The Tank 400 is a brand-new luxury electric off-road vehicle, and it is the successor to the Tank 300, a model that felt sluggish and unwieldy when driving in the city. I once test drove the Tank 300 and was thoroughly disappointed, finding it entirely unsuitable for urban life, so I quickly gave up on it.

When I heard that the Tank 400 was even larger and heavier than the Tank 300, I didn’t have high expectations. However, when I saw its exterior, I had to admit that it was very attractive. Its design blends modern and retro elements, featuring the rugged lines and square contours of the Tank series along with smooth curves and detailed accents. The front end boasts a large grille and matrix LED headlights, giving it an imposing yet intelligent look. Its side profile is clean and powerful, with large, robust tires that hint at its off-road capabilities. The rear end is more rounded and gentle, with LED taillights that complement the front design.

I decided to test drive the Tank 400 to see if its beauty was only skin deep. When I arrived at the dealership, the staff introduced me to the main features and performance of the Tank 400. The Tank 400 is a plug-in hybrid model equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and two electric motors, delivering a maximum power of 350 kW and maximum torque of 700 Nm. It also features a four-wheel-drive system, air suspension, electronic stability control, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and other intelligent assistance functions. They mentioned that the Tank 400 has a combined fuel consumption of only 2.5 L/100km and can achieve an all-electric range of up to 80 km.

These vehicle specs mean that the Tank 400 not only has powerful performance and off-road capabilities but also boasts high energy efficiency and environmental friendliness. We then proceeded with the test drive, heading to a parking lot with a silver test drive vehicle. As I approached it, the car automatically unlocked its doors.

After opening the door, I noticed that the interior design had a somewhat domestic flavor, primarily using black as the main color. The seats were wrapped in genuine leather and featured heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The dashboard was a 12.3-inch full LCD screen displaying various information and navigation. The center console featured a 15.6-inch touchscreen for controlling the audio, air conditioning, vehicle settings, and more. A panoramic sunroof was a standard feature. Sitting in the driver’s seat, I felt comfortable and spacious.

When the vehicle started, the Tank 400 made no noise, only displaying a green “READY” on the instrument panel. I shifted the gear lever to “D” and gently pressed the accelerator. The Tank 400 began its journey smoothly. As I drove out of the parking lot and onto city roads, I found the Tank 400 to be agile and nimble, completely devoid of the weight and bulk you might expect. Its steering was precise, suspension was soft, and shock absorption was excellent. It accelerated quickly and braked steadily. Noise levels were low, and it had excellent sound insulation. Glancing at the instrument panel, I saw that it was running in pure electric mode, with the engine not engaged. Curious about its hybrid mode, I pushed the throttle deeper, and I heard the engine roar to life, accompanied by a stronger push in my back. The instrument panel displayed a blue “HYBRID.” I noticed that the transition between the Tank 400’s engine and electric motor was smooth, with no noticeable jolts. Eager to experience more, I eased off the throttle, and the engine switched back to electric mode. I found this to be a very intelligent system that adjusted power output automatically based on my driving habits and road conditions.

I took the Tank 400 for a spin around the city, and it felt comfortable and enjoyable. It seemed perfectly suitable as an urban SUV rather than an off-road vehicle. I wanted to test its off-road capabilities, so I drove it onto a dirt road in the outskirts. I pressed a button, selected the off-road mode, and raised the air suspension slightly. The Tank 400 transformed into a beast, effortlessly conquering various obstacles and terrains, whether muddy, gravelly, uneven, steep, or watery. Its four-wheel-drive system, differential lock, traction control, and other features worked together, making me feel safe and confident. I even attempted to have it climb a small hill, and it didn’t disappoint.

Here’s an overall evaluation of the Tank 400 after the test drive:

The vehicle comes with a comprehensive set of features, including massage functions for the driver’s seat, clear streaming rearview mirrors, and an HUD that doesn’t get affected by sunlight glare.

However, the trunk is too small, lacking sufficient height to accommodate my golf clubs and luggage. This is somewhat disappointing.

The paint quality doesn’t feel particularly thick and gives off a somewhat cheap impression. I suggest adding more metallic or pearlescent color options.

While the interior features are impressive, there’s still a bit of a domestic car feel to the materials used. Despite the high level of features, the choice of materials could be improved. I believe they could draw inspiration from some European, American, or Japanese/Korean brands to elevate the overall quality and ambiance.

The rear seat comfort doesn’t quite match that of the Tank 500, but the space and seat length were sufficient for my 183cm height. The rear seats even have independent air vents and USB ports, along with a foldable center armrest for cups or phones.

Ultimately, what I love most about this car is its exterior and power. Its appearance is distinctive and eye-catching, and its power delivery is robust, making it suitable for both off-roading and long-distance driving. Its fuel efficiency is also impressive, resulting in cost savings.

In summary, the Tank 400 left a deep impression on me. It’s a luxury electric off-road vehicle that combines aesthetics, performance, comfort, and intelligence. While it has some shortcomings, they don’t significantly detract from its overall performance. Since it’s a new car, I plan to observe it for about six months before considering a purchase. The current price is on the high side, so I hope to see some promotional offers or subsidies in the future.