• All-new 3.0-litre turbo-diesel delivers 170kW and class-leading 620Nm of torque
• Segment-leading diesel fuel efficiency across both Cannon Alpha and TANK 500
• 3,500kg braked towing capacity with enhanced towing integration
• Extensive Australian engineering and validation program undertaken to deliver optimised performance
• Improved driver interaction via GWMs Coffee OS operating system
GWM has laid down a clear challenge to established ute and SUV players with the arrival of the next-generation Cannon Alpha and TANK 500, introducing an all-new diesel powertrain alongside engine performance and standard equipment not yet seen in the segment. Both models will be priced thousands of dollars below comparable competitors, delivering unmatched levels of value to the segments.
At a time when many competitors are increasingly shying away from investment in non-EV technology, GWM has invested in an all-new diesel powertrain specifically engineered and validated for the demands of ANZ drivers.
The message is simple: Buyers still want diesel power, and GWM is giving them more of what they want, for less.
GWM Australia Chief Operating Officer John Kett said the investment reflected GWM’s commitment to giving Australian customers genuine choice across different powertrain technologies.
“While many of the new Chinese automotive players are increasingly focused on electrification, GWM believes ANZ customers deserve choice, and we’re not going to shy away from investing in diesel technology where we know demand is still strong,” Mr Kett said.
“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. That is a proposition we believe ANZ customers will find very compelling.”
A new generation of GWM diesel power
At the heart of both the next-generation Cannon Alpha and TANK 500 is GWM’s all-new 3.0-litre turbo-diesel, representing a significant step forward in the brand’s diesel powertrain technology.
Rather than simply increasing engine capacity, GWM’s engineers have developed a comprehensive new powertrain focused on higher performance, stronger real-world response, improved efficiency and the durability required for demanding Australian conditions.
The result is 170kW of power and class-leading 620Nm of torque, a significant increase over the outgoing 2.4-litre turbo-diesel in Cannon Alpha. Peak torque is available from 1,400 to 2,400rpm, providing strong and consistent response across a broad operating range, particularly when towing, carrying heavy loads or tackling challenging terrain.
Despite the increase in performance, the new engine delivers class-leading fuel efficiency of 7.3L/100km in Cannon Alpha and 7.1L/100km in TANK 500.
Achieving this balance of performance and efficiency has required optimisation across the engine, including airflow, fuel delivery, cooling and thermal management. Shorter intake piping reduces the distance air travels before entering the engine, helping reduce turbo lag and deliver sharper throttle response, while the latest-generation Bosch common-rail injection system provides precise fuel delivery to optimise combustion efficiency.
An electronically controlled cooling fan and optimised thermal management further reduce energy losses while maintaining consistent operating temperatures and supporting long-term durability.
Together, these technologies deliver a more responsive and efficient diesel powertrain, with performance transferred to the road through GWM’s in-house nine-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel-drive system.
Built for Australia and New Zealand
Australia is one of GWM’s top three strategic markets globally and a lead market for understanding the needs of customers in this segment. That global understanding is being further refined through GWM’s Australian engineering program, where local testing, engineering expertise and customer requirements are directly influencing the development and calibration of its latest powertrain technology.
This is particularly important across GWM’s growing body-on-frame portfolio, including Cannon and TANK, where capability, towing and long-distance touring are key customer priorities. The introduction of the new 3.0-litre diesel demonstrates how GWM’s commitment to Australia goes beyond adapting vehicles for local conditions, with Australian requirements increasingly helping shape how its products are developed and refined.
Led by GWM Australia’s Lead Product Dynamics and Integration Manager, Rob Trubiani, the new powertrain has undergone more than six months of local engineering and validation, with GWM’s Australian and Chinese engineering teams putting the vehicles through an extensive testing program designed to optimise performance, refinement and durability for Australian drivers. Extensive development has been undertaken across ride and handling, engine and transmission calibration, towing performance and software.
Early local testing vehicles have already accumulated more than 35,000 combined kilometres in less than two months, with testing conducted across some of Australia’s most demanding and iconic environments, including the Flinders Ranges, Victoria’s High Country and the Big Desert.
The Cannon Alpha retains its 3,500kg braked towing capacity, while the Tank 500 sees its towing capacity increase from 3,000kg to 3,500kg, bringing both models to the same capability. A focus on enhanced towing integration, including brake controller functionality, cruise control while towing and transmission calibration specifically optimised for heavy-load towing has been a key focus.
Built to tow and tackle the terrain
Both models also deliver serious off-road capability, with front, centre and rear differential locks providing enhanced traction across challenging terrain. The combination of three locking differentials and GWM’s four-wheel-drive system gives drivers greater control when conditions become demanding, helping maintain traction when tackling steep, uneven, loose or slippery surfaces.
Adding to the practicality of the diesel powertrain, neither the Cannon Alpha nor TANK 500 requires AdBlue, simplifying ownership and removing the need for an additional diesel exhaust fluid refill.
The TANK 500 Vanta takes long-distance touring capability a step further with a 131-litre long-range fuel tank, increasing capacity from 78 litres and providing greater range between fuel stops. This makes the TANK 500 Vanta particularly well suited to extended touring and remote-area travel.
A smarter, more connected cabin
The next-generation Cannon Alpha and TANK 500 introduce GWM’s Coffee OS operating system, delivering a more intuitive, connected and personalised digital experience.
Designed to simplify interaction between driver, vehicle and digital services, Coffee OS provides easy access to vehicle functions, navigation, entertainment and connectivity, with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ seamlessly integrating compatible smartphone apps and services.
Coffee OS also supports over-the-air software updates, allowing GWM to remotely introduce software improvements, new functionality and system updates throughout the ownership journey.
The experience is brought to life through a significantly upgraded 14.6-inch central touchscreen, up from 12.3 inches, featuring 2K 1920 x 1080 resolution and full-colour HD display technology for a clearer, more immersive interface.
Connectivity extends through the GWM App, allowing owners to remotely check vehicle status and control selected functions from their smartphone. Drivers can also personalise settings and preferences to create a more intuitive in-vehicle experience.
Two grades, two distinct personalities
Both the Cannon Alpha and TANK 500 will be offered in two comprehensively equipped grades, Lux and Vanta, giving customers a choice between the refined sophistication of Lux and the distinctive, more assertive styling of Vanta.
The Cannon Alpha brings the versatility of a premium dual-cab ute, while the seven-seat TANK 500 combines three-row practicality with the performance, capability and refinement expected of a premium large SUV.
Across both models, GWM is challenging expectations of what customers should receive at this price point, with high levels of standard equipment and technology delivering a compelling combination of specification and value.
Vanta introduces a more assertive approach to exterior design with GWM’s signature black styling treatment, including a black front grille, black exterior door handles, black exterior mirrors, black side steps and 19-inch black alloy wheels with red brake calipers. It also adds further equipment and premium features, elevating the level of specification while delivering exceptional value without traditional premium pricing.
Availability
The next-generation GWM Cannon Alpha and TANK 500, powered by the all-new 3.0-litre turbo-diesel, are expected to arrive at GWM dealerships across Australia and New Zealand from mid-September 2026, with customer pre-orders now open and more than 1,000 expressions of interest already received.
Customers are encouraged to contact their local GWM dealer to secure their preferred model and grade ahead of vehicle arrivals.