Latest news with #Tank500
The Citizen
4 days ago
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Interior restyled, visually tweaked GWM Tank 500 revealed
Revised version of the Tank brand's flagship luxury off-roader has, so far, yet to be approved for South Africa. Visual updates to the Tank 500 require a keen eye to spot. Image: GWM China The joined oldest model in its global line-up along with the 300, Great Wall Motors (GWM)-owned Tank has given the 500 its first mid-life update since debuting in its home market four years ago. LiDAR takes prominence Unveiled over the weekend in China, the 500's visual upgrades are minor by consisting of a lightly restyled grille, removal of the GWM Tank logo on the spare wheel cover and a new colour called Dunhuang Green. ALSO READ: Burly GWM Tank 500 enters big SUV war with a clear mandate Taking prominence is GWM's LiDAR system recessed in the centre of the roof similar to the Volvo EX90. Working in tandem with the surround-view camera system, the inclusion of LiDAR has seen a reported improvement in safety and driver assistance systems, though no actual details were divulged. Interior significantly renewed Inside, the updates are more prevalent as the centre console has been redesigned to incorporate less physical switchgear. Interior changes are significantly more prominent than the exterior. Image: No longer a floating setup as before, some of the previous traditional buttons and toggle switches remain, however, now located between a pair of 50-watt wireless smartphone charging pads and two cupholders. In addition, the aircraft-style gear lever disappears in favour of a steering column-mounted selector, while the previous chunky buttons below the central air vents remain. While both the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 14.6-inch infotainment display prevail, Tank has included a new drop-down screen similar to the BMW 7 Series, but in 3K and measuring 17.3-inches. Tank 500 now features a drop-down display similar to the BMW 7 Series. Image: GWM China via A refrigerated centre console storage area, standard Nappa leather upholstered seats, and heating, ventilated and massaging functions for the first and second rows complete the interior. Plug-in punch Up front, the Chinese market Tank 500 makes do with two plug-in hybrid powertrains modelled around GWM's 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine. Unchanged from the pre-facelift model, the line-up opening Hi4-T combines the petrol with a 37.1-kWh lithium battery pack powering a single electric motor. Combined, the Hi4-T develops 300kW/750Nm delivered to all four wheels through a nine-speed automatic gearbox. The claimed range, based on China's CLTC measurements, is 110 km. Revealed last year, and said to be coming to South Africa, the Hi4-Z not only adds a second electric motor, but also a bigger 59-kWh battery pack. The result is a total output of 654kW/1 195Nm and a CLTC range of 201 km. Replacing the nine-speed 'box is a three-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT). Global engine options Outside China, the Tank 500 is likely to continue with the self-charging 2.0-litre HEV producing 255kW/648Nm, and the conventional 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 outputting 265kW/500Nm. Limited to Thailand is the 2.4-litre turbodiesel engine shared with the Tank 300 and GWM P300 that develops 135kW/480Nm, mated to nine-speed automatic 'box. Already approved for the 500, but only due to arrive in 2027, is the under-development V6 oil-burner reported to be a 3.0-litre unit. Not for us… yet On-sale in the People's Republic from next month, with pricing to be announced then, the facelift GWM Tank 500 has, so far, not been mentioned for South Africa. However, don't be surprised if more details about its arrival does emerge either towards the end of the year or in 2026. Additional information from and NOW READ: GWM Tank 500 finally goes diesel but with a catch
7NEWS
4 days ago
- Automotive
- 7NEWS
GWM upgrades its answer to the Toyota Prado
GWM has upgraded its Tank 500 yet again, with the launch of a facelifted version of the large SUV in China last week, but it won't be available in Australia any time soon. The updated 2026 GWM Tank 500 brings minor styling enhancements plus a range of new luxury and safety equipment little more than a year after the Toyota Prado rival was released Down Under. But its new look and new equipment – which includes a built-in fridge and roof-mounted rear entertainment system – won't be introduced alongside a plug-in hybrid powertrain due in Australia from October. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. 'For now, ANZ [Australian and New Zealand] will continue with the current version,' said a GWM Australia spokesperson. '[We have] No plans to confirm our intention to align with revised specification recently seen in China.' China's MY26 Tank 500 brings a revised grille that now underlines the headlights on both sides, and differs from the 'sports' grille introduced earlier this year – including for the black-themed Vanta range-topper. There are also new alloy wheel designs, a Dunhuang (dark green) exterior colour option, revised GWM Tank badging at the rear and, inside, a column-mounted gear selector and new blue and white colourway. The biggest interior upgrade is reserved for rear-seat occupants, who score a 50W refrigerator built into the centre console, and an entertainment system comprising a 17.3-inch 3K multimedia screen that flips down from the roof and can be controlled by voice, gesture, touch, or mobile phone. According to Autohome, the Chinese-market Tank 500 also gains a new roof-mounted Hesai LTX LiDAR sensor plus new cameras on the front fenders and rear spoiler to support upgraded advanced driving assistance system (ADAS) capabilities powered by GWM's third-generation Coffee Pilot Ultra safety suite. The Tank 500 was first revealed in China in 2021, before its domestic launch in 2022 in both turbocharged 3.0-litre petrol V6 and turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol hybrid forms. The latter has powered the Tank 500 in Australia since its local launch in March 2024, but the seven-seat off-road