GWM P300 PHEV joins the local range
GWM South Africa has given the P300 its first plug-in hybrid, and it’s the most interesting thing to happen to the bakkie since its arrival in SA in 2025.
Badged 2.0-T Hi4-T, it pairs a 2.0-litre turbopetrol with an e-motor built into the 9-speed automatic. Combined, they make 310kW and 750Nm. That’s a big number for a double cab to challenge the likes of the upcoming Chery Grootman and the existing BYD Shark 6.
The way it delivers that power is what distinguishes it, though. GWM says the engine and motor work in parallel, rather than leaning on the e-motor whenever there’s charge in the battery, as most plug-in hybrids do. If that holds up on the road, you get a bakkie that uses its electrical help to pull harder instead of one that employs the petrol engine as a backup.
Powering the electric motor is a 33.1kWh battery pack, which gives the P300 PHEV a range of up to 115km which, ideally, should be enough to cover day-to-day commutes. It can be recharged using a DC fast charger at up to 110kW and can go from 30% to 80% in around 18 minutes. Like most electrified bakkies, the P300 PHEV comes with the Vehicle-to-Load functionality that lets owners power external electric appliances.
Underneath, it sits on a body-on-frame chassis – a setup that has proven to be capable off-road. You get a part-time 4WD system with low range and an electronically controlled rear diff for those sticky situations. Braked towing is rated at 3,500kg.
Visually, it’s the P300 you know, only fractionally smaller. At 5,416mm long and 1,947mm wide, it gives away 23mm and 11mm to the P300’s 5,439mm and 1,958mm. The blackout treatment does the real work of setting it apart. The grille, front and rear light clusters, door handles, mirror caps and wheel arches all get the dark treatment, and the arches house black 18-inch alloys. The red brake callipers add a sporty touch, too.
Nothing much has changed inside. You still get a large 15.6-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 50-watt wireless charging pad. Other features include a heated steering wheel, a sunroof, automatic climate control, and rear air vents.
Whether it makes sense for you will come down to price and its capability. A diesel killer? Still early to tell, but it seems GWM has built a bakkie the established players will have to pay attention to.
Priced at R914,900, the P300 PHEV comes standard with a 7-year/200,000km warranty, 8-year/150,000km battery warranty, a 7-year/75,000km service plan and a 7-year/unlimited-kilometre roadside assistance.
