GWM has confirmed it is working on two new V8 engines, including one likely to power a Tank 700 SUV that could land in Australia. While most of the Chinese industry is racing toward EVs, GWM is going the other way and building a direct LandCruiser 300 alternative with eight cylinders under the bonnet.
At Carseekers we think this is one of the most genuinely interesting product moves of 2026, because it tells you exactly what GWM thinks of the off-road and tow-heavy end of the Australian market.
Why GWM is building a V8 in 2026
The simple answer is that the LandCruiser 300 owner is not going electric. They tow heavy, drive long distances, and do not want range anxiety on the Birdsville Track. Toyota knows this, which is why the V6 twin-turbo 300 still sells out.
GWM has done the math and decided there is room for a second player at this end of the market. A Tank 700 V8 with proper towing capability and a price under the LandCruiser 300 GR Sport could pull buyers who would have otherwise waited 18 months for a Toyota allocation.
How this affects LandCruiser Prado 250 buyers right now
If you are spending close to $100K on a Prado, you should be aware that a Tank 700 V8 sitting alongside it in 18 to 24 months is going to put real pressure on used Prado pricing. Toyota's resale advantage has been one of the strongest cases for paying premium money up front.
A serious GWM V8 alternative does not destroy that case overnight, but it dents it. If you are buying for a long hold, fine. If you are buying with a 3-year exit plan, factor a slightly softer trade-in into the equation.
The dealer game on a Tank 700 V8
GWM has been pricing aggressively on Tank 500, particularly the PHEV variant. Expect the Tank 700 V8 to launch with similar shock-pricing tactics, where the first allocations land at headline numbers designed to grab attention from Toyota and Nissan loyalists.
The question for buyers is whether the cheap headline price stays cheap once dealers establish the model is in demand. Historically with GWM, prices firm up after the launch quarter. That makes the launch window the smartest time to buy if you are committed.
What you should do if a V8 GWM is on your radar
Do not trade your Patrol or LandCruiser yet. We are at least 18 months from confirmed Australian launch on a Tank 700 V8, and Australian Design Rule certification can push that further.
If you are seriously interested, ask your local GWM dealer to add you to a Tank 700 V8 expressions-of-interest list now. The dealers who have your details on file when allocation hits are the ones offering negotiable prices, not the ones you walk in cold to in month one.
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The finer details
Your questions answered.
Is the GWM Tank 700 V8 coming to Australia?
GWM has confirmed it is developing new V8 engines, with a Tank 700 SUV variant expected to be a target vehicle for the powertrain. Australia is considered a launch market given demand for LandCruiser-class off-road SUVs, but GWM has not confirmed a timeline or official pricing. Expect more detail in late 2026 or 2027.
How does the GWM Tank 700 V8 compare to the Toyota LandCruiser 300?
The Tank 700 V8 is being developed explicitly as a LandCruiser 300 competitor, targeting the same tow-heavy, long-distance Australian buyer. GWM's strategy is to offer comparable off-road capability at a lower price point. The LandCruiser 300's advantage is its established reputation, resale value, and 18-month-plus wait times that a GWM alternative would not have.
When will the GWM Tank 700 V8 be available in Australia?
GWM has not published an official Australian on-sale date. Based on the development confirmation in 2026, an Australian launch in 2027 or 2028 is the most likely window. Right-hand-drive homologation and Australian compliance work will affect exact timing.
What V8 engine will the GWM Tank 700 use?
GWM is developing two new V8 engines, but has not published displacement, output, or specific fuel type details for the Tank 700 application. Given the target use case of towing and long-distance off-road driving in Australia, a petrol or diesel V8 with substantial torque output is expected. Turbocharged configurations are standard across GWM's current engine range.
Is the GWM Tank 700 a good alternative to a LandCruiser 300 for Australian buyers?
On paper it could be, if GWM delivers the claimed towing capability and off-road credentials at a competitive price. The LandCruiser 300's main barriers are its $90,000-plus pricing and lengthy wait times. A Tank 700 V8 that arrives with strong tow ratings, available stock, and a price under $80,000 would be a genuinely competitive alternative for buyers who prioritise capability over badge.
How will the GWM Tank 700 V8 affect Toyota LandCruiser Prado resale values?
A credible GWM V8 alternative puts incremental pressure on Prado residuals, particularly for buyers on three-year exit plans. It does not destroy Toyota's resale advantage overnight, but it introduces a second option in a segment that has had none. Prado buyers planning to hold for seven-plus years are largely insulated from this effect; shorter-hold buyers should factor a modestly softer trade-in into their purchase decision.