wagon did receive a safety and powertrain system upgrades in response to criticism in December 2024, which were made available to new and existing owners earlier this month. Recently, GWM also revealed its first Tank 500 diesel, powered by the same 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel as the smaller Tank 300 and the Cannon Alpha ute. However, this Thai-built variant was ruled out for Australia, which will instead receive a beefier new 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel by around 2027. For now, Australia's Tank 500 hybrid will be joined by one of two plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains already available in China from October, beating both the Prado and the top-selling Ford Everest to market with PHEV power – and becoming the first large, ladder-frame SUV to offer such a powertrain in Australia. GWM Australia won't say whether it will be the same off-road-focused 'Hi4-T' system that's also available in the Cannon Alpha PHEV, which combines a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a single electric motor to produce 300kW of power and 750Nm of torque, or the on-road-focussed, dual-motor Hi4-Z powertrain that slams down a mammoth 635kW and 1195Nm. 'There's no confirmation yet on which powertrain will be offered for the ANZ market,' the GWM Australia spokesperson told CarExpert today. 'The [Tank 500 PHEV] launch in October will be centred on the powertrain reveal.' Both of the Tank 500's PHEV powertrains are based around the same 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four, but while the Hi4-T continues with a mechanical four-wheel-drive system, transfer case and differential locks, there's no mechanical connection between the front and rear electric motors of the Hi4-Z, which has multi-link rear suspension and almost double the battery capacity. In China, the Tank 500 Hi4-Z has a 59.05kWh battery pack positioned between the axles rather than at the rear, offering a claimed 201km (WLTC) of electric-only driving range and 1096km of total range. But even the Hi4-T offers 45kW/102Nm higher outputs than the standard Tank 500 hybrid, while still being capable to ford water up to 800mm deep and offering similar off-road geometry, albeit with 11mm less ground clearance. It offers 110km of range on the WLTC cycle. The Tank 500 Hi4-T weighs 398kg more than the plugless hybrid version already on sale here, while the Hi4-Z weighs another 150kg at 2980kg. GWM Australia previously told CarExpert the PHEV version would attract an estimated price premium of between $6000 and $15,000 over the current Tank 500 HEV, which is available in two equipment grades priced from $66,490 drive-away. So you can expect a starting price of about $72,000 drive-away for the cheapest Tank 500 PHEV, given the single-motor Hi4-T powertrain seems more likely for Australia. 'It's going to depend on the size of the battery pack… range and battery size is what defines pricing,' GWM Australia marketing and communications boss Steve Maciver told us previously.
Perth Now
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Perth Now
GWM upgrades its answer to the Toyota Prado
GWM has upgraded its Tank 500 yet again, with the launch of a facelifted version of the large SUV in China last week, but it won't be available in Australia any time soon. The updated 2026 GWM Tank 500 brings minor styling enhancements plus a range of new luxury and safety equipment little more than a year after the Toyota Prado rival was released Down Under. But its new look and new equipment – which includes a built-in fridge and roof-mounted rear entertainment system – won't be introduced alongside a plug-in hybrid powertrain due in Australia from October. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. Supplied Credit: CarExpert 'For now, ANZ [Australian and New Zealand] will continue with the current version,' said a GWM Australia spokesperson. '[We have] No plans to confirm our intention to align with revised specification recently seen in China.' China's MY26 Tank 500 brings a revised grille that now underlines the headlights on both sides, and differs from the 'sports' grille introduced earlier this year – including for the black-themed Vanta range-topper. There are also new alloy wheel designs, a Dunhuang (dark green) exterior colour option, revised GWM Tank badging at the rear and, inside, a column-mounted gear selector and new blue and white colourway. Supplied Credit: CarExpert The biggest interior upgrade is reserved for rear-seat occupants, who score a 50W refrigerator built into the centre console, and an entertainment system comprising a 17.3-inch 3K multimedia screen that flips down from the roof and can be controlled by voice, gesture, touch, or mobile phone. According to Autohome, the Chinese-market Tank 500 also gains a new roof-mounted Hesai LTX LiDAR sensor plus new cameras on the front fenders and rear spoiler to support upgraded advanced driving assistance system (ADAS) capabilities powered by GWM's third-generation Coffee Pilot Ultra safety suite. The Tank 500 was first revealed in China in 2021, before its domestic launch in 2022 in both turbocharged 3.0-litre petrol V6 and turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol hybrid forms. The latter has powered the Tank 500 in Australia since its local launch in March 2024, but the seven-seat off-road wagon did receive a safety and powertrain system upgrades in response to criticism in December 2024, which were made available to new and existing owners earlier this month. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Recently, GWM also revealed its first Tank 500 diesel, powered by the same 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel as the smaller Tank 300 and the Cannon Alpha ute. However, this Thai-built variant was ruled out for Australia, which will instead receive a beefier new 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel by around 2027. For now, Australia's Tank 500 hybrid will be joined by one of two plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains already available in China from October, beating both the Prado and the top-selling Ford Everest to market with PHEV power – and becoming the first large, ladder-frame SUV to offer such a powertrain in Australia. GWM Australia won't say whether it will be the same off-road-focused 'Hi4-T' system that's also available in the Cannon Alpha PHEV, which combines a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a single electric motor to produce 300kW of power and 750Nm of torque, or the on-road-focussed, dual-motor Hi4-Z powertrain that slams down a mammoth 635kW and 1195Nm. 