The double-cab bakkie market in South Africa is notoriously demanding, with buyers expecting workhorse utility, family luxury, and genuine off-road capability in equal measure. GWM has stepped up its presence in this space by launching the P500 powered by an all-new 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel powertrain. Developing 170 kW and 620 Nm of torque, this flagship bakkie targets the premium double-cab hierarchy with strong mechanical hardware and an accessible price point.
Powertrain and Low-End Grunt
At the centre of the P500 is a 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine paired with GWM’s proprietary longitudinal nine-speed automatic transmission (9AT). Delivering 170 kW and 620 Nm, the new oil-burner represents a 26% lift in power and a 30% increase in torque over the earlier 2.4-litre unit.
Crucial for heavily laden touring and technical off-road driving, 385 Nm of torque arrives at just 1,000 rpm. This low-end response ensures prompt pulling power straight off idle, eliminating the need to search for revs when pulling heavy loads or ascending steep inclines. High-pressure fuel delivery is handled by a 2,000-bar common-rail injection system, keeping claimed combined fuel consumption to 7.1 litres per 100 km in laboratory conditions.
Refinement and Acoustic Control
Large-capacity diesel engines are historically prone to noticeable cabin rattle, but GWM has integrated six dedicated vibration and noise-suppression measures into the powerplant. The engine idle volume is rated at 68 dB, yielding sound and vibration levels comparable to a petrol unit. To keep the cabin quiet at highway speeds, the body utilizes high-density acoustic insulation and double-sealed rear doors to reduce wind and tyre roar.
Towing Specs and Off-Road Capability
The P500 is built on a high-strength steel ladder chassis, with over 85% of the body structure composed of high-strength steel grades. For off-road and expedition travel, the primary geometry figures include:
- Minimum Ground Clearance: 224 mm
- Approach Angle: 28.5 degrees
- Breakover Angle: 19 degrees
- Departure Angle: 23 degrees
- Wading Depth: 800 mm
- Braked Towing Rating: 3,500 kg (3.5 tonnes)
The selectable four-wheel-drive system provides 2H for paved surfaces, 4H for slippery gravel or sand tracks, and 4L low range for technical trails and vehicle recovery. When locked, the system distributes torque in a fixed 50:50 front-to-rear split. Real-time telemetry displayed on the infotainment screen tracks differential lock status, steering angles, tyre pressures, temperatures, barometric pressure, and altitude.
Towing setups benefit from a factory-integrated electronic trailer brake controller, trailer sway mitigation, a dedicated Trailer transmission mapping mode, and driver-assistance systems calibrated to remain fully functional while towing. The entire mechanical package is backed by more than one million kilometres of global test-bench and field evaluation.
Cockpit Appointments and Tech
Inside, the P500 adopts SUV-grade interior trimmings. The dashboard is dominated by a 14.6-inch high-definition central touchscreen running GWM’s Coffee OS 3.0, partnered with a 12.3-inch digital driver display and a colour Head-Up Display. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 50W inductive phone charger, and an automatic air-purification system are fitted as standard.
Cabin features can be controlled via an intelligent voice interface prompted by saying “Hello GWM”, allowing drivers to operate climate settings, adjust audio, or open windows hands-free. The seating is upholstered in premium leather, offering heating, ventilation, multi-directional electric adjustment, memory settings, and massage functions for the front occupants.
Safety Credentials
The P500 provides a Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) package that includes Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC), and Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB).
Off-road placement and tight parking manoeuvres are supported by a 360-degree exterior camera system integrated with a 180-degree transparent chassis perspective, providing a combined 540-degree view of the terrain around and directly under the vehicle. Passive protection includes seven cabin airbags and automated emergency shutdown protocols that unlock doors and isolate fuel delivery during collisions.
South African Pricing and Warranty
The GWM P500 3.0 Turbodiesel is offered in two configurations:
- P500 Double Cab 3.0TD 9AT 4×2 Super Luxury: R724,900
- P500 Double Cab 3.0TD 9AT 4×4 Ultra Luxury: R799,900
Both models are sold with a 7-year/200,000 km warranty, 7 years of unlimited kilometre roadside assistance, and a 7-year/75,000 km service plan with intervals every 15,000 km or 12 months.
