by A Style Icon and an Affordable Alternative
The Mercedes-AMG G63 has long been considered a symbol of bold and uncompromising style in the world of SUVs, and thanks to tuners like Brabus or Mansory, it becomes even more expressive, at least visually. However, for buyers who crave the same road presence without spending supercar sums, options are scarce.
A well-modified Suzuki Jimny might satisfy some, but it often falls short for those who want something closer in size and stance to the original. Now a new alternative has appeared.
G-Class Drama at an Affordable Price
The Thai workshop Shana E-Sport has found a way to embody the Brabus spirit in a much more affordable package. The secret lies in the Chinese Tank 300 SUV from Great Wall Motors, which already has the right square proportions and upright stance, making the conversion surprisingly convincing.
The complete exterior overhaul begins with a new front end. The standard Tank 300 grille is replaced with a new one, round LED headlights are installed, a hood with ventilation holes, and a sporty bumper with AMG-style air intakes and a splitter. Square fenders with retro turn signal indicators help emphasize the classic silhouette, while wide wheel arches and Brabus-inspired faux ventilation holes complete the look.
At the rear, the tuners added a sportier rear bumper with an integrated diffuser, a roof spoiler, and a special spare tire cover. Depending on the client’s wishes, either four exhaust tips or side-exit exhaust systems mimicking the original G63 can be installed.
The entire structure sits on 22-inch alloy wheels with rugged off-road tires. Buyers can also order suspension tuning and larger brake kits.
Interior Imitation and Pleasant Surprises
Inside, the Tank 300 already strongly resembles Mercedes design. The layout includes the familiar dual-screen digital instrument cluster, turbine-shaped air vents, and an overall shape that only lacks a badge change. Shana E-Sport is not shy about going further. One of their demo models is equipped with an interior in turquoise leather with forged carbon fiber accents, retractable and illuminated side steps, soft-close doors, and hands-free opening tailgate.
Power Shatters the Illusion
The technical side tells a different story. Under the hood, the Tank 300 retains its standard hybrid setup: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a single electric motor. It’s a worthy combination, producing a total of about 350 hp and sending power to all four wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission. This, of course, doesn’t compare to the twin-turbo V8 from the Brabus G63, but that’s not the point.
The Price of the Transformation Game
For most buyers, the cost is more important. Shana E-Sport reports that the full G63-style conversion of the Tank 300 costs about 2,500,000 baht, or approximately $79,800, including the base car. The base vehicle itself costs about 1,800,000 baht ($57,500). Other estimates suggest the cost of the conversion work alone can reach around 1,080,000 baht ($34,500), depending on the level of customization.
This is still a serious amount for a replica, but it doesn’t compare to the six-figure sums for the original, which, depending on specification and market taxes, can cost from $300,000 to over $700,000. Judging by videos and social media updates from Shana E-Sport, the concept is already gaining popularity among buyers in Thailand.
Such projects raise interesting questions about authenticity, status, and the economics of the automotive world. They demonstrate that the desire to own a certain image can be realized in different ways, and the market finds ways to meet the demand for premium aesthetics at a more accessible price. The success of such a conversion in Thailand could spur similar services in other regions where taxes on luxury cars make originals virtually unattainable. It also shows the growing quality and boldness of design from Chinese automakers, whose models are increasingly becoming the perfect base for creative experiments.
