Diesel version of the Tank 300 SUV exposed by regulator ahead of launch in China
Back in May, Great Wall Motor Chairman Wei Jianjun mentioned a diesel version of the Tank 300. Since then, nothing has been heard of the car despite a regulatory listing for a diesel version of the Tank 400 in August. That is until now. Thanks to a government regulator, we now know more details about the diesel Tank 300 and can expect it to launch during the coming months.
Ministry of Industry and Information Technology listing information shows that the diesel version of the Tank 300 has slightly different dimensions to the petrol and 48V hybrid versions of the SUV. First off, two lengths are listed, 4750 and 4775 mm, Which compares to 4760 for the petrol version and 4772 mm for the 48V hybrid version. Width remains unchanged at 1930 mm. There are also two heights listed of 1903 and 1927 mm, the current car has a standard height of 1903 mm. The wheelbase remains unchanged at 2750 mm. Curb weight, depending on the version, is either 2340 kg or 2375 kg. Buyers can choose from either 17 or 18-inch wheels.
The difference in length is explained by the front overhang, which is either 910 or 935 mm. The rear overhang on all versions is 1090 mm. This seems to have a corresponding effect on the angles of approach and departure, which, depending on the version, are either 33 and 34 or 33 and 30 degrees, respectively. Diesel versions of the tank 300 have a towing capacity of 750 kg for an unbraked trailer and 2500 kg for a braked trailer.
Power comes from a Great Wall E24D Diesel engine, which has a maximum power of 137 kW. This is the same engine that was declared in the diesel version of the Tank 400 earlier this year and is also the same engine used by the Poer range of pickup trucks.
The Tank 300 is the oldest car in the Tank range. It was originally sold under the Wey brand in 2020 before becoming a standalone brand in 2021. This year, the car was spotted with a facelift, most of which was concentrated on the interior. It is likely that the diesel version will debut with these improvements. Currently, the petrol version of the Tank 300 retails for between 199,800 and 216,800 yuan (28,050 – 30,400 USD). The diesel version will likely be priced similarly.
The version will likely be aimed at serious off-road enthusiasts in China and also be an export model. The high torque offered by a diesel engine helps the vehicle climb steep slopes without straining the engine. Additionally, if the car gets stuck in mud or snow, it helps with getting out of the situation. Torque is far more important than engine power for such uses. Finally, for really serious off-roaders, diesel is going to give a greater range, which can be important in remote locations.
Source: MIIT