Five of the brand's off-road models have now completed the climb – one still on its standard road tyres – that challenges even modified four-wheel drives.
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GWM has returned to Queensland's Beer O'Clock Hill to complete the off-road challenge with its two new plug-in hybrid SUVs, the Tank 300 and Tank 500 Hi4-T.
The brand is keen to point out that the off-roaders did so "without mechanical modifications, calibration changes, or software upgrades," a reference to rival Denza's use of in-development traction control software to tackle the climb.
And the Tank 300 PHEV was able to climb the hill on standard road tyres, not requiring a switch to all-terrains.
The Tank 300 PHEV and Tank 500 PHEV join three other GWM models, the Cannon XSR, Cannon Alpha Hi4-T PHEV and Tank 300 diesel, in completing the ascent.
The Tank 500 PHEV, as well as the Denza B5 and B8, and the three aforementioned GWMs that have completed Beer O'Clock Hill, were fitted with Mickey Thompson all-terrain tyres.
GWM credits its off-road-capable plug-in hybrid system, known as Hi4-T, which retains mechanical four-wheel drive with locking front and rear differentials and a low-range transfer case.
The Hi4-T system combines a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine with an electric motor to produce 300kW and 750Nm combined, with a 37.11kWh battery rated to deliver 115km of all-electric driving range, and a total hybrid range of 955km in NEDC lab testing.
It compares to the 2.4-litre turbo-diesel engine featured in the Tank 300 diesel and GWM Cannon, which sends 135kW and 480Nm through a nine-speed automatic transmission and part-time four-wheel drive.
Steve Maciver, Head of Marketing & Communications at GWM Australia & New Zealand, said in a media statement: "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."
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