16/09/2026
Johannesburg, South Africa – 16 September 2026: GWM South Africa has expanded its flagship Tank 500 range with the introduction of a new 3.0-litre turbodiesel offering, giving customers a powerful luxury SUV.
The arrival of the diesel-powered Tank 500 broadens the model's appeal to buyers who prioritize strong low-speed torque, towing ability and long-distance touring – particularly those who intend to venture well beyond the paved road.
Diesel torque for serious touring
At the heart of the new Tank 500 is a 3.0-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel engine developing 170 kW and 620 Nm. While its headline power output differs from its HEV sibling, the diesel's appeal lies in its torque delivery. Maximum torque arrives low in the rev range, providing the kind of strong, predictable pulling power traditionally associated with diesel-powered touring and off-road vehicles. The engine is paired with GWM's in-house-developed nine-speed automatic transmission and a part-time four-wheel-drive system.
A key strength of the engine is its strong low-end response. With 385Nm of torque available from just 1,000rpm, it delivers meaningful pulling power almost from idle. This low-rpm torque is especially useful in everyday driving, where immediate response often matters more than peak output. Whether moving off from a junction, climbing a steep incline or carrying a heavy load, the engine delivers its strength without requiring high revs. Performance is further supported by a 2,000-bar high-pressure common-rail fuel-injection system, which precisely manages fuel delivery to balance the performance expected of a large-capacity diesel with the efficiency demands of a modern powertrain.
The 3.0 Turbodiesel has undergone extensive durability development, including million-kilometer test-bench testing and full-vehicle validation. Such testing is intended to verify the powertrain under sustained and demanding operating conditions before it reaches customers. Combined with its high torque output, low-speed response and refined operation, the testing programme points to an engine designed not merely to impress on a specification sheet, but to deliver consistent performance over the long haul. The Tank 500 3.0 Diesel has a towing capacity of up to 3.5 tonnes, supporting the requirements of customers towing caravans, trailers and work equipment while providing the additional torque expected from the high output engine.
Luxury meets long-distance capability
Despite its focus on mechanical capability, the Tank 500 3.0 Diesel remains firmly positioned as a premium seven-seat SUV. The cabin features a genuine leather interior, and a high level of standard equipment designed around long-distance comfort. The electrically adjustable driver's seat offers eight-way adjustment, heating, ventilation and massage functions, while the front passenger seat provides four-way electric adjustment together with heating, ventilation and massage. The combination of premium comfort and body-on-frame off-road capability remains central to the Tank 500's appeal, giving buyers the ability to travel long distances in comfort before tackling more demanding terrain.
Coffee OS brings smarter connectivity
The model also introduces GWM's latest Coffee OS 3.0 infotainment and connectivity system. Integrated voice control allows the driver to operate functions including navigation, entertainment and selected vehicle systems, while the latest connectivity features are designed to provide a more intuitive user experience while keeping driver distraction to a minimum.
Comprehensive safety and driver assistance
Safety is a key part of the Tank 500's specification, with a comprehensive combination of passive protection, active safety systems and advanced driver-assistance technologies designed to help protect occupants and provide greater confidence in a wide range of driving conditions.
Occupant protection includes dual front airbags, front side airbags, side curtain airbags and a front centre airbag, providing protection across multiple areas of the cabin in the event of a collision. The Tank 500's active safety package includes ABS, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Traction Control, Roll Movement Intervention, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Integrated Brake Control and Brake Assist (BAS). An Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) is complemented by Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC) and Hill Descent Control (HDC), while a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) provides continuous monitoring of tyre pressures.
For highway and urban driving, the SUV features a broad suite of intelligent driver-assistance systems. These include Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Intelligent Cruise Assist (ICA), Traffic Jam Assist (TJA) and Intelligent Cornering Assist, helping to reduce driver workload in varying traffic conditions. Lane safety is supported by Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keep Assist (LKA), Lane Centering Assist, Emergency Lane Keeping (ELK) and Smart Dodge. Forward-facing safety systems include Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), and pedestrian and cyclist detection, helping the vehicle identify potential hazards and intervene when necessary.
The Tank 500 also incorporates Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR), Overspeed Warning and Intelligent Speed Assist (ISA) to help drivers remain aware of changing speed limits and road conditions. Manoeuvring in confined spaces is supported by front and rear parking sensors, with automatic activation of the front parking sensors at low speeds. Additional cross-traffic protection comes from Front Cross-Traffic Alert (FCTA) and Front Cross-Traffic Braking (FCTB), while Lane Change Assist (LCA), Door Open Warning (DOW) and Rear Collision Warning (RCW) provide additional awareness of vehicles approaching from the side or rear.
Together, these systems give the Tank 500 a comprehensive safety package combining occupant protection, collision avoidance, driver assistance and post-collision safety technology.
GWM Tank 500 3.0 Range
The Tank 500 3.0 Diesel range spans three derivatives with a standard fuel tank capacity of 78 litres with an auxiliary 53 litre tank option available on the overland derivative.
Pricing:
● Tank 500 3.0TD 9AT 4x2 Super Luxury R849 900
●Tank 500 3.0TD 9AT 4x4 Ultra Luxury R929 900
●Tank 500 3.0TD 9AT 4x4 Overland R999 900
Warranty:
The Tank 500 3.0L is backed by a comprehensive ownership package, giving customers complete peace of mind throughout their ownership journey:
● 7 Years / 200 000 km Warranty
● 7 Years / Unlimited km Roadside Assist
● 7 Years / 75 000 km Service Plan
● Service Intervals: Every 15 000 km or 12 months
