GWM confirms V8 power for upcoming Tank 700

GWM has locked in a V8 for the Tank 700, signalling a more traditional, high-output direction for its flagship 4×4.

The Tank 700 sits at the top of GWM’s Tank lineup as a premium five-seat flagship, built on a body-on-frame 4WD architecture and designed to blend serious off-road capability with high-end cabin tech and long-distance touring comfort. It’s positioned above the Tank 500, pushing further into luxury territory while still maintaining the rugged hardware expected of a true off-roader.

It’s this positioning that makes the V8 decision significant. Rather than leaning fully into electrification, GWM is clearly carving out space for large-capacity performance in its global strategy – especially for markets like Australia and New Zealand where traditional towing and touring expectations remain strong.

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The update came out of the Beijing Auto Show 2026, where GWM Chairman Jack Wei confirmed the new engine direction and reinforced the Tank 700’s role in the brand’s expanding performance 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,” he said.

It’s not a left-field call either. The idea of a V8 Tank SUV has been floating around since the Shanghai Auto Show 2025, where GWM acknowledged growing demand for a more traditional high-capacity SUV in export markets. What’s changed is the level of commitment. GWM is now backing multiple V8 applications across its range, including a 4.0-litre twin-turbo hybrid V8 set for its upcoming GF supercar due in 2027.

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Locally, the Tank brand is starting to get a stronger foothold. The GWM Tank 300 has led the charge as an accessible ladder-frame 4×4 with low-range capability, while the larger GWM Tank 500 pushes further into the touring and family SUV space with more size, tech and towing focus.

Underneath, the Tank brand is already expanding its drivetrain mix with platforms like Hi4-Z in China, leaning heavily into electrification alongside its traditional combustion options. A V8 variant would effectively sit above these systems, giving GWM more flexibility across different global markets.

There are still gaps – no timing, no confirmed rollout markets, and no final engine specs. But the direction is clear. GWM is preparing to broaden its premium 4×4 offering, and the Tank 700 looks set to lead that charge with eight cylinders.