The Australian off-road enthusiasts are on the edge of their seat after news of the rugged looking GWM Tank 700 being released on our shores soon and you hear rumours regarding a pricing strategy, which could shake up the premium 4×4 market. Preliminary estimates are that the vehicle will be available for about $100,023, which will make it a serious top of line competitor in the luxury off-road world.
Billed as the epitome of the company’s bespoke off-road division, the Gladiator rival is GWA’s first real foray into the realm of high-end competitors from established names. The heavyweight contender is a mix of traditional body-on-frame construction and modern technology and is expected to bring a very attractive package to local buyers after credible off-road ability that doesn’t force them to sacrifice on-road refinement.
An Insight into What the Tank 700 Has to Offer
Engineering Philosophy of the Vehicle
But the Tank 700 owes much of its charm to its advanced off-road engineering. Based on a new platform (code named P71) which is aimed squarely at hardcore off-road work, this would be a radical departure from the sort of kludges made by many modern 4x4s. It melds innovative materials and construction with styling more commonly associated with cars that cost much, much more.
The Tank 700 benefits from testing across some of the world’s harshest terrains. From the searing desert heat of the Middle East to the icy tundra of Northern China, this vehicle has been tested in conditions that are equal to, if not more testing than, what Australian customers may experience – red dust of the Outback and beach approaches from our 36,000km of coastline come to mind.
The Technical Specifications That Count to Australian Buyers
Performance Credentials
The Tank 700 is believed to be equipped with a strong powertrain under the hood. Details about the Australian version are scarce, but it’s evident that the international versions will be the ones to beat. And as for engines, it is likely that a relatively high torsional output turbocharged power unit will be the power plant used as well the on Australian outback tracks are truly an extremely varied mix of terrain!
The transfer case is a high-tech multi-mode unit that allows drivers to choose between several terrain specific settings. These modes tailor the vehicle’s on and off-road driving performance to a range of situations, from normal highway driving to rock crawling.
Suspension Technology
It’s the Tank 700’s high-tech suspension system that’s likely to get most of the attention from you Australian 4×4 diehards. With Front and Rear lockable Differentials the vehicle will give you maximum traction management when needed. Allegedly the droop figures are all long enough to keep the nose in touch with the ground over decent sections.
The electronic air suspension, if as standard in Australian spec, would offer adjustable ride height that we’d imagine would come in useful for off-road clearance and on-road stability. This is especially useful when travelling over the type of brutal terrain that can be uncovered when hacking across the Australian cross country.
Interior and Technology Comfort and tech features_ABS_Covered_2015 The inside of each Accord model further upholds the rhythmic design theme, making it one of the easiest to live with.
Premium Cabin Environment
The cabin of the Tank 700 marks a big step up in quality and appointments. Top-quality materials such as genuine leather and soft-touch plastics provide an environment worthy of the car’s upmarket status. Even design detail such as ambient lighting, climate-controlled seating, and acoustic insulation means the drive can even be smooth in taxus.
The dashboard design centers on a large central display screen that acts as a control center for many vehicle functions. It offers access to off-road telemetry, navigation and multimedia features. Smartphone connectivity over leading mobile platforms means that users have become accustomed to their digital lives.
‘Bad’ – or Good! – Drivers Revealed by Technology: The Future of ADAS
The Tank 700 is especially focused on safety features. The car is thought to offer a wide range of driver assistance technologies, such as adaptive cruise control, a lane departure warning system and autonomous emergency braking. Off-road specific systems including hill descent control and multi-terrain management, also provide support to safety and driving features enjoying the great outdoors.
Market Position and Competitive Structure
At $100,023, the Tank 700 is also going to fall right into the lap of premium competition in the Australian arena. That’s vehicles including the Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Series, Nissan Patrol Y62 and Land Rover Defender 110. Although they have loyal fan bases, the appeal of the Tank 700 could be that it’s a new-tech, reasonably priced and very capable vehicle and that could well sway buyers looking for bargains in the premium space.
Straightening out Concerns of the Australian Market
Dealer Network and Aftersales Support
Both Selev and VPS have already completed a full homologation for Europe and are now looking to expand their market. A key consideration for any potential Australian buyers will be the extent of local back up and after sales support. More Great Wall Motors continues to expand across Australia and has increased its network of dealers who are able to cater for selling and servicing. The determination to create a full set of service will be key point for Tank 700 to conquer this market.
The availability and price of parts have always been an issue for anybody wanting to buy a Chinese brand. Nevertheless, Great Wall Motors has reportedly been working to correct the issues with local parts distribution centres and attractive pricing for service items.
