With the Tank 300 already available in the Philippines, I found it especially interesting during my visit to Auto Shanghai 2025, and our GWM product test drive day, to see just how extensive the factory option parts really are for this rugged SUV.

The Tank 300 is sold locally as a single variant, but globally, GWM offers a deep catalog of accessories, dealer kits, and special editions for it. These options can turn the Tank 300 into a flexible platform for all kinds of off-road use, from casual weekend trips to more serious off-road adventures.

The base version of the Tank 300 already comes with real off-road capabilities. It has a ladder-frame chassis and locking differentials (front and rear), which are features that you would usually find in more expensive and trail-ready off-road vehicles. But what makes the Tank 300 stand out is how easy it is to customize. GWM has created several factory kits that allow owners to build the kind of off-roader that suits their needs.

There are at least three main kits: Kit A, Kit B, and Kit C. Each one comes with a different theme. Kit A includes practical accessories like a roof rack, an extra screen for passengers, and storage boxes. Kit B adds tougher-looking parts like a roof light, engine hood, and fender flares. Kit C is the most aggressive, with items like a rotating ladder, a canopy, and a recovery board. There's also the Shadow Tank kit, which emphasizes black and gold styling elements and 22-inch rims to give off a more premium, urban SUV look to the vehicle. These kits let buyers mix and match depending on whether they want to go overlanding, hit rocky trails, or just add more style.

One of the most impressive options is the portal axle upgrade. Very few carmakers offer this on their consumer off-roaders—only Mercedes-Benz with its G500 4x4² and Hummer are known to carry it straight from the factory. Portal axles raise the axle higher than the wheel hub, which gives the vehicle more ground clearance without needing a traditional lift kit. That GWM offers this from the factory shows they’re serious about building a capable off-roader. Paired with the Tank 300’s other features, this upgrade turns the SUV into a strong choice for tough trails.

At Auto Shanghai 2025, GWM also introduced the Hooke Edition of the Tank 300. It’s the brand’s first version with solid axles, disconnectable sway bars, and is built for steep, low-traction trails, and technical climbs. The model is named after the Hooke Trail in China and was developed using feedback from people who regularly drive those kinds of trails. The Hooke Edition stands out with its heavy-duty bumpers, bead-lock wheels, all-terrain tires, and what looks like a stripped-down interior meant for rugged use. It keeps the familiar shape of the Tank 300 but is clearly aimed at people who want to push the limits. Though full specs haven’t been released, the design suggests it comes with stronger suspension parts and may possibly be powered by either a 3-liter petrol V6 or the brand's newly developed 4-liter twin-turbo V8.

For GWM Philippines, this could be a real opportunity. Most off-roaders in the country rely on aftermarket shops for upgrades. By offering official kits and bringing in special models like the Hooke Edition, GWM could attract buyers who want serious capability straight from the dealer. The Tank 300 has the right mix of mechanical parts, price, and custom options to stand out against competitors like the Toyota Land Cruiser, Suzuki Jimny, and Jeep Wrangler.

If GWM makes these global options available locally, especially the portal axle and off-road kits, it could win over off-road fans looking for something different. The market may be small, but it's passionate. And no other brand right now is offering this level of factory-backed customization at this price point. With the right support, GWM has a chance to lead in this space.