GWM expands P300 range with electrified P300 bakkie

GWM South Africa has expanded its P300 range with the introduction of the new P300 2.0T Hi4-T PHEV 9HAT, the first electrified derivative in the P300 bakkie range.

The plug-in hybrid expands the P300 range by pairing the practicality and capability of a GWM bakkie with electric driving. It can complete routine journeys, such as school runs and daily commutes, on electric power alone without sacrificing the performance, all-wheel-drive ability or off-road capability required for more demanding conditions. The P300 PHEV is designed to offer a versatile solution for customers who want the efficiency and refinement of electric motoring during the week, without compromising the go-anywhere capability that makes a bakkie such a compelling choice for weekends and leisure adventures.

Powertrain and Performance

The P300 PHEV pairs a hybrid-dedicated 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine, producing 180kW and 380Nm, with GWM’s nine-speed automatic transmission. Integrated into the transmission is a 130kW electric motor producing 495Nm, giving the all-wheel-drive P300 a combined system output of 310kW and 750Nm.

Unlike a conventional plug-in hybrid that may rely heavily on its electric motor when battery charge is available, the P300 PHEV’s engine and electric motor work in parallel. The electric motor delivers immediate torque at lower speeds, while the petrol engine operates within its most efficient range. This parallel-hybrid approach also helps maintain performance when the battery charge is low, with the engine continuing to drive the wheels. The P300 PHEV is designed to deliver consistent performance during long climbs and heavy-load driving conditions that would challenge conventional plug-in hybrid systems.

Equipped with three selectable power modes, the P300 PHEV allows drivers to tailor the powertrain to different driving conditions. Electric Mode prioritises quiet, zero-tailpipe-emission motoring for shorter daily journeys, while Hybrid Mode combines the petrol engine and electric motor for longer-distance and highway driving. Intelligent Mode gives drivers greater control over battery usage, allowing the state of charge to be maintained between 30% and 80%. It also incorporates Camping Mode, which reserves battery capacity for powering appliances and other electrical equipment when spending time off grid. The result is a plug-in hybrid powertrain designed to combine the refinement and efficiency of electric driving with the sustained performance and flexibility of a petrol-powered all-wheel-drive vehicle.

Electric Commuting, Fast Charging

Power comes from a 33.1kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery using short-blade laminated cells. The P300 has an electric-only range of up to 115km (NEDC), enough to cover most daily commutes without using the engine. Combined fuel consumption is rated at 2.4L/100km.

The battery supports DC fast charging at up to 110kW and can go from 30% to 80% in about 18 minutes at normal temperatures. The pack is mounted on the frame rails for protection off-road, carries an IP68 dust and water rating, and has passed a 28-day salt-spray corrosion test. The battery can also power other equipment. Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) supplies up to 6kW when parked and 4kW on the move, through two outlets. That covers camping appliances, power tools on a job site or equipment far from mains power, with no separate generator. The engine can top up the battery automatically when it runs low.

Built for more than the daily commute

Underneath its electrified powertrain, the P300 PHEV remains a thoroughly capable bakkie. Its body-on-frame chassis is supported by double-wishbone front suspension and a rigid rear axle with a 3+2 leaf-spring configuration, providing the durability and load-carrying capability required for demanding work and towing duties.A part-time four-wheel-drive system offers 2H, 4H and 4L settings, with low range providing a 2.64:1 torque multiplication ratio for steep climbs, challenging terrain and difficult recoveries. An electronically controlled rear differential lock is fitted as standard, while selectable drive modes, an All-Terrain Feedback System, Off-Road Expert Mode and underbody protection further enhance its off-road credentials.

The P300 PHEV offers 200mm of ground clearance, together with a 26-degree approach angle, 23-degree departure angle – reduced to 21 degrees when fitted with a tow bar – and a 19-degree breakover angle. These figures give the PHEV the necessary clearance and geometry to tackle demanding trails while retaining the practicality expected of a modern double-cab bakkie. Towing capability is equally important, with a braked towing capacity of 3 500kg. A dedicated Trailer Driving Mode is designed to make towing safer and more intuitive. The system activates automatically when a trailer is connected to the tow socket, deactivating driver-assistance functions that could otherwise generate false alerts and switching the powertrain to a dedicated towing calibration. The P300 PHEV doesn’t trade bakkie capability for electrification: it combines the quiet, efficient benefits of electric driving with the low-range gearing, four-wheel-drive hardware and towing ability needed when the road runs out.

Distinctive Design, SUV-Grade Cabin

The P300 PHEV is 5 416mm long, 1 947mm wide and 1 886mm tall, on a 3 230mm wheelbase. Its sportier look comes from a black front grille, blacked-out headlamp and tail-lamp clusters, black door handles and mirror caps, black wheel arches and black alloy wheels on 265/60 R18 tyres, with red brake callipers. Automatic LED headlamps with High Beam Assist, fixed side steps and a spray-in load-bin liner are standard. White is the standard colour, with Red, Blue, Silver, Grey and Black available as options.

Inside, the cabin feels more like an SUV than a traditional bakkie. At the center of the dashboard sits a 15.6-inch 2.5K floating touchscreen with anti-glare and anti-fingerprint coatings. It runs on a 7nm processor with 16GB of memory and 128GB of storage and sits next to a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, voice control and a 50W wireless phone charger with a built-in cooling fan come as standard. The front seats are leather-trimmed, heated and ventilated, with six-way electric adjustment for the driver and four-way for the passenger. The steering wheel is macrofibre-trimmed and heated. A sunroof, automatic climate control and rear air vents are also standard. More than 100 sound-deadening measures keep the cabin quiet, and the rear seat has a 27° backrest angle for comfort on long trips.

Comprehensive Safety as Standard

The P300 PHEV comes standard with Level 2 driver assistance. The system uses a high-definition front camera, four fisheye cameras, corner radars and ultrasonic sensors. Features include:

• Adaptive Cruise Control with Intelligent Cruise Assist and Traffic Jam Assist
• Automatic Emergency Braking with Junction Assist and pedestrian and cyclist detection
• Lane Keep Assist, Lane Centering Assist and Emergency Lane Keeping
• Lane Change Assist, Door Open Warning and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert with braking
• Driver Fatigue Monitoring
• A 360° panoramic view with 3D display and Transparent Chassis View, which helps on narrow tracks and rocky ground

Integrated Brake Control combines ABS, EBD, traction control, rollover mitigation and stability control, alongside Hill-Start Assist and Hill Descent Control. For passive safety, high-strength steel makes up more than 62% of the body, and it comes with 6 airbags.

“The P300 PHEV opens a new chapter for the P300 range,” says Floyd Ramabulana, Head of Marketing at GWM South Africa. “South African bakkie buyers have been clear that they won’t compromise on towing, off-road ability or durability. With Hi4-T, they don’t have to. This is a bakkie that can commute on electricity during the week, tow 3 500kg at the weekend and power a campsite when it gets there. It gives our customers the benefits of electrification on terms that suit the way they use their vehicles.”

Warranty and Ownership Package

The P300 PHEV includes the following as standard:

• 7-year/200 000km warranty
• 8-year/150 000km high-voltage battery warranty
• 7-year/75 000km service plan and
• 7-year/unlimited-kilometre roadside assistance.
• Service intervals are every 12 months or 15 000km.

**Pricing **

P300 D-CAB 2.0T Pioneer Hi4-T PHEV R914,900.00