'There's no confirmation yet on which powertrain will be offered for the ANZ market,' the GWM Australia spokesperson told CarExpert today. 'The [Tank 500 PHEV] launch in October will be centred on the powertrain reveal.' Supplied Credit: CarExpert Both of the Tank 500's PHEV powertrains are based around the same 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four, but while the Hi4-T continues with a mechanical four-wheel-drive system, transfer case and differential locks, there's no mechanical connection between the front and rear electric motors of the Hi4-Z, which has multi-link rear suspension and almost double the battery capacity. In China, the Tank 500 Hi4-Z has a 59.05kWh battery pack positioned between the axles rather than at the rear, offering a claimed 201km (WLTC) of electric-only driving range and 1096km of total range. But even the Hi4-T offers 45kW/102Nm higher outputs than the standard Tank 500 hybrid, while still being capable to ford water up to 800mm deep and offering similar off-road geometry, albeit with 11mm less ground clearance. It offers 110km of range on the WLTC cycle. The Tank 500 Hi4-T weighs 398kg more than the plugless hybrid version already on sale here, while the Hi4-Z weighs another 150kg at 2980kg. Supplied Credit: CarExpert GWM Australia previously told CarExpert the PHEV version would attract an estimated price premium of between $6000 and $15,000 over the current Tank 500 HEV, which is available in two equipment grades priced from $66,490 drive-away. So you can expect a starting price of about $72,000 drive-away for the cheapest Tank 500 PHEV, given the single-motor Hi4-T powertrain seems more likely for Australia. 'It's going to depend on the size of the battery pack… range and battery size is what defines pricing,' GWM Australia marketing and communications boss Steve Maciver told us previously. MORE: Everything GWM Tank 500
The Advertiser
4 days ago
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
GWM upgrades its answer to the Toyota Prado
GWM has upgraded its Tank 500 yet again, with the launch of a facelifted version of the large SUV in China last week, but it won't be available in Australia any time soon. The updated 2026 GWM Tank 500 brings minor styling enhancements plus a range of new luxury and safety equipment little more than a year after the Toyota Prado rival was released Down Under. But its new look and new equipment – which includes a built-in fridge and roof-mounted rear entertainment system – won't be introduced alongside a plug-in hybrid powertrain due in Australia from October. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. "For now, ANZ [Australian and New Zealand] will continue with the current version," said a GWM Australia spokesperson. "[We have] No plans to confirm our intention to align with revised specification recently seen in China." China's MY26 Tank 500 brings a revised grille that now underlines the headlights on both sides, and differs from the 'sports' grille introduced earlier this year – including for the black-themed Vanta range-topper. There are also new alloy wheel designs, a Dunhuang (dark green) exterior colour option, revised GWM Tank badging at the rear and, inside, a column-mounted gear selector and new blue and white colourway. The biggest interior upgrade is reserved for rear-seat occupants, who score a 50W refrigerator built into the centre console, and an entertainment system comprising a 17.3-inch 3K multimedia screen that flips down from the roof and can be controlled by voice, gesture, touch, or mobile phone. According to Autohome, the Chinese-market Tank 500 also gains a new roof-mounted Hesai LTX LiDAR sensor plus new cameras on the front fenders and rear spoiler to support upgraded advanced driving assistance system (ADAS) capabilities powered by GWM's third-generation Coffee Pilot Ultra safety suite. The Tank 500 was first revealed in China in 2021, before its domestic launch in 2022 in both turbocharged 3.0-litre petrol V6 and turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol hybrid forms. The latter has powered the Tank 500 in Australia since its local launch in March 2024, but the seven-seat off-road wagon did receive a safety and powertrain system upgrades in response to criticism in December 2024, which were made available to new and existing owners earlier this month. Recently, GWM also revealed its first Tank 500 diesel, powered by the same 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel as the smaller Tank 300 and the Cannon Alpha ute. However, this Thai-built variant was ruled out for Australia, which will instead receive a beefier new 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel by around 2027. For now, Australia's Tank 500 hybrid will be joined by one of two plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains already available in China from October, beating both the Prado and the top-selling Ford Everest to market with PHEV power – and becoming the first large, ladder-frame SUV to offer such a powertrain in Australia. GWM Australia won't say whether it will be the same off-road-focused 'Hi4-T' system that's also available in the Cannon Alpha PHEV, which combines a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a single electric motor to produce 300kW of power and 750Nm of torque, or the on-road-focussed, dual-motor Hi4-Z powertrain that slams down a mammoth 635kW and 1195Nm. "There's no confirmation yet on which powertrain will be offered for the ANZ market," the GWM Australia spokesperson told CarExpert today. "The [Tank 500 PHEV] launch in October will be centred on the powertrain reveal." Both of the Tank 500's PHEV powertrains are based around the same 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four, but