GWM has just launched their much anticipated P300 bakkie following shortly on the heels of the award winning GWM P500 that was introduced in spring 2024. The all-new P300 represents a significant evolution in the pickup truck segment, delivering a compelling combination of rugged capability, sophisticated styling, and competitive pricing that positions it as a serious contender in today’s competitive bakkie market.
The Power Behind Performance
New 2.4L Turbo Diesel Engine
At the heart of the GWM P300 lies a completely new powertrain that sets it apart from its predecessor. The 2.4L Turbo Diesel heart churns out 135 kW of power and 480 Nm of torque, ensuring effortless acceleration and unwavering strength under load. This represents a substantial upgrade from the previous 2.0-litre unit, providing owners with significantly more capability for both work and leisure applications.
The engine development process demonstrates GWM’s commitment to reliability and durability. GWM has gone to great lengths to make sure this new engine has what it takes, with rigorous testing across extreme environments and 76 varied road conditions globally – covering a total of 6 million kilometres. Additional testing included 650 hours of alternating load trials, 500 hours of maximum speed and load operation, and 300 hours of intense thermal shock assessments.
Advanced Transmission Technology
Matched to an intelligent 9-Speed Automatic Shifter, it provides smooth operation and optimal fuel efficiency, proving that power and refinement can go hand in hand. This sophisticated transmission system ensures optimal power delivery across all driving conditions while maintaining impressive fuel consumption figures of 7.4L/100km for the 4×2 variant and 8.0L/100km for the 4×4 models.
Capability and Versatility
Towing and Payload Performance
The P300 excels in practical applications that matter most to pickup truck owners. With the maximum permissible towing capacity of 3.5 tonnes – ideal for towing caravans, boats, trailers or heavy equipment, this bakkie will not let you down. Combined with exceptional payload capacity, the P300 demonstrates that it can handle the most demanding commercial and recreational tasks without compromise.
Intelligent 4WD System
When the landscape changes, the new P300 will be able to adapt instantly with its Intelligent 4WD System, ensuring smooth navigation through extreme conditions. The system includes Electronic Differential Locks and Off-Road Expert Mode, while the flagship LTD model features additional Crawl Control technology for enhanced off-road capability.
The LT model incorporates Torque on Demand (TOD) technology that intelligently detects wheel slippage based on speed differences between wheels and automatically adjusts torque distribution. This intelligent system enhances grip and stability, allowing the P300 to maintain control on loose surfaces, steep inclines, and challenging off-road tracks.
Design and Styling Excellence
Exterior Design Revolution
This premium bakkie’s impressive performance is matched by its bold looks. A distinctive new grille, redesigned bumpers and sleek LED Headlights give it a commanding presence, while the sculpted wheel-arch extensions and striking 18-inch alloys add to its powerful stance.
The design team has carefully balanced aggressive styling with practical functionality. Fixed or Off-Road Sidesteps and a handy Tailgate Step provide easier access, while the industry first sunroof adds a refined touch. These features demonstrate how the P300 bridges the gap between hardcore utility and premium comfort.
Color Options and Personalization
Available in a standout colour range—including Mars Red, Swarovski Blue, White, Pittsburgh Silver, Gray and Black—the new P300 lets you own your space, wherever the road leads. This diverse palette ensures buyers can select a finish that matches their personal style and intended use.
Interior Technology and Comfort
Premium Cabin Features
The P300 is again rather heavily updated inside, with a new dashboard design incorporating ambient lighting, a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 7.0-inch digitised instrument cluster, a 50-watt wireless charging pad, a sunroof and heated leather seats.
The interior design philosophy centers on creating an environment that feels more like a premium SUV than a traditional work truck. Soft-touch finishes, bronze dash inserts, and cross-stitch-pattern side panels elevate the cabin experience significantly above expectations for this price segment.
Advanced Connectivity
Modern connectivity needs are addressed through comprehensive smartphone integration and wireless charging capabilities. The large touchscreen infotainment system provides intuitive access to navigation, entertainment, and vehicle settings, while the digital instrument cluster delivers clear, customizable information displays.
Safety and Driver Assistance
Comprehensive Safety Suite
The P300 range has many safety systems, including 6 airbags (7 in the LTD model), automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. These advanced safety features represent a significant advancement over previous generation pickup trucks, bringing passenger car levels of protection to the commercial vehicle segment.
The implementation of these systems has been refined based on customer feedback. In practice, I found the systems less invasive than in older models from the brand, which is a good thing, although the lane-keeping assist could do with better calibration as it is still overly sensitive.
Trim Levels and Pricing Strategy
Model Range Overview
The GWM P300 is available in two trim levels: LT 4X2, and LT 4X4. Additionally, the flagship LTD variant provides enhanced off-road capability and luxury features for customers requiring maximum capability and refinement.
According to our information, the GWM P300 2.4TD LT 4×2 9AT will be priced at R599 900 (a marginal increase of R1 050 over the P-Series 2.0TD equivalent), while the GWM P300 2.4TD LT 4×4 9AT will start at R649 900 (interestingly, a R3 850 decrease over the outgoing 2.0TD version).
Value Proposition
The prices above include GWM South Africa’s recently launched 7-year/200 000 km warranty and a 7-year/75 000 km service plan. This comprehensive coverage package significantly enhances the value proposition, providing buyers with peace of mind and reduced ownership costs over the vehicle’s lifecycle.
Pricing and Specifications Table
| Variant | Drivetrain | Price (ZAR) | Power/Torque | Fuel Consumption |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P300 LT | 4×2 | R599,900 | 135kW/480Nm | 7.4L/100km |
| P300 LT | 4×4 | R649,900 | 135kW/480Nm | 8.0L/100km |
| P300 LTD | 4×4 | R699,900 | 135kW/480Nm | 8.2L/100km |
Market Position and Competition
The P300 enters a highly competitive segment where value, capability, and reliability are paramount considerations for buyers. In 2024, local registrations of the GWM P-Series slid 18.0% year on year to 3 659 units, seeing the Chinese-made bakkie drop a place to 8th. The company hopes this refreshed model will help recover market share and attract new customers seeking a compelling alternative to established competitors.
The combination of enhanced power, improved technology, refined styling, and competitive pricing positions the P300 as a strong value proposition in the mid-size pickup truck segment. The comprehensive warranty and service plan further differentiate it from competitors who typically offer more limited coverage.
Future Variants and Expansion
The brand confirmed that a more affordable LS variant of the P300 is headed to local shores in the second quarter of the year, while an even more basic SX version, which gets the new exterior treatment and updated specifications, but retains the old 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine is set for a third quarter launch.
This planned expansion demonstrates GWM’s commitment to covering multiple price points and use cases within the pickup truck market, ensuring broader appeal across different customer segments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the towing capacity of the GWM P300? A: The P300 can tow up to 3.5 tonnes, making it suitable for caravans, boats, and heavy equipment.
Q: What warranty does the P300 include? A: All models come with a 7-year/200,000km warranty and 7-year/75,000km service plan included in the price.
Q: How fuel efficient is the new 2.4L engine? A: Fuel consumption ranges from 7.4L/100km (4×2) to 8.2L/100km (LTD 4×4) depending on the variant.
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