Local adaptation and Uptake
Meeting ADR compliance, at least for cars coming into our market is a triumph. The development of the Tank 700 has been handled allegedly taking into consideration markets such as Australia, with an emphasis on the conversion of right-hand drive quality, and local preferences for comfort.
Their climate control has been tuned for Australian conditions too, which should mean they’ll work in extreme heat, that heat also present in other parts of Australia. The suspension tuning is probably tailored for local road surfaces as well, from glass-smooth highways to rippled dirt tracks.
Anticipated Features and Equipment
The Standard Equipment We Expect
Buyers can also expect to get in the at the estimated price point. That probably includes fancier sound systems with many more speakers, panoramic sunroof options, power front seats with memory, and cool lighting tech such as LED headlights, tail lights and such.
They enjoy the type of comfort and convenience accommodations such as wireless phone charging, multiple USB charge ports and ambient lighting provide.” While on board, ride in comfort no matter where in the vehicle you are with multi-zone climate control.
Off-Road Capability Package
Dedicated off-road options include underbody armor, rock rails, and purpose-designed tires that are capable of providing the perfect balance between on-road travel and off-road action. Some of the different versions may come with front bull bars, roof mounted light bars and recovery points as standard or as optional extras.
Fuel consumption and running costs
Fuel economy figures for the Tank 700 will be important for Australian buyers, who clock up far more distance in between visits to the bowser than American adventurers. Although we won’t know precise figures for the Australian market, the overseas models indicate a reasonable efficiency standard considering the large size and ability of the beast.
Running costs also cater for other factors such as maintenance schedules and service pricing. Service packages and clear pricing structures will be important in building confidence with Australians, who tend to hang onto vehicles for longer lengths of time.
Implementation and Connectivity of Technology
Contemporary Australian consumers demand vehicles without compromise in respect of connectivity. The Tank 700’s infotainment equipment probably comes with pairing to popular smartphone platforms, according to Oppoenheimer, which would allow connection to dedicated mobile apps for navigation, music streaming and vehicle management features.
If there’s OTA updating, the car’s software will stay up to date for its entire life. It’s a value that’s become a higher priority for consumers in an age when cars are seen not as just mechanical entities, but technology platforms on wheels.
Environmental Considerations
Now, focusing on capability and performance as the Tank 700 might suggest a lack of environmental chops, but today’s engineering seeks to provide performance without excess when and where it’s not needed. Stop-start technology, revised engine management systems and aerodynamic refinements also help lessen the car’s impact on the environment, without compromising its ability.
Expected Trim Levels and Variant Options
Various trim levels are expected to be offered to ensure buyers can get the model that matches their needs and budget. Base models are likely to emphasize fundamentals like strong off-road ruggedness, with top-trim versions adding more luxury features and modern technology.
They also come in conservative as well as, ahem, more spirited colors that entice the recreational buyer. Wheel choices might be anything from a funky set of steel wheels suitable for serious off-road abuse to a set of bigger alloy wheels that can make the vehicle look better on the road.
Long-Term Value Proposition
Lots of people will base their decision on residual value factors. Ordinarily Australian market cars tend to better hold their value, especially from well known brands but in the case of the competitively priced Tank 700, it might have an effect on depreciation. Features such as extensive warranty options and service packages can help sustain long-term value preservation.
Looking Ahead
The GWM Tank 700’s arrival on local soil, its sub-six-figure pricing (suggested, at least) a pivotal moment for the Australian 4×4 market. It’s an SUV that brings together every level of modernity and calls into question established lightweight competition with regard to perfect offroad capability.
The Tank 700 is an interesting alternative for Austalian Customers to the usual Premium Brands of tablets. It might just be the right mix of off-road capacity, comfort and reasonable price to attract both leisure adventurers and professionals needing a reliable means to get somewhere over crude trails.
With the Aussie market diversifying manufacturer representation, the Tank 700’s fate will hinge on Great Wall being able to back themselves with a reputation of quality, reliability and holistic aftersales support. Initial signs are positive that the vehicle has the qualities to make an impact in this tough sector.
More details on the Australian-spec Tank 700 will be announced in the coming months, including final pricing and equipment levels, launch timing, so stay tuned. This new arrival may well have scouted out the future of premium off-road vehicles in Australia – the choice for you if you don’t want to confine your adventures to paved roads but also don’t want to go full Apocalypse Now with your choice of rugged wagon.