GWM Tank 700 Lands in the Middle East: Twin‑Turbo V6 Luxury Off‑Roader Targets Desert Royalty

GWM has chosen the Middle East as the stage for one of its most important global debuts: the all‑new Tank 700, a full‑size luxury off‑road SUV aimed squarely at buyers who want serious desert ability wrapped in premium comfort and tech. The SUV was revealed during the recent GWM Tech Day event in Dubai, where the brand not only showed the Tank 700 for the first time in the region, but also outlined a wider ecosystem‑driven strategy built around electrified 4WD technology and a more structured way of classifying off‑road vehicles.

During the event, GWM highlighted its Hi4 intelligent 4WD hybrid system and presented what it calls the industry’s first off‑road grading framework, categorising vehicles from everyday urban SUVs to hardcore, extreme off‑road machines. The message was clear: the Tank sub‑brand is no longer a niche experiment, but a central pillar in GWM’s global expansion, and the Middle East is one of its key proving grounds.

Engine and performance: twin‑turbo V6 with serious numbers

At the heart of the Tank 700 is a 3.0‑litre twin‑turbocharged V6 petrol engine, putting out 355 hp and 560 Nm of torque. Power is sent through a 9‑speed automatic transmission, designed to offer both smooth highway shifts and robust low‑speed control when the terrain gets rough.

Key powertrain highlights:

• 3.0‑litre twin‑turbo V6 petrol

• 355 hp and 560 Nm of torque

• 9‑speed automatic transmission

The Tank 700’s 4WD system is one of its headline features. Drivers can choose from 11 different driving modes, allowing the SUV to tailor throttle, transmission, traction and stability systems to a wide range of surface conditions, from urban tarmac and highways to sand dunes, rocky tracks and muddy trails. This multi‑mode approach is squarely targeted at owners who want one vehicle that can cruise comfortably during the week and tackle serious off‑road trips at the weekend.

Off‑road hardware: built for the dunes and beyond

On paper, the Tank 700 functions as more than just a “soft‑roader.” Its off‑road specification reflects the needs of Middle Eastern drivers who really use their 4x4s in the desert and on challenging tracks.

Core off‑road credentials:

• Towing capacity up to 2.5 tonnes

• Minimum ground clearance of 239 mm

• Wading depth rated at 900 mm

To back up these numbers, the Tank 700 comes with front and rear electronic locking differentials, plus a centre M‑Lock function. This three‑way locking approach allows maximum traction when one or more wheels lose grip, which is particularly useful in cross‑axle situations, rocky climbs or deep sand.

Taken together, the engine, gearing and hardware place the Tank 700 in the genuinely capable off‑road category rather than just the styling‑led SUV class.

Design: imposing stance with a luxury edge

With a length of 5,105 mm, width of 2,061 mm and height of 1,952 mm, the Tank 700 occupies the same visual footprint as many well‑known full‑size off‑roaders. The exterior design leans heavily into muscular, squared‑off proportions, but adds enough modern detailing to signal its premium positioning.

Exterior design highlights:

• Strong, sculpted bodywork with a high beltline and upright front end

• Large 22‑inch alloy wheels that fill the arches and enhance its road presence

• Overall silhouette that mixes classic off‑roader cues with contemporary luxury SUV lines

The net effect is an SUV that looks ready for the dunes but still at home valet‑parked outside a five‑star hotel.

Interior: five‑seat cabin with full luxury treatment

Inside, the Tank 700 is configured as a five‑seater, focusing on maximising comfort for those on board rather than squeezing in a tight third row. The cabin is trimmed with high‑grade materials, including Nappa leather upholstery, to position the car firmly in the luxury bracket.

Comfort and cabin highlights:

• Nappa leather seats throughout

• Ventilation and massage functions for both front and second‑row seats

• Layout aimed at long‑distance comfort for all occupants

By offering massage and ventilation not just for the driver and front passenger but also for those in the rear, the Tank 700 clearly targets buyers who treat the rear seats as a premium space, whether for family members or VIP passengers.

Technology and safety: big screens and Level 2 assistance

Technologically, the Tank 700 follows the current premium‑SUV formula, combining large displays, branded audio and a comprehensive ADAS suite.

Onboard tech package:

• 12.3‑inch fully digital instrument cluster

• 16.2‑inch central touchscreen for infotainment and vehicle functions

• 16‑speaker Harman Kardon audio system with active noise cancellation

Connectivity and convenience:

• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

• Offline voice recognition with support for English and Arabic

Driver assistance:

• Level 2 semi‑autonomous driving systems as standard

This combination aims to deliver a quiet, refined cabin – thanks to active noise cancellation – and modern connectivity that works across both global and regional user preferences, including Arabic voice commands.

Regional strategy: developed for Middle Eastern conditions

From GWM’s perspective, the Tank 700’s Middle East launch is both a product reveal and a statement of intent. According to company leadership, the vehicle has undergone extensive real‑world testing in high‑heat, desert and rough‑road conditions to match the expectations of Gulf customers, who routinely push their vehicles in ways that many other markets simply do not.

Key regional deployment points:

• Initial availability in GWM showrooms across the UAE

• Wider Middle East rollout planned over the coming months

• Dedicated test‑drive events and experiential activations to showcase its capabilities

These events will be critical in convincing buyers that the Tank 700 is more than a spec sheet contender – that it can realistically compete with established Japanese, American, and European off‑road‑luxury nameplates in the region.

Tank brand trajectory: from Tank 300 to Tank 700

The Tank 700 does not arrive in isolation. It follows the earlier introduction of the Tank 300 in Riyadh in 2023 and the subsequent rollout of the larger Tank 500, both of which helped establish the sub‑brand’s credentials among Middle Eastern off‑road enthusiasts.

Brand context:

• Tank series already present in the Middle East with the 300 and 500

• GWM Tank models now sold in 30+ countries worldwide

• Cumulative global Tank sales exceeding 800,000 units

Within this trajectory, the Middle East launch of the Tank 700 marks another step in GWM’s global expansion, reinforcing the region’s status as one of the most influential off‑road markets worldwide and as a proving ground for ambitious, premium‑oriented Chinese SUVs.