GWM opens pre-order books for new 620Nm turbo-diesel Tank 500 and Cannon Alpha

GWM is now accepting expressions of interest for its new 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine ahead of its global debut in Australia and New Zealand this September.

The new four-cylinder diesel engine will be offered exclusively in the Tank 500 large SUV and Cannon Alpha dual-cab ute, replacing the existing 2.4-litre turbo-diesel in the latter and giving the seven-seat Tank 500 its first diesel engine option.

Producing 170kW of power and 620Nm of torque, the new engine delivers an additional 35kW and 140Nm over the 2.4-litre diesel it replaces.

The 620Nm torque figure also exceeds that of the 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 offered in the Ford Ranger ute and Everest off-road SUV, which produces 600Nm. Ford’s V6 retains a 14kW power advantage, however, with an output of 184kW.

The Tank 500 diesel has a combined fuel consumption figure of 7.1L/100km on the NEDC cycle, while the Cannon Alpha is rated at 7.3L/100km.

That represents a significant improvement over the current Cannon Alpha 2.4-litre diesel, which has a claimed average fuel economy figure of 8.9L/100km.

The new engine is paired with the company's in-house-developed nine-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive, and both models will offer a 3500kg braked towing capacity.

GWM says the new turbo-diesel was developed for improved towing performance, long-distance touring, and off-road capability, with a focus on strong low-end torque and refinement.

The new 3.0-litre engine is the equal-largest-displacement four-cylinder turbo-diesel available in Australia, matching the engines available in the Isuzu D-Max ute and MU-X off-road SUV. However, both of those models produce considerably less power and torque, with outputs of 140kW and 450Nm.

GWM says Australia and New Zealand were selected as the first markets to receive the new powertrain due to the importance of the two countries within its global product strategy.

The company says feedback from local customers helped shape the development of the engine, with buyers in both markets continuing to show strong demand for larger-capacity diesel powertrains.

Ahead of its release, the engine underwent more than six months of local engineering and validation work across Australia, led by GWM ANZ product engineering and vehicle dynamics manager Rob Trubiani.

GWM says testing focused on performance, durability, drivability, towing capability, and powertrain calibration across a range of surfaces and conditions.

The diesel-powered Tank 500 will replace the current 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol-electric hybrid variants, which are being run out. While the hybrid produces more power and torque, with combined outputs of 255kW and 648Nm, GWM has previously said the new diesel’s carbon dioxide emissions are expected to be broadly comparable.

The new diesel engine will form part of GWM’s expanding powertrain lineup, which already includes petrol, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and diesel options. PHEV versions of the Tank 500 and Cannon Alpha offer 300kW/750Nm.

GWM has also confirmed the 3.0-litre diesel has been designed to support future hybrid and plug-in hybrid applications, with electrified diesel models expected to enter production in China from early 2027.

Pricing, final specifications, and local availability for the diesel-powered Tank 500 and Cannon Alpha will be announced closer to their September launch.

Customers can now register their interest through GWM Australia's website.

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