Unlike Any Review Owning A TANK 300 - T minus 48hrs

Summary

In this 48-hour ownership review of the Tank 300, Dave from Dash Off Road provides a personal, in-depth look at the vehicle’s design, features, and performance. He highlights its blend of rugged styling, tech overload, and off-road capabilities, offering a mix of praise and constructive criticism. The review covers the vehicle’s powerful engine, impressive cameras, and premium interior, while pointing out some flaws like the rear door weight, wired Apple CarPlay, and towing limitations. With plans for mods and more off-road testing, Dave’s genuine excitement and candid insights make this a must-watch for off-road enthusiasts.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Tank 300 was purchased privately, not borrowed for a review, allowing for an honest, long-term evaluation.
• 😀 The vehicle's design is a mix of iconic off-road vehicles, incorporating elements from the Hummer, G-Wagon, Suzuki Jimny, Defender, and Wrangler.
• 😀 The Tank 300 is packed with advanced tech, including dual 12.3-inch LCD screens, customizable ambient lighting, and extensive off-roading features.
• 😀 One standout feature is the innovative off-roading button that activates cooling fans for better performance during tough off-roading.
• 😀 The car has luxurious features like leather interiors, heated and cooled seats, and a massage function in the driver's seat.
• 😀 The off-road capabilities include live axle rear, twin diff locks, and an 8-speed auto transmission, with plans for future modifications to enhance power.
• 😀 While the car’s tech is overwhelming, the interior is well-designed, with clever storage spaces and ample charging options for devices.
• 😀 The rear door and tire carrier system could be improved for better functionality and space when loading the car.
• 😀 Apple CarPlay is available but not wireless, which is inconvenient given the wireless charging capabilities.
• 😀 The towing capacity is limited, with only a 400 kg payload, meaning it’s unsuitable for towing large caravans but fine for smaller loads.
• 😀 The car is praised for its driving ease, including an impressive turning circle and an autonomous lane-keeping feature that adds safety and convenience.
• 😀 Despite being a Chinese-made vehicle, the Tank 300 is considered an excellent contender in the mid-size 4x4 market, offering more tech at a lower price than competitors like the Y62 Patrol.

Q & A

What makes the Tank 300 different from other car reviews?

This review stands out because the reviewer purchased the Tank 300 themselves, allowing for a long-term, hands-on perspective on the vehicle. Unlike many press or rental reviews, this one offers insights from actual ownership and personal experience, including real-world off-road testing and modification plans.

What is the primary design inspiration for the Tank 300?

The Tank 300's design seems to borrow heavily from several iconic off-road vehicles, including the Hummer, G-Wagon, Suzuki Jimny, Defender, and Wrangler. The design appears to be a mash-up of these vehicles, offering familiar looks combined with modern tech features.

How does the interior of the Tank 300 feel and function?

The interior of the Tank 300 is described as well-crafted, with premium-feeling leathers and plastics. It features dual 12.3-inch LCD screens, multiple customization options for ambient lighting, and a variety of buttons for tech features. The car’s tech interface can feel overwhelming at first, but it offers a lot of functionality, including things like massage seats and wireless charging.

What off-road features does the Tank 300 offer?

The Tank 300 is built with serious off-roading capabilities. It includes a live axle rear, twin diff locks (front and rear), and an eight-speed automatic transmission. It also has a tank turn feature, multiple off-road modes, and a cooling fan for off-roading. These features make it suitable for tough terrains like rocks, mud, and hill climbs.

What are some of the challenges with the Tank 300's design?

Some design issues include the gear shift system, which uses a button-based interface that feels unnatural and difficult to operate at first. The rear door also doesn’t always shut properly, possibly due to the weight of the tire on the back. Additionally, the Apple CarPlay is wired, which seems inconvenient given the wireless charging capability.

How does the Tank 300 perform in terms of towing and payload?

The Tank 300 is rated for 2.5 tons of towing capacity but has a relatively low payload capacity of only 400 kg. This means that while it can tow a small trailer or camper, the weight of passengers and gear can limit its cargo capacity. It's not ideal for towing large caravans, but might work for light-duty towing and off-road recovery tasks.

What is the driving experience like in the Tank 300?

The Tank 300 offers a smooth driving experience that feels more like a regular car than a rugged off-roader. Despite its size, the car has an impressive turning circle, making it easy to maneuver in tight spots. The dual-zone air conditioning is efficient, though there are occasional noises, such as a whistling sound from the vents.

What’s the tank turn feature, and how does it work?

The tank turn feature allows the Tank 300 to perform a 360-degree turn by simultaneously locking the front and rear wheels on opposite sides of the vehicle, causing it to rotate in place. This off-road feature is perfect for tight or tricky situations and adds to the vehicle’s off-roading capabilities.

What tech features stand out in the Tank 300’s camera system?

The Tank 300’s camera system is particularly impressive, offering clear, high-definition views from multiple angles. The car can display a 360-degree view around the vehicle, showing both front and rear views, and even provides undercarriage views during off-roading. The cameras activate automatically when you turn the wheel or when reversing, making it easier to park or navigate tricky terrain.

What are the reviewer’s plans for the Tank 300 in the future?

The reviewer plans to modify the Tank 300 by adding larger tires, a lift kit, and other off-road enhancements. They aim to test the car in stock form initially, then test its performance as modifications are added. The reviewer also intends to test the car’s durability by pushing it to its limits and documenting any issues or failures that arise.