GWM's Tank brand has launched the Tank 300 Hooke Trail, a new hardcore off-road variant priced at 250,000 yuan (about $35,200) as a Chinese guide price before taxes and incentives. The model, unveiled on September 20, is positioned as China's first high-end solid-axle off-road vehicle, according to the Chinese outlet First Electric (D1EV).
Built for extreme terrain
The Hooke Trail takes its name from the Hooke Trail (Huke Zhilu) in the United States, one of the world's three premier off-road destinations. Tank says the production model recently became the first Chinese-brand vehicle to conquer the trail's core challenge, the Hooke Red Peak. The variant features a dedicated 2.0T high-performance engine tuned for off-road use, delivering 170 kW (228 hp) and 400 Nm of torque, paired with a 9AT gearbox and a 4.55 final drive ratio for a crawl ratio of 63.5.
Off-road credentials include a 41-degree approach angle, 34-degree departure angle, 245 mm of ground clearance, a 70 percent maximum grade, and 850 mm wading depth. The car uses a front and rear solid-axle setup, with suspension stiffness increased by 38 percent and solid 42 mm tie rods, which Tank says reduce deformation risk during rock crawling. An electro-hydraulic power steering system maintains road feel while absorbing rough impacts.
The Hooke Trail also comes with a high-mounted snorkel and semi-active anti-roll bars that can be disconnected via a cabin button, allowing the vehicle to handle 500 mm potholes and 30-degree side slopes. Tank claims the model underwent equivalent 360-million-kilometer durability testing.
Comfort and customisation
Despite its hardcore focus, the Hooke Trail includes Nappa leather seats with ventilation, heating and massage, plus the Coffee OS 3.0 smart cockpit. Tank says the design leaves ample room for modifications, including support for 35-inch tires without bodywork changes, and that mainstream aftermarket upgrades have been pre-adapted.
The launch completes the Tank 300 family lineup, which now spans the Hi4-Z hybrid for urban use, the Hi4-T for combined daily driving and off-roading, 2.0T petrol and 2.4T diesel versions for long-distance travel, and the Hooke Trail for extreme enthusiasts. Tank says the model breaks the dominance of foreign brands in China's high-end off-road segment, marking a shift from populariser to definer in the country's off-road culture.