while the Hi4-T continues with a mechanical four-wheel-drive system, transfer case and differential locks, there's no mechanical connection between the front and rear electric motors of the Hi4-Z, which has multi-link rear suspension and almost double the battery capacity. In China, the Tank 500 Hi4-Z has a 59.05kWh battery pack positioned between the axles rather than at the rear, offering a claimed 201km (WLTC) of electric-only driving range and 1096km of total range. But even the Hi4-T offers 45kW/102Nm higher outputs than the standard Tank 500 hybrid, while still being capable to ford water up to 800mm deep and offering similar off-road geometry, albeit with 11mm less ground clearance. It offers 110km of range on the WLTC cycle. The Tank 500 Hi4-T weighs 398kg more than the plugless hybrid version already on sale here, while the Hi4-Z weighs another 150kg at 2980kg. GWM Australia previously told CarExpert the PHEV version would attract an estimated price premium of between $6000 and $15,000 over the current Tank 500 HEV, which is available in two equipment grades priced from $66,490 drive-away. So you can expect a starting price of about $72,000 drive-away for the cheapest Tank 500 PHEV, given the single-motor Hi4-T powertrain seems more likely for Australia. "It's going to depend on the size of the battery pack… range and battery size is what defines pricing," GWM Australia marketing and communications boss Steve Maciver told us previously. MORE: Everything GWM Tank 500 Content originally sourced from: GWM has upgraded its Tank 500 yet again, with the launch of a facelifted version of the large SUV in China last week, but it won't be available in Australia any time soon. The updated 2026 GWM Tank 500 brings minor styling enhancements plus a range of new luxury and safety equipment little more than a year after the Toyota Prado rival was released Down Under. But its new look and new equipment – which includes a built-in fridge and roof-mounted rear entertainment system – won't be introduced alongside a plug-in hybrid powertrain due in Australia from October. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. "For now, ANZ [Australian and New Zealand] will continue with the current version," said a GWM Australia spokesperson. "[We have] No plans to confirm our intention to align with revised specification recently seen in China." China's MY26 Tank 500 brings a revised grille that now underlines the headlights on both sides, and differs from the 'sports' grille introduced earlier this year – including for the black-themed Vanta range-topper. There are also new alloy wheel designs, a Dunhuang (dark green) exterior colour option, revised GWM Tank badging at the rear and, inside, a column-mounted gear selector and new blue and white colourway. The biggest interior upgrade is reserved for rear-seat occupants, who score a 50W refrigerator built into the centre console, and an entertainment system comprising a 17.3-inch 3K multimedia screen that flips down from the roof and can be controlled by voice, gesture, touch, or mobile phone. According to Autohome, the Chinese-market Tank 500 also gains a new roof-mounted Hesai LTX LiDAR sensor plus new cameras on the front fenders and rear spoiler to support upgraded advanced driving assistance system (ADAS) capabilities powered by GWM's third-generation Coffee Pilot Ultra safety suite. The Tank 500 was first revealed in China in 2021, before its domestic launch in 2022 in both turbocharged 3.0-litre petrol V6 and turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol hybrid forms. The latter has powered the Tank 500 in Australia since its local launch in March 2024, but the seven-seat off-road wagon did receive a safety and powertrain system upgrades in response to criticism in December 2024, which were made available to new and existing owners earlier this month. Recently, GWM also revealed its first Tank 500 diesel, powered by the same 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel as the smaller Tank 300 and the Cannon Alpha ute. However, this Thai-built variant was ruled out for Australia, which will instead receive a beefier new 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel by around 2027. For now, Australia's Tank 500 hybrid will be joined by one of two plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains already available in China from October, beating both the Prado and the top-selling Ford Everest to market with PHEV power – and becoming the first large, ladder-frame SUV to offer such a powertrain in Australia. GWM Australia won't say whether it will be the same off-road-focused 'Hi4-T' system that's also available in the Cannon Alpha PHEV, which combines a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a single electric motor to produce 300kW of power and 750Nm of torque, or the on-road-focussed, dual-motor Hi4-Z powertrain that slams down a mammoth 635kW and 1195Nm. "There's no confirmation yet on which powertrain will be offered for the ANZ market," the GWM Australia spokesperson told CarExpert today. "The [Tank 500 PHEV] launch in October will be centred on the powertrain reveal." Both of the Tank 500's PHEV powertrains are based around the same 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four, but while the Hi4-T continues with a mechanical four-wheel-drive system, transfer case and differential locks, there's no mechanical connection between the front and rear electric motors of the Hi4-Z, which has multi-link rear suspension and almost double the battery capacity. In China, the Tank 500 Hi4-Z has a 59.05kWh battery pack positioned between the axles rather than at the rear, offering a claimed 201km (WLTC) of electric-only driving range and 1096km of total range. But even the Hi4-T offers 45kW/102Nm higher outputs than the standard Tank 500 hybrid, while still being capable to ford water up to 800mm deep and offering similar off-road geometry, albeit with 11mm less ground clearance. It offers 110km of range on the WLTC cycle. The Tank 500 Hi4-T weighs 398kg more than the plugless hybrid version already on sale here, while the Hi4-Z weighs another 150kg at 2980kg. GWM Australia previously told CarExpert the PHEV version