GWM Conquers Beer O’CLock Hill
After shaking up the off-road establishment in 2025, GWM has once again demonstrated its capability on one of Australia’s most demanding off-road challenges.
Returning to the legendary Beer O’Clock Hill this month, the brand achieved a perfect five-from-five success rate, with every vehicle attempting the climb reaching the summit. The result reinforces GWM’s growing reputation for robust engineering and advanced 4x4 technology capable of tackling extreme terrain.
In the latest demonstration of real-world performance, the climb was successfully completed by the new GWM Tank 300 Hi4‑T PHEV and GWM Tank 500 Hi4‑T PHEV. They joined three previously successful ascents by the GWM Cannon XSR, GWM Cannon Alpha Hi4‑T PHEV and GWM Tank 300 Diesel.
Most notably, the Tank 300 Hi4-T PHEV completed the climb in full production specification on standard highway tyres, rather than aggressive all-terrain rubber, highlighting the capability of GWM’s Hi4-T electrified off-road architecture.
Importantly, each vehicle completed the challenge without mechanical modifications, recalibration or software upgrades. The vehicles tackling Beer O’Clock Hill were the same production models available to customers directly from the showroom.
Central to the achievement is GWM’s purpose-built off-road plug-in hybrid system, Hi4-T. Unlike conventional hybrid systems designed primarily for efficiency, Hi4-T integrates electrification into a dedicated off-road platform. The system combines strong electric torque delivery with traditional four-wheel-drive hardware, including locking differentials and a low-range transfer case, providing precise traction and sustained climbing capability in demanding terrain.
Three of the five successful vehicles were powered by Hi4-T technology, while the remaining two utilised GWM’s 2.4-litre turbo-diesel powertrain.
According to Steve Maciver, Head of Marketing & Communications at GWM Australia and New Zealand, the result highlights how new energy vehicles can enhance capability rather than limit it.
“Beer O’Clock Hill is quickly becoming one of the toughest proving grounds for any off-road vehicle in Australia,” Maciver said.
“Having five vehicles across the range successfully conquer the climb is something we’re incredibly proud of, but not surprised by.
“The latest Tank 300 Hi4-T PHEV completing the ascent on standard highway tyres speaks volumes about the engineering behind the Hi4-T system. This is electrification designed for real off-road performance – delivering instant torque, precise traction and relentless climbing ability.
“New energy vehicles should enhance capability, not compromise it, and this result demonstrates that GWM’s technology can deliver both efficiency and serious off-road performance.”
The successful climbs also underline the off-road focus embedded within GWM’s specialist brands, including Tank and Cannon, which are engineered specifically for demanding environments.
As GWM continues to expand its electrified portfolio, the result at Beer O’Clock Hill provides further evidence that the company’s transition toward new energy technology is designed to add capability, not reduce it.
