Looks the business, to take on Toyota and Ford.

The current generation of Chinese bakkies are no joke, as GWM has proved.

But can a Chinese bakkie become a true Hilux GR Sport or Ranger Raptor rival? To answer this question, there is the new GWM Black Bullet and according to Carexpert AU, it’s the real deal.

Using the current P-Series as a platform, this is a Chinese double-cab 4×4 unlike any other. Designed for exploration and following – or leading – any convoy across technical terrain, the GWM Black Bullet has been developed by Yunliang.

Operating as an independent 4×4 accessories business in China, Yunliang has spent two years perfecting its GWM Black Bullet project – and it looks deeply impressive.

Yunliang’s ‘Mark Road’ accessories are present on this most capable of Chinese 4×4 bakkies and denoted by their ‘MR’ badging.

The most notable aspect of this bakkie, aside from its stance, is the improved approach angle front bumper and bullbar – the latter being an MR component. This bullbar houses a 5.5-tonne recovery capacity Warn winch and LEDs.

Around the rear, there is a step-up bar and along the flanks, tucked running boards ease cabin access. The Black Bullet also features that obligatory clean/cold air circulating snorkel.

Rolling BFGoodrich 285/70 R17 KO2 all-terrain tyres, this Chinese hardcore 4×4 benefits from significant suspension upgrades. The ATLAS adjustable dampers help achieve a 50 mm lift and there are stronger forged upper and lower control arms, helping to keep those front wheels in place.

Boosting the Black Bullet’s traction are front and rear lockable differentials supplied by Easton.

Where things go slightly off-theme is the cabin – which has an abundance of ivory trim. Not the most practical hue, for a hardcore exploration vehicle.

Power and torque numbers have not been confirmed. The GWM P-Series uses a 2-litre turbodiesel, boosting 120 kW and 400 Nm. Those are fair outputs, but this Black Bullet version will definitely be heavier than the standard P-Series and possibly require a slightly more potent engine tune.

Traditional double-cab 4×4 followers might find the GWM Black Bullet an oddity, but with China having the Gobi desert, jungles and enormous mountains in its backyard, there is a potential market for the GWM Black Bullet.

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