would attract an estimated price premium of between $6000 and $15,000 over the current Tank 500 HEV, which is available in two equipment grades priced from $66,490 drive-away. So you can expect a starting price of about $72,000 drive-away for the cheapest Tank 500 PHEV, given the single-motor Hi4-T powertrain seems more likely for Australia. "It's going to depend on the size of the battery pack… range and battery size is what defines pricing," GWM Australia marketing and communications boss Steve Maciver told us previously. MORE: Everything GWM Tank 500 Content originally sourced from: GWM has upgraded its Tank 500 yet again, with the launch of a facelifted version of the large SUV in China last week, but it won't be available in Australia any time soon. The updated 2026 GWM Tank 500 brings minor styling enhancements plus a range of new luxury and safety equipment little more than a year after the Toyota Prado rival was released Down Under. But its new look and new equipment – which includes a built-in fridge and roof-mounted rear entertainment system – won't be introduced alongside a plug-in hybrid powertrain due in Australia from October. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. "For now, ANZ [Australian and New Zealand] will continue with the current version," said a GWM Australia spokesperson. "[We have] No plans to confirm our intention to align with revised specification recently seen in China." China's MY26 Tank 500 brings a revised grille that now underlines the headlights on both sides, and differs from the 'sports' grille introduced earlier this year – including for the black-themed Vanta range-topper. There are also new alloy wheel designs, a Dunhuang (dark green) exterior colour option, revised GWM Tank badging at the rear and, inside, a column-mounted gear selector and new blue and white colourway. The biggest interior upgrade is reserved for rear-seat occupants, who score a 50W refrigerator built into the centre console, and an entertainment system comprising a 17.3-inch 3K multimedia screen that flips down from the roof and can be controlled by voice, gesture, touch, or mobile phone. According to Autohome, the Chinese-market Tank 500 also gains a new roof-mounted Hesai LTX LiDAR sensor plus new cameras on the front fenders and rear spoiler to support upgraded advanced driving assistance system (ADAS) capabilities powered by GWM's third-generation Coffee Pilot Ultra safety suite. The Tank 500 was first revealed in China in 2021, before its domestic launch in 2022 in both turbocharged 3.0-litre petrol V6 and turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol hybrid forms. The latter has powered the Tank 500 in Australia since its local launch in March 2024, but the seven-seat off-road wagon did receive a safety and powertrain system upgrades in response to criticism in December 2024, which were made available to new and existing owners earlier this month. Recently, GWM also revealed its first Tank 500 diesel, powered by the same 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel as the smaller Tank 300 and the Cannon Alpha ute. However, this Thai-built variant was ruled out for Australia, which will instead receive a beefier new 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel by around 2027. For now, Australia's Tank 500 hybrid will be joined by one of two plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains already available in China from October, beating both the Prado and the top-selling Ford Everest to market with PHEV power – and becoming the first large, ladder-frame SUV to offer such a powertrain in Australia. GWM Australia won't say whether it will be the same off-road-focused 'Hi4-T' system that's also available in the Cannon Alpha PHEV, which combines a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a single electric motor to produce 300kW of power and 750Nm of torque, or the on-road-focussed, dual-motor Hi4-Z powertrain that slams down a mammoth 635kW and 1195Nm. "There's no confirmation yet on which powertrain will be offered for the ANZ market," the GWM Australia spokesperson told CarExpert today. "The [Tank 500 PHEV] launch in October will be centred on the powertrain reveal." Both of the Tank 500's PHEV powertrains are based around the same 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four, but while the Hi4-T continues with a mechanical four-wheel-drive system, transfer case and differential locks, there's no mechanical connection between the front and rear electric motors of the Hi4-Z, which has multi-link rear suspension and almost double the battery capacity. In China, the Tank 500 Hi4-Z has a 59.05kWh battery pack positioned between the axles rather than at the rear, offering a claimed 201km (WLTC) of electric-only driving range and 1096km of total range. But even the Hi4-T offers 45kW/102Nm higher outputs than the standard Tank 500 hybrid, while still being capable to ford water up to 800mm deep and offering similar off-road geometry, albeit with 11mm less ground clearance. It offers 110km of range on the WLTC cycle. The Tank 500 Hi4-T weighs 398kg more than the plugless hybrid version already on sale here, while the Hi4-Z weighs another 150kg at 2980kg. GWM Australia previously told CarExpert the PHEV version would attract an estimated price premium of between $6000 and $15,000 over the current Tank 500 HEV, which is available in two equipment grades priced from $66,490 drive-away. So you can expect a starting price of about $72,000 drive-away for the cheapest Tank 500 PHEV, given the single-motor Hi4-T powertrain seems more likely for Australia. "It's going to depend on the size of the battery pack… range and battery size is what defines pricing," GWM Australia marketing and communications boss Steve Maciver told us previously. MORE: Everything GWM Tank 500 Content originally sourced from: GWM has upgraded its Tank 500 yet again, with the launch of a facelifted version of the large SUV in China last week, but it won't be available in Australia any time soon. The updated 2026 GWM Tank 500 brings minor styling enhancements plus a range of new luxury and safety equipment little more than a year after the Toyota Prado rival was released Down Under. But its new look and new equipment – which includes a built-in fridge and roof-mounted rear entertainment system – won't be introduced alongside a plug-in hybrid powertrain due in Australia from October. