Does the Tank 300 Urban Edition Have Three Differential Locks?
3 Answers
The Tank 300 Urban Edition has three differential locks. Activate Differential Lock 1 (Central Differential Lock): This ensures the front and rear axles rotate at the same speed, suitable for surfaces with gravel or minor potholes, gentle slopes, and other conditions where single-wheel slip (either front or rear) may occur. However, it is not ideal for cross-axle terrain. Activate Differential Lock 2 (Rear Differential Lock): This synchronizes the rotation speed of both rear wheels with the front axle, making it useful when encountering larger rocks or severely uneven surfaces where only one rear wheel maintains traction. Activate Differential Lock 3 (Front Differential Lock): This delivers equal power to all wheels, designed for extreme off-road conditions, situations where wheels on one side completely lose traction, or when only a single wheel has grip. It is particularly effective for desert driving or snow recovery.
The Tank 300 Urban Edition indeed lacks the traditional 'three locks' configuration. Its 4WD system utilizes BorgWarner's TOD on-demand four-wheel drive, primarily relying on a multi-plate clutch for torque distribution, supplemented by electronic traction control. This setup differs entirely from the off-road edition's part-time 4WD system – only the off-road variant offers optional front/rear mechanical differential locks coupled with a lockable transfer case, which constitutes the true 'three locks'. The Urban Edition omits these hardware features to prioritize daily driving comfort and fuel efficiency. However, it performs decently in light off-road scenarios like muddy or snowy roads, where the electronic systems actively brake spinning wheels to aid traction. For serious rock crawling or desert crossings, the absence of mechanical locks becomes limiting. During a recent test drive with a friend, the salesperson emphasized its urban positioning, advising hardcore enthusiasts to opt for the off-road version.
I just picked up the car three months ago, and I can say with certainty that the Urban Edition doesn't come with three differential locks. Last month, when camping with friends, his Off-Road Edition easily tackled a cross-axle situation by locking the differential, while my wheels just spun and slipped—eventually, the electronic system kicked in belatedly to get me out. I checked the manual: the Urban Edition only has electronic simulated limited-slip across all trims, with no physical differential lock button. Now, I'm extra cautious around mud pits since the electronic system tends to overheat and trigger protection. But for daily commuting, it's quite comfortable, with fuel consumption about 2 liters lower than my friend's. If you mainly drive in the city, this 4WD is more than sufficient—the high ground clearance means no need to slow down for speed bumps. But for serious off-roading, you’ll need to spend extra for the Off-Road Edition with the lock option.
