GWM Tank 600: Prado rival destined for Australian release in 2022

The 4×4 segment hasn’t had its feathers ruffled in quite some time but that could be about to change with a very capable and likely cheaper addition.

Offical sketches and a leaked image of the 2022 GWM Tank 600 large SUV have been released giving us a clear look at one of China’s most highly anticipated new vehicles.

The Tank brand is an offshoot of Great Wall Motors (GWM) similar to Haval who have recently released the Jolion small SUV and H6 midsize SUV in Australia.

GWM Tank 600 2022 leaked image — A leaked image of the GWM Tank 600 has revealed key details of the upcoming off roader

Subsequently, the Tank 600 is expected make it to Australia at some point in 2022, where it will take on the slightly smaller Toyota Landcruiser Prado.

Chinese media outlet Ifeng report the Tank 600 will debut at the 2021 Chengdu motor show, which runs from August 27 to September 5, but sketches released by the brand and a leaked image have given us a solid insight into the new 4×4.

The Tank 600 is expected to be positioned as a more premium option than the Haval SUVs and will feature a proper body-on-frame design to provide proper off road credentials.

GWM Tank 600 2022 sketch rear — Offical sketches released by the brand show what could be a barn door tailgate design

Leaked images show the 4×4 wearing a huge chrome grille that almost entirely dominates the front end, in a similar style to the US market Lincoln Navigator in the early 2000s.

The leaked photo shows a slightly different headlight design to the sketch but accessories such as the roof rails, side steps and other elements carry over.

We only have sketches of the rear, which appears to have a barn door tailgate similar to the Mini Clubman, but we think it’s likely Tank will opt for a traditional single top hinge design.

GWM Tank 600 2022 sketch side — With a body-on-frame chassis the Tank 600 could be a decent off roader

While Tank is expected to offer a range of smaller turbo four-cylinder engines the highlight donk will be a turbocharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine.

Details on cylinder configuration or if it runs on petrol or diesel remain unclear, but the engine is said to develop 260kW of power and 500Nm of torque.

It will be paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission and a competitive all wheel drive system, the former of which has been specifically developed by GWM for this model.

GWM Tank 600 2022 sketch front — The Tank 600 is said to use a turbocharged 3.0L six-cylinder engine

When it launches the Tank 600 will sit above the more Jeep Wrangler-sized Tank 300, both of which would appeal to Australia’s 4×4-hungry and price-conscious market.

An even larger Tank 800 is said to follow, which could be the size of the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series or even a full-size SUV like the Cadillac Escalade.

We’ll likely find out more at the end of August when the Tank 600 is rumoured to make its official debut, so stay tuned.