GWM has opened expressions of interest for its all-new 3.0-litre turbo-diesel, set to make its global debut in New Zealand and Australia this September as part of significant upgrades to the Tank 500 SUV and premium Cannon Alpha ute.
Developed around greater towing performance, effortless long-distance touring and enhanced off-road capability, the all-new engine delivers 170kW of power and 620Nm of torque, an increase of 35kW and 140Nm over the current 2.4-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder it will replace. Paired with GWM's in-house developed nine-speed automatic transmission, it delivers smooth, responsive performance with exceptional low-end torque, tailored towards Kiwi driving tastes. Both models offer a braked towing capacity of 3,500kg, while delivering impressive fuel efficiency of just 7.1L/100km* for the Tank 500 and 7.3L/100km* for the Cannon Alpha.
GWM’s new 3.0-litre turbo-diesel matches the largest-displacement four-cylinder turbo-diesel currently available and sets a new benchmark with class-leading torque output.
New Zealand and Australia’s selection as the first global market to introduce the new engine highlights its growing importance within GWM's global product strategy. As one of the company's most strategically important international markets, ANZ continues to play an increasingly influential role in shaping future vehicle development, with local customer feedback directly contributing to product planning and engineering decisions.
That customer insight has helped drive the expansion of GWM's local powertrain portfolio, with Kiwi buyers consistently demonstrating strong demand for larger-capacity diesel engines. The introduction of the all-new 3.0-litre turbo-diesel responds directly to that demand, broadening customer choice while reinforcing GWM's commitment to delivering products tailored to our expectations. In the Tank 500, the new powertrain complements a spacious seven-seat SUV that combines premium comfort, luxury appointments and effortless long-distance touring capability.
Ahead of the global launch, the new engine has undergone more than six months of local engineering and validation across Australia's diverse roads and environmental conditions, led by GWM ANZ’s Product Engineering and Vehicle Dynamics Manager, Rob Trubiani. Testing has focused on performance, durability, drivability, towing capability and powertrain calibration, ensuring it delivers the refinement, reliability and confidence New Zealand and Australian customers expect.
Exclusive to the Tank 500 and Cannon Alpha from September, the all-new 3.0-litre turbo-diesel further strengthens GWM's expanding portfolio offering of petrol, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and diesel powertrains. It also represents a key pillar in GWM's product offensive, which the company has announced will deliver up to eight new models to the New Zealand market by the end of 2026.
Customers interested in being among the first to receive updates on model specifications, pricing, launch timing and availability are encouraged to register their interest via the GWM New Zealand website.
