In a jaw-dropping announcement at the Shanghai International Motor Show, Great Wall Motors (GWM) introduced a groundbreaking innovation: its first-ever V8 engine configured as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). This powerful new unit made its debut under the bonnet of the newly unveiled off-road-focused Tank 300 Hooke Trail, a bold addition to GWM’s ever-growing lineup of rugged SUVs.
GWM’s First PHEV V8 – A Game-Changer
The new engine represents a major step for the Chinese automaker as it continues pushing the envelope in electrified mobility. The 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 is designed to work in tandem with an electric motor and battery pack, giving it plug-in hybrid capability. This isn’t just a first for GWM, but also a rarity in the modern auto industry, where downsizing and electrification usually lead to the elimination of large-displacement engines.
GWM has kept many of the technical specifications under wraps, including official power and torque figures. However, early expectations suggest the new PHEV V8 will outgun the brand’s existing Hi4-T hybrids — a performance benchmark that already boasts impressive numbers. The V6 Hi4-T, for instance, produces 385kW and 800Nm, paired with a 37.1-kWh battery pack. The V8, therefore, is anticipated to exceed these figures, marking it as GWM’s most powerful hybrid engine yet.
Not Just for China
Though the V8 premiered in China, GWM has signaled its intent to go global. Speaking to Drive Australia, GWM executive James Yang confirmed that the engine is “definitely under consideration” for right-hand-drive markets such as Australia and others. This opens the door for the V8 PHEV to enter multiple international markets — including the likes of South Africa — where off-road capability and performance are in high demand.
Expanding the Hybrid Lineup
GWM’s Hi4 hybrid strategy currently includes the Hi4-T and Hi4-Z series. The Hi4-T features either a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder or a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6, both paired with electric motors and battery systems. Meanwhile, the Hi4-Z setup, confirmed for South Africa in the Tank 500, includes a dual-motor electric system combined with a 2.0-litre turbo engine, generating a remarkable 654kW and 1,195Nm.
While it remains to be seen how the new V8 PHEV compares to the Hi4-Z in outright power, it’s evident that GWM is targeting a balance between traditional muscle and modern electrification. The V8 could be offered in various configurations, potentially even with multiple electric motors, depending on the application.
Meet the Tank 300 Hooke Trail
The V8’s debut vehicle — the Tank 300 Hooke Trail — is a hardcore off-road version of the standard Tank 300. It takes its name from the famed Hooke Trail in western China and features a host of mechanical upgrades designed for extreme terrain. While GWM hasn’t officially confirmed the new engine’s installation in the prototype, the Hooke Trail on display did exhibit design changes that suggest a larger powertrain.
Key upgrades include a longer bonnet, a live front axle in place of the independent front suspension, chunky all-terrain tyres wrapped around robust alloy wheels, and redesigned bumpers for better approach and departure angles. Reports also suggest that the chassis has been significantly reinforced, although GWM has yet to release detailed specs.
Availability and What’s Next
The Tank 300 Hooke Trail is expected to go on sale in China later in 2025 and will likely be the first model to house the new PHEV V8. As launch nears, more technical data and pricing information are anticipated.
With this surprise reveal, GWM has made it clear it’s not backing away from big-engine performance — it’s redefining it. By merging raw V8 power with forward-thinking hybrid technology, the automaker is positioning itself as a leader in the global off-road and electrified performance segments.
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