gwm tank 800 v8 hybrid

GWM Tank 800 V8 Hybrid: China’s 735kW Off-Roader Set to Challenge LandCruiser and Patrol

Australia’s love affair with rugged, capable four-wheel drives shows no sign of fading—but the next wave of competition might just come from an unlikely source: Great Wall Motors (GWM). The Chinese automaker is preparing to unleash its most powerful SUV yet: the GWM Tank 800 V8 hybrid, a plug-in powerhouse boasting an eye-watering 735kW of combined output. Slated for launch in China next month, this 5.3-metre-long behemoth isn’t just another off-roader—it’s positioned as a direct rival to Australia’s favourite utes, including the Toyota LandCruiser and Nissan Patrol.

With reports suggesting it could arrive on Australian shores before long, the Tank 800 represents a seismic shift in the global SUV market. Not only does it challenge established giants with sheer grunt, but it also signals GWM’s aggressive push into premium, high-performance hybrid territory.

Why This Matters: The Rise of the Chinese Powerhouse

For decades, Australian buyers have looked overseas—first to Japan and Europe, then increasingly to North America—for their off-road dreams. But now, a new player is entering the ring: China’s Great Wall Motors. Once known primarily for budget-friendly models under brands like Haval, GWM has rapidly expanded into luxury and performance segments through its Tank and Wey sub-brands.

The Tank 800 V8 hybrid isn’t just about size or specs—it’s a statement. At over 5.3 metres long, it dwarfs even the largest LandCruisers currently on sale. Under the hood lies a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine paired with electric motors, delivering a staggering 735kW of combined power and what CarExpert describes as “tyre-shredding levels of torque.” That’s more than double the output of a standard turbocharged ute engine—and nearly on par with some high-end sports cars.

What sets the Tank 800 apart isn’t just raw power, though. It’s the marriage of internal combustion and electric propulsion. As a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), it offers both blistering acceleration and improved fuel efficiency compared to traditional V8s—a rare combo in the world of large off-roaders.

According to verified reports from CarsGuide and CarExpert, the Tank 800 will debut with this V8 PHEV setup, targeting rivals such as the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series and Nissan Patrol. In Australia, where these vehicles dominate the upper end of the 4WD market, a competitor offering triple-digit kilowatts at a potentially lower price point could dramatically reshape buyer preferences.

And while there’s still no official confirmation of an Australian release date, industry insiders suggest the Tank 800 may not be too far behind its smaller sibling—the Tank 300 Hi4-T, which is expected to land here in early 2026.

Recent Developments: What We Know So Far

The story of the Tank 800 began gaining traction late last year when GWM unveiled its all-new twin-turbo V8 engine at the Shanghai Motor Show. Dubbed “Project V8,” this 4.0-litre unit was specifically engineered to pair with plug-in hybrid technology—marking GWM’s first foray into V8 territory.

Fast forward to early 2025, and multiple trusted automotive outlets—including The Canberra Times, CarsGuide, and CarExpert—have confirmed that production of the Tank 800 will begin next month in China, with deliveries starting shortly thereafter.

Key verified details include:

• Powertrain: 4.0L twin-turbo V8 + electric motors = 735kW total system output
• Drive Type: Full-time 4WD with advanced terrain management
• Dimensions: Over 5.3 metres long, making it one of the biggest SUVs in the segment
• Luxury Focus: Premium materials, advanced driver aids, and cutting-edge infotainment

Additionally, sources indicate a secondary option may follow: a 3.0-litre six-cylinder plug-in hybrid version producing around 283kW, aimed at buyers seeking better efficiency without sacrificing capability.

While pricing hasn’t been officially disclosed, earlier leaks suggest the Tank 300 PHEV will start under $60,000 AUD, hinting that the larger Tank 800 could sit in the mid-to-high $80,000 range if it reaches Australia.

Historical Context: From Budget Brand to Global Challenger

To understand why the Tank 800 matters, you need to look back at how far GWM has come.

Founded in 1984, Great Wall Motors initially focused on low-cost pickups and compact SUVs for domestic Chinese markets. However, starting around 2018, GWM began investing heavily in R&D and branding, launching premium sub-brands like Wey and Tank.

The Tank series itself debuted in 2019 as a lifestyle-oriented off-road brand, combining serious 4x4 capability with modern comforts. Its success led to rapid expansion across Asia, Europe, and eventually Australia—where sales surged by over 40% in the past year alone, according to industry data.

Now, with the Tank 800, GWM is taking aim at the very top tier of the SUV hierarchy. Traditionally dominated by Japanese and American brands, this segment has long been seen as out of reach for Chinese automakers due to perceptions around reliability, luxury, and engineering pedigree.

But GWM appears determined to shatter those assumptions. By leveraging its growing expertise in electrification and hybrid systems—exemplified by the success of the Haval H6 HEV and the Tank 300 PHEV—the company is betting big on performance and sustainability.

Moreover, China’s government has been pushing automakers to develop homegrown high-tech vehicles, offering subsidies and incentives for advanced powertrains like plug-in hybrids and EVs. This policy environment has accelerated innovation at companies like GWM, allowing them to leapfrog legacy manufacturers in certain areas.

Immediate Effects: How Will the Tank 800 Shake Up the Market?

Even before landing in showrooms, the Tank 800 is already creating ripples—not just in China, but globally.

In Australia, where the LandCruiser 300 Series commands a loyal following among adventurers and fleet buyers alike, the prospect of a more powerful, possibly cheaper alternative is hard to ignore. The current top-spec LandCruiser GR Sport produces “only” 295kW, and even the upcoming GR Off-Road variant maxes out at roughly 330kW.

Compare that to the Tank 800’s 735kW, and the gap becomes impossible to overlook.

Beyond outright performance, the Tank 800 brings several other advantages:

• Better fuel economy than conventional V8s: Thanks to its PHEV architecture, it can run silently on electric power for short trips or city driving.
• Lower running costs over time: Plug-in hybrids benefit from reduced fuel consumption and potential eligibility for fringe benefits tax exemptions (depending on usage).
• Advanced tech features: Early photos and teasers suggest a focus on digital cockpits, autonomous driving assists, and connectivity.

Of course, skepticism remains. Critics point to questions about long-term reliability, after-sales support in Australia, and whether Chinese brands can truly match the reputation of Toyota or Nissan in durability.

But GWM has already taken steps to address these concerns. The brand operates dedicated service networks in major Australian cities, offers five-year/130,000km warranties (matching competitors), and has invested heavily in local parts logistics.

Future Outlook: What Lies