In the full-size four-wheel-drive SUV segment, off-road touring drivers prioritise low-end torque, range security, and mechanical robustness. GWM South Africa has addressed this segment directly with the introduction of the Tank 500 3.0-litre turbodiesel. Providing a strong four-cylinder diesel engine, genuine seven-seat capacity, a dedicated long-range expedition model, and pricing that remains below R1,000,000, the new flagship presents a formidable case for local overland travellers.
Expedition-Grade Torque and Fuel Range
Under the bonnet sits GWM’s new 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine, sending power through a longitudinal nine-speed automatic transmission to an all-wheel-drive transfer case. Peak outputs are rated at 170 kW and 620 Nm of torque.
Crucial for heavy sand driving, rocky trails, and steep climbs, 385 Nm of torque is on tap from just 1,000 rpm. This bottom-end pulling power allows the vehicle to climb obstacles and maintain headway without excessive revving. Supported by a 2,000-bar high-pressure common-rail fuel system, the Tank 500 4×4 delivers a claimed average consumption figure of 7.1 litres per 100 km (6.8 litres per 100 km for 4×2).
For long-haul bush travel across Southern Africa, fuel autonomy is a primary requirement. While standard derivatives feature a 78-litre fuel tank, the dedicated Overland trim incorporates a secondary 53-litre auxiliary tank straight from the factory, giving a total on-board fuel capacity of 131 litres. Towing capability is rated at 3,500 kg braked, aided by factory trailer sway mitigation and an integrated electronic trailer brake module.
Chassis Architecture and Terrain Hardware
The Tank 500 uses a rigid ladder-frame chassis with multi-link rear suspension to support demanding trail travel. Off-road geometry and capabilities include an 800 mm wading depth, generous approach and departure angles, and ample ground clearance.
The driver can switch between three driving modes depending on conditions:
- 2H: High-range two-wheel drive for open highway travel, reducing drivetrain drag and fuel consumption.
- 4H: High-range four-wheel drive for traction and high-speed stability on corrugated dirt roads, loose gravel, and mud.
- 4L: Low-range four-wheel drive that multiplies torque for steep rocky inclines, heavy sand dunes, and technical recoveries.
A 50:50 torque split locks the centre drive when traversing axle-twisters and slippery inclines. Off-road status screens display key information such as differential lock engagement, real-time wheel angles, individual tyre pressures, temperatures, barometric reading, and altitude.
Cabin Space and Touring Refinement
The Tank 500 accommodates seven passengers across three rows of genuine leather seating. The driver benefits from an eight-way electrically adjustable seat, while the front passenger gets four-way adjustment, with both front seats equipped with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. Dual-zone climate control, acoustic window glass, and specialised soundproofing ensure that cabin noise is kept to low levels.
The multimedia system runs GWM’s Coffee OS 3.0 through a large central touchscreen and digital cluster, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 50W inductive charging bay, and an automatic air-purification system that detects dust and pollutants. Natural speech recognition allows users to control vehicle settings by saying “Hello GWM”, allowing hands-on-the-wheel control over temperature, audio, and windows.
Active Safety Suite
Occupant protection in the Tank 500 combines a high-strength body structure with an extensive sensor network. Passive safety includes seven airbags, featuring a centre airbag between the front occupants to mitigate secondary impacts during side collisions.
Standard active safety technologies include:
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Intelligent Cruise Assist (ICA), and Traffic Jam Assist (TJA)
- Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with pedestrian and cyclist detection, plus Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
- Lane Keep Assist (LKA), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), and Emergency Lane Keeping (ELK)
- Front and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert with automatic emergency braking intervention
- 360-degree external camera views alongside a 180-degree transparent chassis feed (540-degree overall coverage)
- Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR) and Intelligent Speed Assist (ISA)
South African Pricing and Line-Up
The GWM Tank 500 3.0 Turbodiesel range includes three derivatives:
- Tank 500 3.0TD 9AT 4×2 Super Luxury: R849,900
- Tank 500 3.0TD 9AT 4×4 Ultra Luxury: R929,900
- Tank 500 3.0TD 9AT 4×4 Overland (131L Fuel Tank): R999,900
All models come standard with GWM’s 7-year/200,000 km warranty, 7 years of unlimited kilometre roadside assistance, and a 7-year/75,000 km service plan, with service intervals scheduled every 15,000 km or 12 months.
