It has been 18 years since GWM first entered the South African market. In that time, they have amassed a significant market share with ever better products. The newly upgraded P300 bakkie is a case in point, and we sampled it recently at its national launch event.
When GWM hosts a new vehicle launch, they seldom hold back, and the introduction of the latest update to the P Series bakkie was no exception. Starting things off with a well-organised business review that mirrored the precision and flair we’ve come to expect from Chinese-hosted events, whereafter the fun began on a guided drive to the Cradle Boutique Hotel, packed with off-road challenges and adrenaline-pumping activities. And, at the heart of it all, was the star of the show, the all-new GWM P300.
STARTING WITH THE NUMBERS
Let’s get straight to the numbers: the P300 is powered by a 2.4-litre turbodiesel engine delivering 135 kW of power and a thumping 480 Nm of torque. That’s not just enough to handle your daily grind – it’s designed to tackle the most challenging terrains and the heaviest loads. With a towing capacity of 3.5 tonnes, it’s ready to haul caravans, boats, or whatever heavy gear you throw. And thanks to its advanced nine-speed Automatic Transmission, the P300 delivers smooth, consistent power without compromising fuel efficiency.
GWM didn’t just build the P300 to perform – they built it to dominate. It’s equipped with an Intelligent 4WD System and Electronic Differential Locks, giving you traction and control even when the going gets tough. The LTD model ups the ante with Crawl Control and a Front Winch, so whether you’re scaling rocky trails or navigating muddy backroads, the P300 stays composed and in control.
DESIGNED TO STAND OUT
Let’s be honest: a bakkie that works hard should look the part, and the P300 doesn’t disappoint. Its aggressive front grille, sculpted bumpers, and sharp LED headlights make it impossible to ignore. The muscular stance is enhanced by striking 18” alloys and sculpted wheel-arch extensions that scream presence and capability.
But it’s not just about looks. It’s about convenience, too. Fixed or off-road side steps and a handy tailgate step make loading and unloading easy, while an industry-first sunroof adds a refined touch. And with bold colour options like Mars Red, Swarovski Blue, and Pittsburgh Silver, you’ll have no trouble making a statement on or off the road.
BUILT TO WORK HARD
The P300 is more than just a pretty face. It’s a workhorse through and through. The heavy-duty Double Wishbone front suspension and leaf-sprung rigid axle at the rear provide a balanced, stable ride, even when fully loaded. The Torque on Demand (TOD) system detects wheel slippage and automatically adjusts torque distribution, keeping you in control on gravel, sand, and steep inclines.
And when it’s time to haul, the P300 delivers. Its robust towing capacity and impressive payload mean you can load up without second-guessing.
HARD-WEARING TECH
Step inside the P300, and you’ll forget you’re in a workhorse. The cabin is a masterclass in comfort and tech. A massive 12.3″ touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto keeps you connected, while the 7″ Digital Instrument Cluster puts vital driving info at your fingertips.
Luxury touches like leather seats (heated and ventilated), a heated steering wheel, and ambient lighting elevate the experience. Wireless charging, push-button start, and keyless entry make life easy. At the same time, the premium materials and quiet cabin (thanks to advanced NVH optimisation) mean you can work hard and relax harder.
SAFETY FIRST
GWM has loaded the P300 with a full suite of safety features that would put most luxury sedans to shame. You get automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist and lane-departure warning, blind spot monitoring, driver fatigue monitoring, traffic sign recognition and a 360° panoramic camera system.
Add in comprehensive airbag protection and intelligent cruise assistance, and the P300 is ready to keep you safe whether you’re on the job site or blazing a trail into the unknown.
GWM isn’t playing around when it comes to durability. The P300’s engine has been put through its paces across 76 road conditions and over six million kilometres of testing. It’s survived 650 load trials, 500 hours of high-speed endurance, and 300 hours of intense heat and cold tests. Simply put, the P300 is engineered to last – and it’s backed by one of the best warranties in the business.
LAST WORD
Built to work hard and play even harder, the new GWM P300 combines rugged strength with cutting-edge tech and refined comfort. That said, there have been many pretenders to South Africa’s bakkie throne, but few have succeeded to make a significant dent in the lead that Toyota, Ford, and Isuzu have built over many years. Even with its significant improvements, the P300 is unlikely to do that either, but then again, it doesn’t have to, it only needs to gobble up market share from smaller bakkie nameplates looking to do the very same thing. And that is very much likely.
Report by BRYAN KAYAVHU | Images © GWM SOUTH AFRICA
