16/09/2026
Johannesburg, South Africa, 16 September 2026: GWM South Africa has officially launched its latest addition to the P500 line up, the 4 cylinder 3.0L diesel engine is set to lead the new chapter for GWM with the P500 being the first vehicle in the range to offer the new powertrain.
Powerful Diesel Performance, Refined for Everyday Driving
At its heart of the new 3.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine producing 170kW of power and 620 Nm of torque, coupled to a self-developed longitudinal nine-speed automatic transmission (9AT). The combination is engineered to provide strong performance while maintaining the flexibility expected from a bakkie powertrain.
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.
Diesel power without the diesel soundtrack
While diesel engines have long been associated with torque and economy, refinement has historically been a different matter. This 3.0L powertrain takes a different approach, incorporating six vibration and noise-reduction measures aimed at suppressing the characteristic harshness associated with diesel combustion. The result is an idle noise level of no more than 68dB, with the claimed NVH — noise, vibration and harshness — performance comparable with that of a premium gasoline engine. For occupants, that could make a significant difference. Rather than dominating the cabin with the familiar diesel clatter at low speeds, the engine is designed to fade into the background once underway, allowing the vehicle's performance to become the defining characteristic rather than its soundtrack.
Built with durability & towing in mind
The 3.0T 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 P500 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
Luxurious Cabin · Smart Technology
The new GWM P500 sets a high standard in the premium bakkie segment by combining commanding capability, advanced technology and sophisticated comfort in a bold, modern package. Designed for drivers who demand more from their bakkie, the P500 blends rugged capability with a refined cabin that rivals premium SUVs. At its heart is a technology-focused cockpit featuring a 14.6-inch touchscreen powered by GWM’s in-house Coffee Operating System 3.0, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a Head-Up Display, while wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto keep drivers seamlessly connected on the move. The P500 also places strong emphasis on comfort, with premium leather seats offering massage, heating, ventilation, power adjustment and memory functionality. Enhanced sound insulation, high-density sound-absorbing materials and a dual rear-seal design further improve cabin refinement by reducing unwanted road and wind noise.
With its distinctive design, sophisticated technology and premium interior appointments, the GWM P500 represents a new generation of bakkie – one that delivers the versatility and toughness expected from a GWM pickup while introducing a heightened level of luxury and everyday usability.
All-Round Safety
Safety is a key focus of the GWM P500, with a comprehensive suite of active and passive safety technologies designed to provide occupants with greater confidence on every journey. The P500 features Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), incorporating technologies such as Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB). These systems work together to support the driver and enhance situational awareness in a wide range of driving conditions.
Adding further visibility and confidence, the 360° HD Surround View with Transparent Chassis function provides a comprehensive view around the vehicle, helping drivers navigate tight spaces and challenging terrain with greater precision. Underpinning the P500's safety credentials is high-strength steel body, with more than 85% of the body structure comprising high-strength steel. The comprehensive passive safety package also includes seven airbags, while intelligent collision-response functions can automatically unlock the doors and cut off the fuel supply in the event of a collision. Together, these technologies form a comprehensive safety package that reinforces the P500's position as a modern, premium bakkie engineered with occupant protection at its core.
Bakkie capability with SUV comfort
While the new engine adds performance to the P500 range, the flagship bakkie continues to combine traditional bakkie capability with a level of comfort and refinement more commonly expected from a premium passenger vehicle.
“The introduction of the 3.0-litre diesel responds directly to demand for greater performance from the P500 diesel without compromising on the level of comfort that our customers have become accustomed to,” says Floyd Ramabulana, Head of Marketing at GWM South Africa. “South African bakkie customers expect their vehicles to fulfil several roles, and for many of them diesel remains an important part of that equation”.
GWM P500 3.0 Range
The P500 3.0 Diesel is available in two grades, Super Luxury in 4X2 and Ultra Luxury only available in 4x4
Pricing:
● P500 D-Cab 3.0TD 9AT 4x2 Super Luxury – R724 900
● P500 D-Cab 3.0TD 9AT 4x4 Ultra Luxury – R799 900
Warranty:
The P500 3.0 diesel will be sold through selected GWM South Africa dealerships nationwide and is backed by a comprehensive GWM ownership package, coverage includes:
● 7 Years / 200 000 km Warranty
● 7 Years / Unlimited km Roadside Assistance
● 7 Years / 75 000 km Service Plan
● Service intervals: Every 15 000 km or 12 months
