CarteaNewsAutomotive WorldMagazine-Style Road Test: 2026 GWM Tank 700 — The New Power Player in the Premium 4×4 Segment

Magazine-Style Road Test: 2026 GWM Tank 700 — The New Power Player in the Premium 4×4 Segment

Tamara Chalak
Tamara Chalak
Published: 2026-02-02
Updated: 2026-02-02
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In a crowded SUV market filled with capable all-terrain vehicles, the 2026 GWM Tank 700 stands out as one of the boldest entries of the year. Positioned as the flagship of Great Wall Motor’s Tank lineup, the Tank 700 aims to bridge the gap between rugged off-road capability and luxurious on-road comfort—challenging established rivals with high equipment levels and distinctive style.

We spent time with a GCC-spec version to see whether this muscular SUV has the substance to back up its aggressive presence.

Exterior Design: Commanding and Uncompromising

The Tank 700 doesn’t shy away from attention. Its design is bold, muscular, and unmistakably rugged:

  • Massive chrome grille dominating the front fascia

  • Sharp, intricately styled LED headlights that animate on unlock

  • 22-inch wheels that fill the wheel arches with presence

  • Over 5.1 meters in length and nearly 2 meters in width

This combination creates an almost cinematic presence that polarizes opinion — you either love the audacity, or you think it’s too aggressive. Regardless, it commands respect on arrival.

Interior and Technology: A First-Class Ambience

Step inside, and the Tank 700 surprises with a cabin that balances ruggedness with premium comfort:

  • Large 16.2-inch ultra-wide touchscreen infotainment display

  • 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster

  • Genuine Nappa leather and suede headliner

  • Physical control buttons for differential locks and climate

  • Heated, ventilated, and massaging seats for all passengers

  • Active noise cancellation and 16-speaker Harman Kardon system

The result is an interior that feels more luxury SUV than hardcore 4×4 — a blend that will appeal to buyers seeking both comfort and capability.

Performance and Driving Feel

Under the hood, the GCC-spec 2026 Tank 700 features:

  • A 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine

  • 355 hp power output

  • 560 Nm torque

  • A 9-speed automatic transmission developed by GWM

On tarmac, the Tank 700 isn’t a sports SUV — and it doesn’t pretend to be. Acceleration is smooth and predictable rather than explosive, favoring usable strength over raw aggression. The steering is surprisingly light at low speeds but firms up at momentum, and drivers can adjust steering feel to suit preference.

Ride Comfort

The real surprise comes from the suspension setup. Tuned for comfort, it glides over speed bumps and road imperfections with a softness that rivals luxury sedans. However, that plushness introduces noticeable body roll when cornering enthusiastically, reminding you of the Tank 700’s substantial bulk — nearly 3 tonnes of SUV mass that behaves more like a leviathan than a compact off-roader.

Off-Road Capability: Genuine 4×4 DNA

Though we didn’t take the Tank 700 to extreme deserts such as the Empty Quarter, its off-road gear suggests real ability:

  • Triple-locking differentials (front, center, rear)

  • Disconnectable stabilizer bar for improved wheel articulation

  • Low-range gearbox for technical terrain

On loose sand tracks, the V6 torque felt confident and controlled — a promising sign for buyers planning real off-road use.

Verdict: A Big Statement in the SUV Market

At a price around AED 229,900, the Tank 700 sits in the premium SUV bracket. At first glance, this figure might raise eyebrows. But once you consider the equipment level, off-road capability, interior refinement, and standard feature set, the Tank 700 begins to feel like a competitive alternative to pricier European rivals.

The Tank 700 offers roughly 90% of the capability and 110% of the features of its traditionally more expensive competitors — often at about 60% of the cost. This makes it a compelling option for buyers unwilling to compromise on comfort or capability.

Specifications Snapshot

Feature

Details

Engine

3.0 L Twin-Turbo V6

Power

355 hp

Torque

560 Nm

Transmission

9-Speed Automatic

Suspension

Comfort-oriented with off-road tuning

Special Features

Triple diff locks, Harman Kardon audio, premium leather

Note: GCC-spec shown; features may vary by market.

Who Is the Tank 700 For?

The Tank 700 targets a blend of buyers:

  • Adventure seekers who want true 4×4 capability

  • Luxury SUV customers who still appreciate rugged styling

  • Value-oriented buyers looking for premium features at a competitive price

  • Consumers wanting a distinctive alternative to established brands

It isn’t for drivers seeking sports SUV dynamics or compact city cruisers — but it excels if your priority is confident presence and composed comfort.

The 2026 GWM Tank 700 is a bold entry that challenges preconceptions about what a premium off-road SUV can be. With a massive design, high-end interior, capable mechanical package, and value proposition that undercuts many European rivals, it stakes a claim as a serious contender in the Gulf’s demanding SUV market.

Whether traversing dunes, navigating highways, or cruising urban boulevards, the Tank 700 demonstrates that style, comfort, and capability can coexist — and at a price many buyers will find difficult to ignore.

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Tamara ChalakTamara Chalak
Chief editor information:

Tamara is an editor who has been working in the automotive field for over 3 years. She is also an automotive journalist and presenter; she shoots car reviews and tips on her social media platforms. She has a translation degree, and she also works as a freelance translator, copywriter, voiceover artist, and video editor. She’s taken automotive OBD Scanner and car diagnosis courses, and she’s also worked as an automotive sales woman for a year, in addition to completing an internship with Skoda Lebanon for 2 months. She also has been in the marketing field for over 2 years, and she also create social media content for small businesses. 

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