If you’ve been eyeing the GWM Tank 500 as your next family SUV and hoping for a diesel option, you’re going to need some patience. While Thai buyers can now choose from diesel power in their Tank 500, Australian customers will have to stick with hybrid and plug-in hybrid options for the foreseeable future.
This news might sting a bit, especially considering how popular the diesel option has become in the smaller Tank 300. But there’s more to this story than meets the eye, and understanding GWM’s strategy might help explain why we’re missing out – and what’s coming down the road.
What’s Happening with the Tank 500 Diesel?
The Tank 500 has just received a significant update in Thailand, where local buyers can now opt for a 2.4-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine. This isn’t just any diesel either – it’s the same proven unit that powers the GWM Cannon Alpha and Tank 300, producing a respectable 135kW of power and 480Nm of torque.
Thai customers get the flexibility of choosing between rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations, making it versatile enough for both city driving and weekend adventures. The diesel model even gets a practical design change, with the spare wheel relocated from the tailgate to underneath the vehicle – a small but meaningful improvement for daily usability.
Why Australia Gets Left Out
The answer comes down to manufacturing and market strategy. While the diesel-powered Tank 500 rolls off production lines in Thailand, Australian models continue to be imported from China. This geographical split in production means we’re dealing with different factory capabilities and market planning.
GWM Australia has been clear about their approach: they’re focusing on hybrid and plug-in hybrid technology for now. This decision isn’t random – it’s part of a calculated strategy to meet Australia’s emissions regulations while still offering the performance that SUV buyers expect.
The Tank 300 Success Story
What makes this situation particularly interesting is how well the diesel option has performed in the Tank 300. Since its introduction earlier this year, the turbo-diesel has quickly become the most popular powertrain choice among Australian buyers. This success story demonstrates there’s clearly appetite for diesel power in GWM’s SUV lineup.
The Tank 300’s diesel popularity sends a strong message to GWM about what Australian buyers want. We appreciate the efficiency, torque delivery, and range that diesel engines provide – especially in vehicles designed for both urban commuting and off-road capability.
What GWM Is Planning for Australia
Here’s where things get exciting for patient buyers. GWM isn’t ignoring the Australian market’s diesel appetite – they’re planning something bigger and better. The company has hinted at an upcoming 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine that should arrive around 2027.
This new engine promises to deliver more power and torque than the current 2.0-litre and 2.4-litre diesel options. It’s being developed specifically for markets like Australia, where buyers demand high-torque performance for towing and off-road adventures.
Why the Wait Makes Sense
GWM International’s vice president James Yang explained the reasoning behind this approach during a media briefing in Shanghai. The company recognizes that Australian buyers need “high-torque, big engine” power, particularly in premium SUVs like the Tank 500. Rather than rushing a smaller diesel to market, they’re waiting to deliver something that truly meets local expectations.
This patient approach means Australian buyers will eventually get a diesel option that’s specifically calibrated for our driving conditions and performance expectations, rather than a compromise solution.
The Bigger Picture: Balancing Performance and Emissions
GWM’s current strategy reflects the complex challenge facing all automakers: delivering the performance customers want while meeting increasingly strict emissions standards. The company is using its growing range of hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and electric vehicles to offset the emissions from its diesel offerings.
This portfolio approach allows GWM to continue offering diesel power where it makes sense while building up credits under Australia’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard. It’s a smart play that lets them avoid the price increases that other manufacturers have imposed to manage emissions penalties.
Current Powertrain Lineup
Right now, Australian Tank 500 buyers can choose from hybrid and plug-in hybrid options. While these might not have the same appeal as diesel for traditional SUV buyers, they offer their own advantages including improved fuel economy in city driving and the ability to run on electric power for short trips.
The company’s broader lineup shows their commitment to powertrain diversity, with hybrid options across multiple model lines and diesel power available in the Tank 300, Cannon, and Cannon Alpha.
What This Means for SUV Buyers
If you’re shopping for a large SUV right now, the Tank 500 in its current hybrid form still deserves consideration. The hybrid system provides plenty of real-world performance while offering better fuel economy than traditional petrol V6 engines.
However, if diesel power is non-negotiable for your needs, you might want to consider the smaller Tank 300 or wait for the promised 3.0-litre diesel in the Tank 500. The Tank 300 has proven that GWM can deliver competitive diesel performance in the Australian market.
Looking Ahead to 2027
The wait for the Tank 500 diesel might be frustrating, but it positions GWM to deliver a product that’s specifically designed for Australian conditions rather than adapted from other markets. The 3.0-litre diesel should provide the torque and capability that serious SUV buyers demand.
This timeline also aligns with GWM’s ambitious goal of becoming a top-five automotive brand in Australia by 2030. They’re planning for sustained growth rather than quick fixes, which suggests the eventual diesel Tank 500 will be worth the wait.
The Bottom Line
While it’s disappointing that Australian buyers can’t get the Tank 500 diesel that’s now available in Thailand, GWM’s approach shows they’re thinking long-term about the local market. The combination of current hybrid technology and future diesel options should give buyers the best of both worlds.
For now, if you need diesel power in a GWM SUV, the Tank 300 proves the brand can deliver. And if you can wait a few more years, the Tank 500 diesel should offer everything Australian SUV buyers have been asking for.