2026 GWM Tank 500 prices: Prado, Everest rival finally gets diesel power with new 3.0L

The GWM Tank 500 is now finally available in Australia with diesel power, and it's the brand's new 3.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder.

It's priced at $65,990 drive-away in base Lux trim and $71,990 drive-away in flagship Vanta form.

GWM Australia is also offering a choice of either a $2000 discount ("cash bonus") or $2000 fuel card for vehicles purchased before October 30, 2026.

For context, the Tank 500 Lux undercuts the most affordable turbo-diesel V6-powered Ford Everest by $1000, while the Vanta is $5000 cheaper than the mid-spec Everest Sport V6. Even the cheapest Toyota Prado is priced at $73,200 before on-road costs.

GWM's own Tank 500 PHEV is currently priced at $79,990 drive-away in its single Ultra trim.

The new 3.0L Tank 500 is available to pre-order now, ahead of first customer deliveries via GWM dealerships from mid-September. GWM says it has already received more than 1000 expressions of interest.

The Tank 500 was launched here in 2024 as a seven-seat hybrid SUV, with a five-seat plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version following in 2025. However, the 2.4-litre diesel and 3.0-litre turbo-petrol V6 engines offered overseas never made their way here.

The PHEV will remain part of the lineup, but the new seven-seat diesel will take the place of the hybrid.

The 3.0-litre turbo-diesel four produces 170kW of power and 620Nm of torque, down 14kW but up 20Nm on the 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 in the Ford Everest.

Fuel consumption on the combined cycle is a claimed 7.1L/100km, 1.4L/100km less than the (admittedly more powerful) hybrid it replaces, and the Tank 500 3.0L doesn't require AdBlue.

The entry-level Lux has a 78L fuel tank, while the Vanta upgrades to a 131L tank.

The new engine is mated with a nine-speed automatic transmission and a part-time four-wheel drive system with selectable low-range gearing and locking front, centre and rear differentials.

Braked towing capacity has been bumped up from 3000kg to 3500kg, and GWM says it has worked on optimising cruise control and transmission calibration when towing.

The Tank 500 has a payload of 760kg in Lux 3.0L guise, and 690kg in Vanta 3.0L trim.

GWM Australia says the new powertrain has undergone more than six months of local engineering and validation testing under its lead product dynamics and integration manager, former Holden engineer Rob Trubiani.

It claims development of the new powertrain was focused not only on delivering higher performance, but also improved efficiency.

The Tank 500 hasn't simply received a new engine.

Inside, the 12.3-inch touchscreen has been replaced with a 14.6-inch unit running the Chinese brand's new Coffee OS operating system, featuring a 2K 1920x1080 resolution, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a "more intuitive, connected and personalised digital experience".

Coffee OS also supports over-the-air software updates.

In addition to the 14.6-inch touchscreen, standard equipment on the base Lux includes:

• 18-inch two-tone chrome alloy wheels with full-size alloy spare
• Automatic LED headlights
• Sunroof
• Rear privacy glass
• Keyless entry and start
• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
• Leatherette upholstery
• 8-way power driver's seat with memory
• 4-way power passenger seat
• Heated front seats
• Wireless phone charger
• 8-speaker sound system
• 4-way power-adjustable steering column
• Dual-zone climate control

The Vanta adds:

• Black grille, roof rails, power-retractable side steps
• 19-inch black alloy wheels
• Panoramic sunroof
• Power tailgate
• Head-up display
• Nappa leather upholstery in black (optionally available in black/apricot)
• Massaging front seats with memory
• Ventilated first- and second-row seats
• Heated steering wheel
• Power-folding third row
• 12-speaker sound system

All Tank 500s have a suite of active safety and driver-assist technology that includes adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, safe exit warning, rear cross-traffic assist, and traffic sign recognition.

“While many of the new Chinese automotive players are increasingly focused on electrification, GWM believes Australian customers deserve choice, and we’re not going to shy away from investing in diesel technology where we know demand is still strong,” said GWM Australia chief operating officer John Kett in a press release.

“But choice is only part of the equation. When you look at the Cannon Alpha and Tank 500 against the established volume players in their respective segments, the difference is clear. We’re offering a higher level of standard specification, more performance and more technology, while asking customers to pay thousands of dollars less.”

MORE: Explore the GWM Tank 500 showroom