GWM Tank 300 HEV, Diesel have big chance to come to PH

GWM Philippines distributor, Luxuriant Automotive Group Inc. (LAGI), has big plans this 2025 and beyond. Aside from launching the refreshed Cannon pickup truck at this year’s Manila International Auto Show (MIAS), they also previewed the Haval H9, which could take on the likes of the Mitsubishi Montero Sport, Ford Everest, and perhaps even the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado.

But if you thought the automaker was done, GWM Philippines is also considering expanding its model lineup for the Tank 300. That’s right, the 4x4 SUV could soon be available with not just a 2.0L turbo-gasoline inline-four, which already makes a potent 217 PS and 380 Nm of pull.

Speaking with GWM Philippines Brand Head & Marketing Director Dax Avenido, the executive shared with AutoIndustriya.com that there’s a big chance that there will be two new variants for the go-anywhere 4x4. These are the Tank 300 HEV and the Tank 300 Diesel, with the latter being first launched in Thailand earlier this year.

“It’s in our pipeline and we’re currently studying the HEV version. For us, it’s a great opportunity to test its market acceptability and product acceptance of the Tank 300 HEV in the Philippine market, especially for off-road use since its technology is proven in other markets,” said Avenido.

But what about the diesel-powered version, which is now available in Thailand? Luckily for us, Avenido also mentioned that the 2.4L turbo-diesel variant of the Tank 300 is also included in the automaker’s plans for the Philippines.

“It definitely has a big chance because the Philippines still has a huge ICE market, especially when it comes to turbo-diesels,” added Avenido.

There’s no exact timeline yet as to when the new Tank 300 models will arrive in the Philippines. We know that both the HEV and Diesel models are promising in terms of power output. The former has a 2.0L turbocharged gasoline engine that’s assisted by an electric motor, which gives it a total system output of over 340 PS and 648 Nm of torque. Power is then sent to a 9-speed automatic gearbox along with an electric 4WD system.

The latter, meanwhile, gets a new 2.4L turbo-diesel engine shared with the updated Cannon pickup truck. Over in Thailand, the Tank 300 Diesel makes 184 PS at 3600 rpm and 480 Nm of torque between 1500 and 2500 rpm. Like the HEV, the Diesel is equipped with a 9-speed automatic gearbox and is available as an RWD or 4WD SUV.

With the Tank 300 lineup expected to grow in the Philippines, which one would you go for, the HEV or the Diesel?