The GWM Tank 500 is adding a 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine to its lineup later this year, according to GWM, marking a major shift for the large off-road SUV that previously relied exclusively on petrol-electric and plug-in hybrid powertrains. Australia is the first market globally to receive the new clean-sheet diesel engine, which is designed to challenge segment mainstays like the Ford Everest, Toyota Prado, and Isuzu MU-X.
Performance and Towing Specs of the New Diesel Engine
According to GWM, the newly developed 3.0-litre turbo-diesel delivers 170kW of power and 620Nm of torque, alongside a 3,500kg braked towing capacity and a claimed fuel consumption of 7.1L/100km on the combined cycle. The torque output edges out key competitors, with the 3.0-litre Ford Everest V6 producing 600Nm and the 2.8-litre Toyota Prado generating 500Nm. GWM engineered the power plant to hold its peak torque flat from 1,400rpm to 2,400rpm.
Unlike both the Everest and the Prado, the Tank 500 diesel operates without AdBlue. GWM stated that its existing portfolio of hybrids and plug-in hybrids relieves the brand from the immediate New Vehicle Efficiency Standard pressures that force other manufacturers to incorporate additional emissions control hardware.
Fuel Capacity and Driving Range
Touring range sets the top-spec variants apart from rivals. While the Tank 500 Lux includes a 78-litre fuel tank, the flagship Vanta specification features a 78-litre main tank paired with a 53-litre auxiliary tank, totaling 131 litres. Based on the manufacturer’s claimed 7.1L/100km fuel consumption, this setup yields a theoretical touring range approaching 1,850km, though real-world figures will vary under towing conditions. By comparison, the Ford Everest carries an 80-litre tank and the Toyota Prado holds 110 litres.
Ride, Handling, and Local Tuning
The suspension and steering calibration for the Australian market was developed at the Lang Lang Proving Ground with input from former Holden ride and handling chief Rob Trubiani, following roughly 25,000km of local testing. According to early drive impressions, the vehicle remains composed on rough gravel roads featuring corrugations, potholes, and clay, avoiding the swaying and sideways floating common in softly tuned large SUVs.
In terms of straight-line performance, pre-production testing to 120km/h on undulating roads showed the diesel variant is slower than a V6 Everest, largely due to a kerb weight of 2,635kg for the Lux and 2,705kg for the Vanta. Refinement inside the cabin is notably quiet, matching the V6 diesel found in the Ford Ranger and Everest, while a high-mounted integrated brake controller allows drivers to manually adjust trailer braking on the fly.
Interior Upgrades and Coffee OS
The cabin features GWM’s updated Coffee OS infotainment system, addressing previous complaints regarding screen lag and daylight readability. The interface incorporates built-in satellite navigation, Spotify and TuneIn radio apps, and a dedicated 4×4 off-road display. Ahead of the driver, the digital instrument cluster links directly with the head-up display to reflect chosen drive modes, though the vehicle does not include a full-time 4A four-wheel-drive setting for sealed roads.
Pricing and Market Position
GWM has indicated that the 3.0TD Tank 500 will start from the mid-$60,000s drive-away. This positioning undercuts comparable diesel seven-seat rivals like the Prado and Everest by roughly $20,000 to $30,000, establishing a strong value proposition for buyers requiring high towing capacity.
Did you know? Australia is the very first automotive market in the world to receive GWM’s newly engineered 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the power output of the GWM Tank 500 diesel?
According to GWM, the 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine produces 170kW of power and 620Nm of torque.
Does the Tank 500 diesel require AdBlue?
No, the Tank 500 diesel does not require AdBlue, setting it apart from competitors like the Ford Everest and Toyota Prado.
What is the towing capacity of the Tank 500 diesel?
The vehicle features a braked towing capacity of 3,500kg, according to manufacturer specifications.
What is the total fuel capacity of the top-spec Vanta?
The top-spec Vanta variant features a 78-litre main tank and a 53-litre auxiliary tank, providing a combined 131 litres of fuel capacity.