GWM’s Tank 300 Hi4-T PHEV and Tank 500 Hi4-T PHEV have completed the climb up Beer O’Clock Hill, a well-known off-road challenge in Australia.

The Tank 300 Hi4-T did it on standard highway tyres, straight from the factory, showing that GWM’s Hi4-T plug-in hybrid system can handle tough terrain without modifications. Both vehicles ran in full production spec, with no mechanical changes, calibration tweaks or software updates.

With this climb, five GWM models have now reached the top of Beer O’Clock Hill. The full list includes the Tank 300 and Tank 500 Hi4-T PHEVs, Cannon XSR (production-spec), Cannon Alpha Hi4-T PHEV, and Tank 300 Diesel. Three of the five used Hi4-T, while the others relied on GWM’s 2.4-litre turbo-diesel engine.

“Beer O’Clock Hill is becoming one of the toughest proving grounds for any off-road vehicle in Australia. Having no less than five vehicles across the range conquering Beer O’Clock Hill is something we are incredibly proud of, but certainly not surprised,” said Steve Maciver, Head of Marketing and Communications at GWM Australia and New Zealand.

“The latest Tank 300 Hi4-T PHEV climbing the hill on highway tyres speaks volumes about the engineering behind the Hi4-T system. This is electrification designed for real off-road performance, delivering instant torque, precise traction and relentless climbing ability,” Maciver added. “New Energy Vehicles should enhance capability, not limit it, and what we have demonstrated is that GWM’s technology delivers both efficiency and serious off-road performance, without compromise.”

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The GWM Tank 300 Hi4‑T PHEV is set to arrive in early April 2026 in Lux ($55,990) and Ultra ($59,990) variants. It pairs a 2.0L turbo petrol engine with a 120kW electric motor for 300kW/750Nm, full-time 4×4, low-range gearing, and advanced off-road tech like crawl control and diff-locks. A 37.1kWh battery is said to give about 115km of EV range and up to 955km total, with fast and AC charging plus V2L capability. Lux offers modern comfort and safety features, while Ultra adds premium touches like Nappa leather, massage seats, and front diff-lock.

The Tank 500 Hi4‑T PHEV uses the same hybrid system but delivers 405kW and 900Nm, with a higher towing capacity of 3500kg.

MORE Tank 300 news and reviews!