electrified offerings. The combination of high power and substantial electric range is a key differentiator, especially for buyers interested in both urban and outdoor uses.
GWM’s Tank 700 Hi4-Z stands as an example of rapid evolution in China’s SUV market, bringing plug-in hybrid technology and striking design to a segment long dominated by established European and Japanese brands. While its power figures are eye-catching, real-world performance is tempered by weight and size—an area where rivals like the Mercedes-Benz G-Class or Toyota Land Cruiser maintain an edge in balance and refinement. Still, the Tank 700’s aggressive pricing and extensive electric range should appeal to a new generation of buyers looking for alternatives beyond traditional names. As the model prepares for wider exposure at the Beijing Auto Show, its reception will offer a glimpse into the future direction of the segment, particularly as electrification and design become central themes.