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. "For now, ANZ [Australian and New Zealand] will continue with the current version," said a GWM Australia spokesperson. "[We have] No plans to confirm our intention to align with revised specification recently seen in China." China's MY26 Tank 500 brings a revised grille that now underlines the headlights on both sides, and differs from the 'sports' grille introduced earlier this year – including for the black-themed Vanta range-topper. There are also new alloy wheel designs, a Dunhuang (dark green) exterior colour option, revised GWM Tank badging at the rear and, inside, a column-mounted gear selector and new blue and white colourway. The biggest interior upgrade is reserved for rear-seat occupants, who score a 50W refrigerator built into the centre console, and an entertainment system comprising a 17.3-inch 3K multimedia screen that flips down from the roof and can be controlled by voice, gesture, touch, or mobile phone. According to Autohome, the Chinese-market Tank 500 also gains a new roof-mounted Hesai LTX LiDAR sensor plus new cameras on the front fenders and rear spoiler to support upgraded advanced driving assistance system (ADAS) capabilities powered by GWM's third-generation Coffee Pilot Ultra safety suite. The Tank 500 was first revealed in China in 2021, before its domestic launch in 2022 in both turbocharged 3.0-litre petrol V6 and turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol hybrid forms. The latter has powered the Tank 500 in Australia since its local launch in March 2024, but the seven-seat off-road wagon did receive a safety and powertrain system upgrades in response to criticism in December 2024, which were made available to new and existing owners earlier this month. Recently, GWM also revealed its first Tank 500 diesel, powered by the same 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel as the smaller Tank 300 and the Cannon Alpha ute. However, this Thai-built variant was ruled out for Australia, which will instead receive a beefier new 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel by around 2027. For now, Australia's Tank 500 hybrid will be joined by one of two plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains already available in China from October, beating both the Prado and the top-selling Ford Everest to market with PHEV power – and becoming the first large, ladder-frame SUV to offer such a powertrain in Australia. GWM Australia won't say whether it will be the same off-road-focused 'Hi4-T' system that's also available in the Cannon Alpha PHEV, which combines a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a single electric motor to produce 300kW of power and 750Nm of torque, or the on-road-focussed, dual-motor Hi4-Z powertrain that slams down a mammoth 635kW and 1195Nm. "There's no confirmation yet on which powertrain will be offered for the ANZ market," the GWM Australia spokesperson told CarExpert today. "The [Tank 500 PHEV] launch in October will be centred on the powertrain reveal." Both of the Tank 500's PHEV powertrains are based around the same 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four, but while the Hi4-T continues with a mechanical four-wheel-drive system, transfer case and differential locks, there's no mechanical connection between the front and rear electric motors of the Hi4-Z, which has multi-link rear suspension and almost double the battery capacity. In China, the Tank 500 Hi4-Z has a 59.05kWh battery pack positioned between the axles rather than at the rear, offering a claimed 201km (WLTC) of electric-only driving range and 1096km of total range. But even the Hi4-T offers 45kW/102Nm higher outputs than the standard Tank 500 hybrid, while still being capable to ford water up to 800mm deep and offering similar off-road geometry, albeit with 11mm less ground clearance. It offers 110km of range on the WLTC cycle. The Tank 500 Hi4-T weighs 398kg more than the plugless hybrid version already on sale here, while the Hi4-Z weighs another 150kg at 2980kg. GWM Australia previously told CarExpert the PHEV version would attract an estimated price premium of between $6000 and $15,000 over the current Tank 500 HEV, which is available in two equipment grades priced from $66,490 drive-away. So you can expect a starting price of about $72,000 drive-away for the cheapest Tank 500 PHEV, given the single-motor Hi4-T powertrain seems more likely for Australia. "It's going to depend on the size of the battery pack… range and battery size is what defines pricing," GWM Australia marketing and communications boss Steve Maciver told us previously. MORE: Everything GWM Tank 500 Content originally sourced from:
The Advertiser
22-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
GWM Tank 500 diesel debuts, but Australians will have to wait
TheGWM Tank 500 is gaining a diesel option in Thailand, but for now Australia will stick with hybrid and plug-in hybrid power. That's despite the smaller Tank 300 receiving a turbo-diesel engine earlier this year, which has quickly become the most popular powertrain in that lineup. The Toyota Prado-rivalling Tank 500 is receiving the same 2.4-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine that's seen in the related GWM Cannon Alpha and Tank 300, for the Thai market. However, this vehicle is being built in Thailand, and GWM Australia has confirmed our Tank 500 will continue to be sourced from China. