In this GWM Tank 700 review, we take GWM’s full-size luxury SUV out on UAE roads to answer one question: does it drive as well as it looks? The Tank 700 is big, bold and, in our words from behind the wheel, extremely menacing on the road. Everyone stares at it. But under the presence there is a twin-turbo V6, serious off-road hardware and a cabin that feels genuinely premium.
This is not what most people expect when they hear the GWM name, so here is what the Tank 700 is actually like to live with in the UAE.
Key takeaways
- Powered by a 3.0 litre twin-turbo V6 that pulls hard when you put the throttle down.
- Three locking differentials and a four-low range for proper off-roading.
- Full Nappa leather, ambient lighting, plus heated, ventilated and massage seats.
- Soft suspension and a quiet cabin make it an easy daily driver.
- A rival to consider alongside the Land Cruiser and the Patrol.
GWM Tank 700 design and road presence
The first thing you notice about the GWM Tank 700 is the sheer size and stance. It is a big, bold SUV with a design that commands attention in traffic, and it is not your typical GWM. If road presence matters to you, the Tank 700 delivers it in a way few cars in its class do, and it turns heads in a city like Dubai where big SUVs are everywhere.
Interior, comfort and technology
Step inside and the space is the first thing that stands out. The cabin is wrapped in full Nappa leather, with ambient lighting setting the mood after dark. The front seats are heated and ventilated, and there are massage seats too, which make long UAE drives far more pleasant.
Practical touches matter as well. There is plenty of space for day-to-day items, a large cup holder for the driver and another for the passenger, and a 360 degree camera to help you place a car this large in tight car parks.
- Full Nappa leather upholstery
- Ambient lighting
- Heated, ventilated and massage seats
- 360 degree camera
- Generous storage and cup holders front and back
Performance: how the Tank 700 drives
For a full-size luxury SUV, the Tank 700 moves. It is powered by a 3.0 litre twin-turbo V6, and when you put the throttle down, it flies. The suspension is soft, and you stay isolated from the noise outside, so it is a car you could comfortably drive every day. As we said in the video, you could drive it across the UAE and take it straight into the desert afterwards and still feel at home.
Off-road ability
Underneath all of that luxury lies a lot of off-road capability. The Tank 700 has three locking differentials, a four-low range and plenty of off-road technology to help you get through difficult terrain. In our review it played the role of the rescue vehicle for a friend stranded in the sand, and it was the right car for the job. With a boot big enough for camping gear, it suits UAE weekends in the desert.
Our verdict: is the GWM Tank 700 worth it?
Some SUVs prioritise luxury and some prioritise performance. The Tank 700 takes the cake with both. It pairs a properly premium cabin with real off-road hardware and strong twin-turbo performance, which makes it a credible alternative to the established names in the luxury 4×4 segment. Would you buy one, or would you stick with a Land Cruiser or a Patrol? Tell us in the comments on our YouTube review.
Running costs matter too, so check the latest UAE petrol prices before you commit to a big V6.
GWM Tank 700 review: frequently asked questions
What engine does the GWM Tank 700 have?
The GWM Tank 700 we drove in the UAE is powered by a 3.0 litre twin-turbo V6 engine.
Is the GWM Tank 700 good off-road?
Yes. It has three locking differentials, a four-low range and a range of off-road technology, so it can handle the desert as well as the city.
What luxury features does the GWM Tank 700 have?
The cabin has full Nappa leather, ambient lighting, heated and ventilated seats, massage seats and a 360 degree camera.
Is the GWM Tank 700 comfortable as a daily driver?
Yes. The suspension is soft and the cabin is well insulated from outside noise, so it works well for everyday driving in the UAE.
What are the GWM Tank 700’s main rivals?
In the luxury 4×4 segment, buyers in the UAE will compare it with established names such as the Toyota Land Cruiser and the Nissan Patrol.
For more car reviews, first drives and road stories, browse our Automotive section and read our Maxus D60 review.
