South Africans eyeing the newly launched GWM P300 LS will need to earn a hefty salary to comfortably afford this robust new bakkie. According to a finance breakdown by TopAuto, prospective buyers will require a monthly income of at least R57,425 to finance the entry-level model, with the amount increasing for the more capable four-wheel-drive variant.
GWM P300 LS – A New Entry Point
The Chinese automaker GWM has expanded its P-Series range with a new LS trim level for the P300. This new version is now the base model in the line-up, aimed at delivering premium features with greater affordability.
The P300 LS is offered in:
- Rear-wheel drive (RWD) at R529,900
- Four-wheel drive (4×4) at R579,900
Both models are powered by a 2.4-litre turbo-diesel engine pushing out 135kW and 480Nm, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. Average fuel consumption is 8.2 litres per 100km.
Load and Towing Capacity
Despite being a new base model, the P300 LS doesn’t compromise on bakkie functionality. It can carry up to 1,050kg in its load bed, while towing capacity differs based on the drivetrain:
- RWD: Up to 3,000kg
- 4×4: Up to 3,500kg, also featuring an electronic rear differential for tougher terrains.
Packed With Features
Standard features on the LS variant include:
- Exterior: Automatic LED headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, fixed side steps, electronic tailgate lock, and full-size spare wheel.
- Interior & Tech: Keyless entry/start, leatherette seats, paddle shifters, wireless charging, front and rear USB ports, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen (with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), and a 7-inch digital instrument cluster.
- Safety & Assistance: Cruise control, ABS, stability control, tyre pressure monitoring, rear parking sensors, reverse camera, and driver attention alert.
Each purchase includes a 7-year/200,000km warranty, 7-year roadside assistance, and a 7-year/75,000km service plan offering impressive peace of mind.
What Salary Do You Need?
To calculate the monthly finance payments, the following assumptions were made:
- Purchase price: R529,900 (RWD) / R579,900 (4×4)
- Term: 60 months (5 years)
- Interest rate: 10.50%
- Deposit: 0%
- Balloon payment: None
- Extras: None
Based on this, monthly repayments work out to:
- RWD LS: ~R11,485/month
- 4×4 LS: ~R12,559/month
Financial advisers typically recommend that vehicle repayments should not exceed 20% of your gross salary. Therefore, to afford the GWM P300 LS, you would need:
- RWD LS: ~R57,425/month
- 4×4 LS: ~R62,795/month
These figures exclude additional running costs like insurance, fuel, tyres, and routine maintenance.The GWM P300 LS may be an entry-level variant, but it’s loaded with high-end specs and capabilities. However, with a monthly cost that rivals some premium sedans, it’s clear this bakkie isn’t aimed at budget-conscious buyers. Those considering adding it to their garage will need a strong salary and careful budgeting to cover both the repayment and ownership costs. In today’s tightening economy, the question isn’t whether the P300 offers value it’s whether your paycheque can keep up.
Related article: BYD Approves Atto 1 (Dolphin Mini) for South Africa: New Budget-Friendly EV to Launch in September