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new GWM Tank 500. Click here to get a great deal. The 2.4-litre turbo-diesel produces 135kW and 480Nm of torque in the Thai-market Tank 500, and is available with either rear- or four-wheel drive. The diesel-powered model is distinguished by a repositioned spare wheel, mounted under the vehicle instead of on the tailgate. GWM has previously hinted the Tank 500 will gain an upcoming four-cylinder 3.0-litre turbo-diesel in Australia. The bigger new engine, due for release around 2027, will also be fitted to the Cannon Alpha and Tank 700 off-road SUV, producing more power and torque than the brand's existing 2.0-litre and 2.4-litre oilers. "Some powertrain, especially [in] the high-end SUV, will need the high-torque [engine]," GWM International vice president James Yang told Australian media in Shanghai earlier this year. "So in China, or other market, we'll have the 2.4-litre diesel, especially in Thailand… But I think in Australia, the high-torque, big engine [is needed]. So for some products, we'll wait for this engine to launch in Australia." It won't be the first Tank 500 powertrain Australia will miss out on, with a 3.0-litre turbocharged petrol V6 also offered overseas but not here. GWM believes it can offset the emissions of its turbo-diesel offerings with a range of hybrids, plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and electric vehicles (EVs) "So in the future, I think the Australian market, the PHEV, and HEV, plus diesel is a good choice for the customer… and also we have the EV, but I think for some scenarios the sales volume can be not very high," said Mr Yang. "So maybe these are the three types of powertrain that's much better for this market and also can balance the emissions." GWM now offers hybrid powertrains across its Haval Jolion, Haval H6, Haval H7, Tank 300 and Tank 500 lineups, plus PHEV versions of the Haval H6 GT and Cannon Alpha (and, soon, the Tank 500). It has just one EV, the Ora hatch, but it'll be joined by two more EVs by the end of next year. Petrol power continues to be offered in the Haval Jolion, Haval H6 and Haval H6 GT lineups, and diesel power in the Tank 300, Cannon and Cannon Alpha. The company has said its hybrid-heavy lineup has already allowed it to start accumulating credits under the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES), meaning it can continue to offer diesel models without copping financial penalties, and also avoid imposing price rises on customers as other brands have done. GWM wants to be a top-five automotive brand in Australia by 2030, with plans to surpass 50,000 sales this year and reach 75,000 annual deliveries by the end of the decade. MORE: Explore the GWM Tank 500 showroom Content originally sourced from: TheGWM Tank 500 is gaining a diesel option in Thailand, but for now Australia will stick with hybrid and plug-in hybrid power. That's despite the smaller Tank 300 receiving a turbo-diesel engine earlier this year, which has quickly become the most popular powertrain in that lineup. The Toyota Prado-rivalling Tank 500 is receiving the same 2.4-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine that's seen in the related GWM Cannon Alpha and Tank 300, for the Thai market. However, this vehicle is being built in Thailand, and GWM Australia has confirmed our Tank 500 will continue to be sourced from China. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new GWM Tank 500. Click here to get a great deal. The 2.4-litre turbo-diesel produces 135kW and 480Nm of torque in the Thai-market Tank 500, and is available with either rear- or four-wheel drive. The diesel-powered model is distinguished by a repositioned spare wheel, mounted under the vehicle instead of on the tailgate. GWM has previously hinted the Tank 500 will gain an upcoming four-cylinder 3.0-litre turbo-diesel in Australia. The bigger new engine, due for release around 2027, will also be fitted to the Cannon Alpha and Tank 700 off-road SUV, producing more power and torque than the brand's existing 2.0-litre and 2.4-litre oilers. "Some powertrain, especially [in] the high-end SUV, will need the high-torque [engine]," GWM International vice president James Yang told Australian media in Shanghai earlier this year. "So in China, or other market, we'll have the 2.4-litre diesel, especially in Thailand… But I think in Australia, the high-torque, big engine [is needed]. So for some products, we'll wait for this engine to launch in Australia." It won't be the first Tank 500 powertrain Australia will miss out on, with a 3.0-litre turbocharged petrol V6 also offered overseas but not here. GWM believes it can offset the emissions of its turbo-diesel offerings with a range of hybrids, plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and electric vehicles (EVs) "So in the future, I think the Australian market, the PHEV, and HEV, plus diesel is a good choice for the customer… and also we have the EV, but I think for some scenarios the sales volume can be not very high," said Mr Yang. "So maybe these are the three types of powertrain that's much better for this market and also can balance the emissions." GWM now offers hybrid powertrains across its Haval Jolion, Haval H6, Haval H7, Tank 300 and Tank 500 lineups, plus PHEV versions of the Haval H6 GT and Cannon Alpha (and, soon, the Tank 500). It has just one EV, the Ora hatch, but it'll be joined by two more EVs by the end of next year. Petrol power continues to be offered in the Haval Jolion, Haval H6 and Haval H6 GT lineups, and diesel power in the Tank 300, Cannon and Cannon Alpha. The company has said its hybrid-heavy lineup has already allowed it to start accumulating credits under the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES), meaning it can continue to offer diesel models without copping financial penalties, and also avoid imposing price rises on customers as other brands have done. GWM wants to be a top-five automotive brand in Australia by 2030, with plans to surpass 50,000 sales this year and reach 75,000 annual deliveries by the end of the decade. MORE: Explore the GWM Tank 500 showroom Content originally sourced from: TheGWM Tank 500 is gaining a diesel option in Thailand, but for now Australia will stick with hybrid and plug-in hybrid power. That's despite the smaller Tank 300 receiving a turbo-diesel engine earlier this year, which has quickly become the most popular powertrain in that lineup. The Toyota Prado-rivalling Tank 500 is receiving the same 2.4-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine that's seen in the related GWM Cannon Alpha and Tank 300, for the Thai market. However, this vehicle is being built in Thailand, and GWM Australia has confirmed our Tank 500 will continue to be sourced from China. