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GWM has confirmed it’s developing a V8-powered version of the Tank 700 SUV, with Australia and New Zealand specifically mentioned as target markets.
Yep, while most manufacturers are downsizing engines, GWM appears to be heading in the opposite direction with a big-capacity V8 aimed squarely at markets that still love a proper off-road wagon. Like ours.
The announcement came during the Beijing Auto Show 2026, where GWM Chairman Jack Wei confirmed the Tank 700 will receive a newly developed V8 engine as part of the company’s expanding performance powertrain lineup.
“In the future, the Tank 700 will also use a V8 engine. The supercar uses a high-performance V8, while the Tank 700 uses a normal V8,” said Mr Wei.
“This is completely opposite to the current environment or trend in China; it does not fit the Chinese market. We developed this V8 to meet the needs of more global users, in markets such as Australia and New Zealand.”
That’s a pretty direct statement and one that will likely get plenty of attention from Australian 4WD buyers who still value towing capability, touring performance and the character that comes with a V8.
GWM’s V8 strategy is bigger than just the Tank 700
The Tank 700 announcement also forms part of a much broader push from GWM into performance and premium vehicles.
At the same Beijing Auto Show, GWM confirmed its upcoming GF supercar will use a 4.0-litre twin-turbo hybrid V8, showing the company is investing heavily in multiple V8 applications despite the global shift toward smaller engines and EVs.
According to GWM, the Tank 700 V8 is intended to expand the brand’s high-output powertrain offering in markets where larger engines still resonate strongly, particularly Australia and New Zealand.
That’s a fairly interesting move given the current market. Toyota’s V8 LandCruiser is gone, Nissan’s Y62 Patrol V8 is nearing the end of its run, and many brands are replacing big-capacity engines with turbocharged six-cylinders or hybrid setups.
Meanwhile, GWM appears to be looking at the gap in the market and thinking: “Maybe Aussies still want a V8 after all.”
What is the GWM Tank 700?
The Tank 700 sits at the top of GWM’s Tank off-road lineup and is positioned as the brand’s flagship luxury off-roader.
GWM describes it as combining premium design, advanced technology and strong off-road capability, with the vehicle already sitting above models like the Tank 300 and Tank 500 in the Chinese market.
The company also confirmed the Tank 700 uses the Hi4-Z platform in China, adding another electrified powertrain option to the lineup.
A future V8 version would likely push the Tank 700 even further into premium off-road territory, potentially placing it up against vehicles like the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series, Nissan Patrol and Lexus GX.
GWM is pushing hard in Australia
The V8 announcement comes as GWM ramps up its ambitions locally.
According to the company, GWM delivered close to 53,000 vehicles in Australia during 2025 and plans to launch up to 10 new or refreshed models throughout 2026.
The company says it’s aiming to become one of Australia’s top five automotive brands by the end of 2027, supported by expanded dealerships, increased technical support and a broader range of vehicles across hybrid, EV and diesel platforms.
GWM also confirmed an all-new 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine is headed to Australia for the Cannon Alpha and Tank 500, alongside expanded hybrid offerings across the range.
So while the V8 Tank 700 might sound a little unexpected in 2026, it also fits into a broader strategy from GWM to aggressively grow its presence in Australia, particularly in the 4WD and premium SUV space.
When is the Tank 700 V8 coming to Australia?
Right now, GWM hasn’t confirmed launch timing or specific rollout plans for Australia.
But the fact Australia and New Zealand were directly referenced during the announcement strongly suggests local buyers are very much part of the plan.
And in a market where proper V8 SUVs are slowly disappearing, there’s a fair chance plenty of Aussie buyers will be watching closely to see what GWM delivers next.
FAQs
Will the GWM Tank 700 V8 come to Australia?
GWM has confirmed the Tank 700 V8 is being developed with markets like Australia and New Zealand specifically in mind. While official local launch timing hasn’t been announced yet, Australia was directly referenced by GWM Chairman Jack Wei during the Beijing Auto Show 2026 announcement.
What engine will the GWM Tank 700 V8 use?
GWM has confirmed the Tank 700 will receive a newly developed V8 engine, although full technical specifications haven’t been released yet. The company has also announced a separate 4.0-litre twin-turbo hybrid V8 for its upcoming GF supercar, showing multiple V8 powertrains are currently in development.
Is the GWM Tank 700 a serious off-road SUV?
The Tank 700 is positioned as the flagship model in GWM’s Tank lineup, combining luxury features with off-road capability. It sits above the Tank 300 and Tank 500 and is designed to compete in the premium off-road SUV market.
What vehicles could the Tank 700 V8 compete against?
If it arrives in Australia, the Tank 700 V8 could compete against large off-road SUVs like the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series, Nissan Patrol and Lexus GX, particularly for buyers wanting a premium touring-focused 4WD.
When will the GWM Tank 700 V8 launch?
GWM has not confirmed an official launch date for the Tank 700 V8 yet. However, the announcement suggests the vehicle forms part of the brand’s future global expansion plans, including Australia and New Zealand.
Why is GWM developing a V8 engine?
According to GWM Chairman Jack Wei, the V8 was developed to meet demand from global markets where large-capacity engines still appeal to buyers, specifically mentioning Australia and New Zealand during the announcement.
Will the GWM Tank 700 V8 be hybrid?
GWM has not confirmed whether the Tank 700 V8 will feature hybrid assistance. However, the company’s broader powertrain strategy includes hybrid technology, and GWM has already confirmed a twin-turbo hybrid V8 for its upcoming GF supercar.
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