Great Wall Motor (GWM) has reiterated that its maiden V8 model will touch down in Australia in 2027, and contrary to earlier industry assumptions, the bent-eight flagship is expected to forgo plug-in hybrid assistance entirely.
Speaking with CarExpert at the local launch of the new Haval H7 mid-size SUV, GWM Australia and New Zealand CEO John Kett confirmed that at least one eight-cylinder model will join the local portfolio next year. When asked whether the new 4.0-litre twin-turbo engine would rely on electrical augmentation for our market, Kett stated simply: “No, the V8 will be V8.”
The comments align with earlier remarks made in May by GWM global chairman Jack Wei, who confirmed the company has engineered two distinct versions of its new twin-turbo V8 architecture.
While a high-output, plug-in hybrid V8 – tipped to produce roughly 600kW and 1000Nm – is earmarked for GWM’s upcoming carbon-fibre monocoque ‘GF’ supercar, a conventional non-hybrid V8 has been calibrated specifically for the rugged Tank 700 off-roader.
Wei noted at the Beijing motor show that the conventional V8 was developed directly against domestic Chinese electrification trends to satisfy heavy-duty touring and towing demand in export markets like Australia and New Zealand.
First unveiled in 2023, the boxy Tank 700 currently sells overseas in two electrified configurations; a mechanical four-wheel-drive ‘Hi4-T’ pairing a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 PHEV with a nine-speed automatic (386kW/750Nm), and a road-biased ‘Hi4-Z’ dual-motor 2.0-litre turbo PHEV generating a massive 635kW and 1195Nm.
Slotting a pure, non-hybrid twin-turbo V8 into the Tank 700’s snout would position the flagship 4×4 as a cut-price alternative to halo off-roaders like the Toyota LandCruiser and Nissan Patrol, as well as the Mercedes-Benz G-Class and Land Rover Defender.
The V8 offensive forms part of GWM’s broader push to break into Australia’s top five best-selling automotive brands. Through the end of October 2026, GWM sits seventh overall on the VFACTS charts with 49,376 deliveries (up 12.8 per cent year-on-year), making it Australia’s second highest-selling Chinese marque behind BYD (86,639), and comfortably ahead of Chery (42,339) and MG (41,508).