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new GWM Tank 500. Click here to get a great deal. The 2.4-litre turbo-diesel produces 135kW and 480Nm of torque in the Thai-market Tank 500, and is available with either rear- or four-wheel drive. The diesel-powered model is distinguished by a repositioned spare wheel, mounted under the vehicle instead of on the tailgate. GWM has previously hinted the Tank 500 will gain an upcoming four-cylinder 3.0-litre turbo-diesel in Australia. The bigger new engine, due for release around 2027, will also be fitted to the Cannon Alpha and Tank 700 off-road SUV, producing more power and torque than the brand's existing 2.0-litre and 2.4-litre oilers. "Some powertrain, especially [in] the high-end SUV, will need the high-torque [engine]," GWM International vice president James Yang told Australian media in Shanghai earlier this year. "So in China, or other market, we'll have the 2.4-litre diesel, especially in Thailand… But I think in Australia, the high-torque, big engine [is needed]. So for some products, we'll wait for this engine to launch in Australia." It won't be the first Tank 500 powertrain Australia will miss out on, with a 3.0-litre turbocharged petrol V6 also offered overseas but not here. GWM believes it can offset the emissions of its turbo-diesel offerings with a range of hybrids, plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and electric vehicles (EVs) "So in the future, I think the Australian market, the PHEV, and HEV, plus diesel is a good choice for the customer… and also we have the EV, but I think for some scenarios the sales volume can be not very high," said Mr Yang. "So maybe these are the three types of powertrain that's much better for this market and also can balance the emissions." GWM now offers hybrid powertrains across its Haval Jolion, Haval H6, Haval H7, Tank 300 and Tank 500 lineups, plus PHEV versions of the Haval H6 GT and Cannon Alpha (and, soon, the Tank 500). It has just one EV, the Ora hatch, but it'll be joined by two more EVs by the end of next year. Petrol power continues to be offered in the Haval Jolion, Haval H6 and Haval H6 GT lineups, and diesel power in the Tank 300, Cannon and Cannon Alpha. The company has said its hybrid-heavy lineup has already allowed it to start accumulating credits under the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES), meaning it can continue to offer diesel models without copping financial penalties, and also avoid imposing price rises on customers as other brands have done. GWM wants to be a top-five automotive brand in Australia by 2030, with plans to surpass 50,000 sales this year and reach 75,000 annual deliveries by the end of the decade. MORE: Explore the GWM Tank 500 showroom Content originally sourced from: TheGWM Tank 500 is gaining a diesel option in Thailand, but for now Australia will stick with hybrid and plug-in hybrid power. That's despite the smaller Tank 300 receiving a turbo-diesel engine earlier this year, which has quickly become the most popular powertrain in that lineup. The Toyota Prado-rivalling Tank 500 is receiving the same 2.4-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine that's seen in the related GWM Cannon Alpha and Tank 300, for the Thai market. However, this vehicle is being built in Thailand, and GWM Australia has confirmed our Tank 500 will continue to be sourced from China. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new GWM Tank 500. Click here to get a great deal. The 2.4-litre turbo-diesel produces 135kW and 480Nm of torque in the Thai-market Tank 500, and is available with either rear- or four-wheel drive. The diesel-powered model is distinguished by a repositioned spare wheel, mounted under the vehicle instead of on the tailgate. GWM has previously hinted the Tank 500 will gain an upcoming four-cylinder 3.0-litre turbo-diesel in Australia. The bigger new engine, due for release around 2027, will also be fitted to the Cannon Alpha and Tank 700 off-road SUV, producing more power and torque than the brand's existing 2.0-litre and 2.4-litre oilers. "Some powertrain, especially [in] the high-end SUV, will need the high-torque [engine]," GWM International vice president James Yang told Australian media in Shanghai earlier this year. "So in China, or other market, we'll have the 2.4-litre diesel, especially in Thailand… But I think in Australia, the high-torque, big engine [is needed]. So for some products, we'll wait for this engine to launch in Australia." It won't be the first Tank 500 powertrain Australia will miss out on, with a 3.0-litre turbocharged petrol V6 also offered overseas but not here. GWM believes it can offset the emissions of its turbo-diesel offerings with a range of hybrids, plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and electric vehicles (EVs) "So in the future, I think the Australian market, the PHEV, and HEV, plus diesel is a good choice for the customer… and also we have the EV, but I think for some scenarios the sales volume can be not very high," said Mr Yang. "So maybe these are the three types of powertrain that's much better for this market and also can balance the emissions." GWM now offers hybrid powertrains across its Haval Jolion, Haval H6, Haval H7, Tank 300 and Tank 500 lineups, plus PHEV versions of the Haval H6 GT and Cannon Alpha (and, soon, the Tank 500). It has just one EV, the Ora hatch, but it'll be joined by two more EVs by the end of next year. Petrol power continues to be offered in the Haval Jolion, Haval H6 and Haval H6 GT lineups, and diesel power in the Tank 300, Cannon and Cannon Alpha. The company has said its hybrid-heavy lineup has already allowed it to start accumulating credits under the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES), meaning it can continue to offer diesel models without copping financial penalties, and also avoid imposing price rises on customers as other brands have done. GWM wants to be a top-five automotive brand in Australia by 2030, with plans to surpass 50,000 sales this year and reach 75,000 annual deliveries by the end of the decade. MORE: Explore the GWM Tank 500 showroom Content originally sourced from:
