The UK pick-up market is fiercely competitive, dominated by names like Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, and Isuzu D-Max. But now, a new challenger has entered the ring: the GWM POER300. Built by Great Wall Motor Company, a Chinese manufacturer steadily gaining traction in Europe, the POER300 promises rugged capability, modern tech, and sharp pricing. So, does it deliver?
Under the bonnet, the POER300 packs a 2.4-litre turbocharged diesel engine producing 180bhp and 480Nm of torque. This is paired exclusively with a nine-speed automatic gearbox, so there’s no manual option here. Permanent four-wheel drive comes as standard, along with selectable modes: Standard, Sport, and Economy, plus traditional 4x4 settings – 2H, 4H, and 4L – and a rear differential lock for serious off-road work.
On paper, the POER300 offers a 3,500kg towing capacity and a 1,000kg payload, putting it squarely in the same league as established rivals.
WLTP figures suggest 32.7mpg combined and 221g/km CO₂ emissions, which is competitive for the segment. In real-world driving, I found that the vehicle was getting close to the claimed fuel economy figure.
The torque-rich diesel makes light work of most situations. If I had one criticism, it would be responsiveness in terms of the delay between pressing the accelerator from a standing start and the vehicle moving. Once you’re over that slightly tedious initial hurdle, the auto box and engine combine well to provide some decent mid-range grunt.
GWM keeps things simple with three trim levels: Lux, Ultra, and Vanta. Lux, the entry-level model, brings plenty to the table: LED headlamps, auto-fold mirrors, leatherette seats, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a touchscreen infotainment system, wireless charging, voice command, and a comprehensive suite of safety tech including rear parking sensors and park assist. Ultra adds a touch of luxury with heated and ventilated leather seats, power adjustment for driver and passenger, ambient lighting, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, privacy glass, a sunroof, and a 360-degree camera– a big plus for manoeuvring a sizeable truck. Vanta is all about style, swapping chrome for blacked-out trim on wheels, grille, mirrors, and sports bar. Mechanically, it’s identical to Ultra, so this is an aesthetic upgrade for those who want a stealthy look.
Step inside, and the POER300 feels more SUV than workhorse. Soft-touch materials on the dashboard and door panels, chrome accents, and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen give a premium vibe. Connectivity is strong, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard across the range, plus USB-A and USB-C ports and a wireless charging pad. The aviation-inspired gear shifter adds a unique design flourish. Higher trims elevate comfort further with heated and ventilated seats, a sunroof, and ambient lighting. Practicality hasn’t been forgotten either – the cabin offers plenty of storage, and the seven-inch colour instrument cluster keeps key info clear and accessible.
Safety is a major selling point. The POER300 rides on a high-strength trapezoidal steel frame and comes with seven airbags plus ten ADAS systems, including lane keeping assist, lane centring, collision warnings, and a smart dodge system. The inclusion of a 360-degree camera on Ultra and Vanta trims is a welcome bonus for urban driving and tight spaces. Add in a five-year/125,000-mile warranty, and GWM is clearly aiming to reassure buyers who might hesitate over a relatively new brand.
The load bed measures roughly 1.5m x 1.5m, with a soft-drop tailgate. Ultra and Vanta trims feature a clever integrated tailgate step ladder, making access easier – a feature that genuinely makes you wonder why rivals haven’t adopted it. With a 3,500kg towing limit and 1,000kg payload, the POER300 ticks all the boxes for work and play.
Starting at £31,495 OTR (excluding VAT) for Lux, rising to £34,830 for Ultra and £36,830 for Vanta, it undercuts many rivals while offering generous equipment. For small businesses and rural buyers, that’s a compelling proposition.
GWM POER300
ENGINE: 2.4-litre turbocharged diesel
POWER: 180bhp
TORQUE: 480Nm
TRANSMISSION: 9-speed auto
DRIVETRAIN: Permanent 4WD with 2H, 4H, 4L modes and rear diff lock
FUEL ECONOMY (WLTP): 32.7mpg combined
CO₂ EMISSIONS: 221g/km
TOWING: 3,500kg capacity
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