Great Wall Motor is seriously considering a major shift toward premium territory in Australia. The Chinese automaker has been quietly testing the waters with higher-priced vehicles, and the results are encouraging enough to make them think bigger.
Charles Zhao, GWM’s managing director for Australia and New Zealand, recently revealed that while expensive models like the Tank 700 and 800 aren’t coming within the next year, “the doors are open” for these premium offerings. This strategic patience shows GWM understands the Australian market isn’t just about throwing expensive cars at consumers – it’s about building trust first.
From Budget to Premium: GWM’s Remarkable Price Journey
Here’s something that might surprise you: back in 2020, the average GWM sold for around $23,000. Fast forward to today, and that figure has more than doubled to over $40,000. This dramatic shift tells us Australian buyers are genuinely warming up to what GWM offers.
Steve Maciver, GWM’s head of marketing and communications, puts it perfectly: customers are seeing the value proposition and willing to pay more for it. This isn’t just about fancy features – it’s about trust in the brand itself.
Current Flagship vs Future Possibilities
Right now, the Tank 500 Ultra Hybrid sits at the top of GWM’s Australian lineup with its $73,990 price tag. But this could just be the beginning. The company is preparing to launch a plug-in hybrid version of the Tank 500 this year, which will likely push prices even higher.
| Current Model | Potential Future Models |
|---|---|
| Tank 500 Ultra Hybrid – $73,990 | Tank 700 PHEV – Est. $90,000+ |
| Tank 300 – Entry level | Tank 400 PHEV – Mid-range pricing |
| Jolion – $25,000 starting | Tank 800 – Premium flagship |
Tank 700: The Technical Powerhouse
The Tank 700 isn’t just about looks – it’s a genuine performance machine. In China, this SUV packs a serious punch with its plug-in hybrid setup combining a 265kW turbocharged V6 with a 120kW electric motor. The total system output? An impressive 385kW and 800Nm of torque.
What makes this even more interesting is the 90-kilometer electric range, meaning daily commuting could be completely emission-free for many Australian families. The 37.1kWh battery pack provides enough juice for most suburban adventures without needing the petrol engine.
Size Matters: How These SUVs Stack Up
The Tank 700 measures 5090mm long – that’s actually longer than a Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series. At 2061mm wide and 1952mm tall, this isn’t a vehicle you’ll lose in a car park. The 3000mm wheelbase promises serious interior space for passengers and cargo.
The Value Equation: Premium Doesn’t Mean Overpriced
GWM’s approach to premium pricing centers on one crucial element: value. Whether you’re buying a $25,000 Jolion or potentially a $95,000 Tank variant, the value proposition must be clear.
This philosophy explains why GWM isn’t rushing premium models to market. They’re taking time to ensure each vehicle offers something genuinely compelling at its price point, not just expensive for the sake of being expensive.
Customer Satisfaction First
Before expanding into ultra-premium territory, GWM wants to nail customer satisfaction with their current range. It’s a smart move – building a reputation for reliability and service excellence creates the foundation for premium pricing later.
Timeline and Market Reality
GWM previously mentioned that if the business case stacked up for the Tank 700, they could launch it in Australia within 6-9 months. However, current focus remains on the Tank 300 and 500 models for the short term.
This measured approach shows maturity. Rather than flooding the market with expensive options, they’re building market share and customer loyalty first.
The Tank 400: Middle Ground Option
The Tank 400 represents an interesting middle ground between the current Tank 300 and 500. At 4985mm long, it’s sizeable but not overwhelming. Like the Tank 700, it uses plug-in hybrid technology, though with a more modest 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine producing 300kW total system output.
What This Means for Australian Buyers
For car buyers, this gradual premium push could mean access to genuinely competitive luxury SUVs at prices traditional European brands can’t match. The Tank 700’s specifications suggest it could rival vehicles costing significantly more from established premium manufacturers.
The key question, as Maciver noted, is “how far are customers willing to go” with GWM pricing. Early indicators suggest quite far, provided the value remains evident.
Quick FAQs
Q: When will the Tank 700 arrive in Australia?
A: Not within the next year, but GWM hasn’t ruled it out for the future.
Q: How much could the Tank 700 cost?
A: Estimates suggest around $90,000-$95,000 based on GWM’s current pricing strategy.
Q: Will these models have electric-only driving capability?
A: Yes, both Tank 700 and 400 feature plug-in hybrid systems with substantial electric range.
