GWM quick drives: 2025 Haval Jolion Hybrid, Tank 700, Tank 400

GWM is only just getting started with a product onslaught for Australian showrooms and the recent introductions of Tank 500, Tank 300, Ora and updated Cannon will be followed by more models and variants in the coming months and years.

While the exact list of vehicles that will join the growing family remains ‘under consideration’ at this stage, the company has offered a tantalising hint at those models most likely to make a local appearance.

We were given the chance for a quick spin in a selection of the vehicles being closely looked at by GWM Australia and New Zealand to see how they might fit into the existing line up and, most importantly, if they’ll resonate favourably with Australia’s discerning buyers.

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JUMP AHEAD

• 2024 Haval Jolion Hybrid
• 2025 GWM Tank 700
• 2025 GWM Tank 400

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2024 Haval Jolion Hybrid

First to appear on Australian roads will be an evolution of the popular Haval Jolion. While not officially confirmed yet, it’s all but a done deal that the updated small-to-mid-sized SUV will arrive in the next few months wearing it’s own unique design.

The headlights and large DRL light/indicator features from the existing Jolion face have been bisected forming two separate light units for the new model. The treatment works well, especially combined with a sporty lower valence and simplified grille.

At the tail end, the design revision continues with a far neater look incorporating continuous full-width light bar that’s a visual hybrid of Range Rover and Honda Civic. Gone are the slightly awkward three-point clusters.

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Overall, the Jolion Pro has changed just millimetres in length and height but its width is up a significant 84mm which adds a sporty and confident stance.

While the exterior is, subjectively, a step in the right direction and something quite new and handsome, mechanically a lot carries over when it comes to the stuff under the skin.

Like the current Jolion hybrid, it’s powered by a 1.5-litre petrol four-cylinder married to a hybrid electric motor. In practice, the union of petrol and electric develops good performance and acceleration along with a decent engine note from outside the car - if a little droning inside - thanks mostly to the hybrid-specific CVT.

There have been significant improvements to the steering with a more responsive and involving front end, while the chassis in general feels more lively and excitable.

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During a short blast, the Jolion Pro as it’s known in China is more manageable and fun and feels lighter on its feet.

Like the current generation version, the cabin is spacious and challenges the ‘small’ segment definition with good legroom and headroom in both rows of seating.

Nothing has changed with regard to cabin equipment with the paring of digital dash and large central screen carrying over, although the information and entertainment system is updated. Exact Australian revisions will have to wait, with our test car programmed with a China market system.

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2025 GWM Tank 700

GWM is still weighing up if its growing family has the space for the Tank 700 but an initial taste of the large off-road machine would suggest there’s certainly potential for a new flagship over the newly arrived Tank 500.

There’s no denying that GWM’s design team were vying for a little Mercedes G-Class flavour in the exterior styling, including the satin metallic paint ours was dressed up in, and a blocky almost mil-spec theme.

We jumped behind the wheel of a top-spec Hi4-T which has a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 under the bonnet, paired with an electric motor on each axle for all-wheel drive and enormous performance.

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While a little laggy from a standing start, once the full 386kW and 850Nm is wound up, the 700 squats dramatically on its air suspension and performs a similar dive into the first hard braking test.

The same soft chassis tuning is also responsible for a fair bit of roll in corners but there’s a surprising amount of traction and steering response. The largely good manners can be upset by rapid changes of direction during which the stability system gets a little flummoxed.

Given a longer test we’re certain the 700 would offer a comfortable ride, while the amount of off-road-specific technology and features including front and rear locking diffs, disconnecting anti-roll bar and various all-terrain modes suggest this big tank has some reasonable go-anywhere ability.

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Its plush interior will also get you there in style and comfort. There’s a little of Haval’s satin silver switchgear to remind of the relationship but otherwise the 700’s cabin is an impressive space.

A cool wood grain material adorns the dash, door and centre console, the leather felt supple and we loved the digital clock which can be swapped for a more traditional style with a swipe of its face.

The central screen is a whopping 15.6-inch touchscreen dwarfing the not-exactly-small digital driver’s instrument cluster and is packed with heaps of technology such as 3D 360-degree camera, touchscreen adjustable air conditioning vents, native navigation and detailed driving modes.

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There’s also an electrically folding tow bar to prevent the aggressive looks being spoilt when not in use.

Second row passengers are very well looked after with masses of knee room and our test car featured the more luxurious seating with large fold down centre arm rest which contains its own touchscreen. Rear occupants also get a climate control panel, folding blinds, double glazing and selection of power sockets.

The Tank 700 is a huge amount of car but that might also come at a relatively huge price. Up to $150,000 for the flagship version might seem a bit steep for something wearing a Tank badge but there’s nothing else in the current market to offer as much performance and kit for the same cash.

The best part though is that it’s a plug-in hybrid with a beefy 37kWh battery and up to 85km of electric only range, claims GWM.

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2025 GWM Tank 400

Finally, the GWM Tank 400 offers some of the big-daddy 700’s appeal in a smaller and more affordable package.

It still has air suspension and a similarly soft ride quality but, thanks to its smaller overall dimensions and mass, deals with an excited journalist at the wheel with more composure.

While it forfeits the monstrous flagship powertrain in favour of a four-cylinder turbo petrol hybrid bolted to the same nine-speed automatic, the combined effort of petrol and electric produces an impressive 304kW and 750Nm.

Acceleration off the mark feels as quick as the 700 but with less physics to deal with there’s more confidence to have a punt with a decent chassis and a nature that’s lighter on its feet. As to what happens when the road comes to an end however, is another question.

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The Tank 400 is, says GWM, very much an off-road focused model and is treated to largely the same all-terrain oily bits as its bigger sibling including the Hi4-T four-wheel drive transmission and plug-in hybrid system.

While the 700 would probably ferry you to the paths less traveled in more comfort, we suspect it’s the 400 that will go further once you arrive.

It doesn’t get quite the level of luxury as the 700 as you might expect but there’s still a lot to be liked including some lovely interior materials, cool ambient lighting, the same large central touchscreen and digital dash.

GWM hasn’t offered an idea of what pricing might look like if it were to be introduced to Australia but it could slot in with a higher price than the $46,990 driveaway Tank 300, but no more than the current flagship Tank 500, which starts at $66,490.

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