GWM Tank 300 proves It's the perfect off-roader for beginners at Sepang test

KUALA LUMPUR: GWM Malaysia recently hosted an off-road exhibition for the Tank 300 at Bay 13 near the Sepang International Circuit, and unlike last year’s slow-crawl demonstration at M4TREC, this time the action was quicker, rougher, and arguably more realistic.

The goal was simple: to show how the Tank 300 behaves in conditions that reflect what Malaysians might actually face—whether it’s navigating through slippery estate roads, heading toward a forest campsite, or crossing a muddy plantation trail during a downpour.

Also Read: GWM Malaysia delivers 500th TANK 300

And if you ever doubted whether a stock SUV with no off-road tyres can handle all that, the Tank 300 just made its case in a big, muddy way.

Not just a pretty face

The GWM Tank 300 looks every bit the tough 4x4 it claims to be, with a squared-off silhouette, high-riding stance, and classic ladder-frame proportions.

But where it truly impresses is how it blends that ruggedness with unexpected levels of refinement and ease of use. While many off-road-capable vehicles often demand some degree of driver experience and mechanical sympathy, the Tank 300 seems purpose-built for those who don’t know—or care—how to manually modulate a transfer case or feather their throttle over a rock.

This latest Sepang exhibition confirmed that: the Tank 300 is one of the best off-roaders for beginners.

An off-roader that does the thinking for you

It’s not that the Tank 300 lacks off-road pedigree—far from it. Built on a body-on-frame ladder chassis, it comes armed with a serious list of hardware: a part-time four-wheel drive system with high and low range gearing, front and rear locking differentials, and a suite of off-road drive modes that adjust everything from throttle mapping to traction control and diff engagement.

But what makes it unique—especially in this RM200k-ish price bracket—is how smartly it applies all those tools. For example, when encountering a steep, rutted incline or a diagonal crossing, the vehicle's terrain system can automatically engage the appropriate diff lock (front or rear) and traction control settings without overwhelming the driver with buttons and levers.

This was demonstrated multiple times during the Sepang run, where a muddy ascent that would normally induce wheelspin in lesser vehicles was handled cleanly thanks to intelligent torque distribution.

Yes, the driver still has to manually shift into low or high gear depending on the terrain, but once you're in the right range, the Tank 300 takes care of the rest when the correct drive mode is applied.

Real-World obstacles, not test track stunts

What differentiated this experience from last year’s M4TREC showcase was the pace. While M4TREC was focused on the Tank 300’s technical crawling ability—how it tiptoes over boulders or through deep gullies—Bay 13 brought more speed into the equation.

Think rally-style driving over broken terrain, simulating real-world scenarios: rutted dirt roads, shallow ravines, water crossings, and soft, wet clay surfaces that sapped grip.

The Tank 300 handled it all without drama. Despite being fitted with stock Highway Terrain (HT) tyres—not the knobby off-road rubber you'd expect for this kind of work—the SUV showed impressive traction and stability.

The drive mode logic compensated well for the HT limitations, while the chassis and suspension soaked up bumps without transmitting much harshness into the cabin.

Even on faster sections, where the terrain felt like a rally shakedown course, the vehicle didn’t bounce or crash. Instead, it maintained composure, helped by its double wishbone front and multi-link coil rear suspension setup.

NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) was also surprisingly well managed. Many off-road vehicles, especially those with ladder-frame underpinnings, tend to creak, rattle or amplify every impact.

Not the Tank 300. The doors stayed solid, there were no dashboard shudders, and the cabin remained quiet enough to hold a normal conversation even as we hit uneven surfaces at speed.

Wet, muddy, and still in control

Adding to the challenge was the weather. It rained heavily just before the test runs, which left the track soaked and visibility patchy. Water levels at the designated wading section organically rose higher than planned, and the clay tracks became more slippery than usual.

Still, the Tank 300 went in, came out, and kept going—thanks in part to its 700 mm wading depth and well-calibrated crawl control system.

The transparent chassis view, available through the vehicle’s 360-degree camera system, became particularly useful here. With limited external visibility and a water-filled bog in front, the system allowed us to see (on screen) what lay underfoot.

It wasn’t just a gimmick—it helped guide wheel placement in real time, proving its worth when climbing out of a water-logged rut where even walking would’ve been a challenge.

Not too big to be agile

Another point that we noticed was the Tank 300’s size—or rather, how manageable it felt. At just under 4.8 metres long, it’s shorter than most pick-up trucks and some large SUVs.

Although we never tried it out, its combined tight turning radius and “Tank Turn Assist” function should make it nimble around tight jungle-like turns and narrow paths. Like we said before, first-time off-roaders wouldn't have trouble navigating tight switchbacks or threading through tree-lined routes if they get used to this feature.

This agility, paired with its off-road tech, makes it one of the most confidence-inspiring vehicles in its class. You don’t have to be a 4x4 veteran to get through tough terrain—you just need to trust the Tank’s systems and steer.

A gentle giant

Despite its capability, the Tank 300 never feels harsh or intimidating. Inside, you’re surrounded by comfort features that feel more luxury SUV than hardcore off-roader.

Soft-touch materials, massage-capable leather seats, and a large dual-screen infotainment cluster (with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) all add to the experience. It’s this combination of brute strength and everyday civility that makes it such a well-rounded proposition.

Even the suspension—firm enough to handle rough terrain—never crashed or jarred occupants, even when going faster than we probably should have over that simulated rally course. You can do a family trip in it one weekend and tackle a work jungle trail the next, all without swapping tyres or prepping anything.

The GWM Tank 300 isn’t here to reinvent the 4x4—it just makes the off-road experience more accessible. From the media consensus at the Sepang event, it’s clear that this is a vehicle built with real-world usability in mind.

It may not be as mechanically involved as a Land Cruiser or as nimble as a Jimny, but it lands right in that sweet spot for Malaysian buyers looking for a capable, comfortable off-roader that can be driven by just about anyone.

And in a world where adventure is often just one heavy rain away from becoming a challenge, the Tank 300 feels like the SUV that’s ready—no matter how much or little experience you’ve got behind the wheel.

Also Read: First impressions: GWM Tank 500 HEV – A hybrid luxury brawler worth considering?