Tank 400 Hi4-Z PHEV: What Australian Drivers Should Know
GWM's Tank 400 Hi4-Z PHEV looks set for Australia. Here's what it means for novated lease buyers eyeing a capable PHEV SUV. Read the breakdown.
GWM's Tank 400 Hi4-Z PHEV is generating serious attention ahead of a likely Australian launch. According to a hands-on drive report published by EV Central [Source 1], the plug-in hybrid SUV packs substantial torque figures and is being positioned as a direct rival to the Denza B5 in the premium PHEV SUV segment. For Australian PAYG employees thinking about their next novated lease vehicle, a new credible PHEV option in this class is worth paying attention to.
The Tank 400 Hi4-Z sits in a growing category of capable, electrified SUVs that appeal to buyers who want real off-road utility alongside the fuel-efficiency benefits of a plug-in hybrid drivetrain. Nothing is confirmed on pricing or an exact on-sale date yet — so treat any specific numbers circulating online with healthy scepticism until GWM Australia makes an official announcement.
What this means for novated lease customers
PHEVs occupy an interesting spot in the novated leasing world right now. They don't qualify for the full FBT exemption that applies to battery electric vehicles under the current federal government policy — that exemption is limited to zero-emissions vehicles. However, a novated lease on a PHEV still delivers the core salary-packaging benefits: your lease repayments and running costs are drawn from pre-tax salary, which can meaningfully reduce the income tax you pay across the life of the agreement.
If the Tank 400 Hi4-Z launches in Australia at a competitive price point, it could be an attractive option for employees who need genuine towing or off-road capability but still want lower day-to-day fuel costs than a traditional ICE vehicle. Watch this space — once pricing is confirmed, it's worth running a proper comparison against BEV alternatives to see which stacks up better after tax for your situation. That's exactly the kind of number-crunching millarX does before you sign anything.
Common questions
Does the Tank 400 Hi4-Z PHEV qualify for the FBT exemption on novated leases?
No — under current federal law the FBT exemption for novated leases applies only to zero-emissions vehicles (battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell). PHEVs are excluded from that exemption, though they still benefit from the standard pre-tax salary packaging structure.
Is it still worth novated leasing a PHEV if it doesn't get the FBT exemption?
It can be, depending on your income, the vehicle's price and how much you drive. You still pay lease repayments and eligible running costs from pre-tax salary, which reduces your taxable income. The gap versus a BEV depends on your specific numbers — a good broker will model both scenarios for you before you commit.
When is the Tank 400 Hi4-Z PHEV available in Australia?
No official on-sale date has been confirmed as of this writing. EV Central's drive report indicates an Australian launch is likely, but GWM Australia has not yet announced pricing or timing.
How does the Tank 400 compare to the Denza B5 for a novated lease buyer?
Both are PHEV SUVs likely to sit in a similar price bracket, which means both fall outside the BEV FBT exemption. The right choice comes down to your specific needs — towing capacity, range, dealer support — and the total cost of ownership after salary packaging is factored in.
Can I lock in a novated lease on a vehicle that hasn't launched yet?
Generally yes — many novated leases are arranged on vehicles that are on order. Your broker sets up the lease structure in advance and it activates once the vehicle is delivered. Terms and conditions vary, so confirm the specifics with your provider.