By Malusi Msomi

GWM South Africa has expanded its Tank 500 range with the introduction of a new 3.0-litre turbodiesel derivative, adding a diesel-powered option to its flagship luxury SUV line-up.

The new Tank 500 3.0 Diesel is aimed at buyers who place a greater emphasis on low-speed torque, towing capability and long-distance touring, particularly when journeys extend beyond paved roads.

3.0-litre diesel delivers 620 Nm

Power comes from a 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine producing 170 kW and 620 Nm. The engine is paired with GWM’s nine-speed automatic transmission, while both 4×4 derivatives feature a part-time four-wheel-drive system.

GWM highlights the engine’s low-speed torque delivery, with 385 Nm available from 1,000 rpm. The powertrain also uses a 2,000-bar high-pressure common-rail fuel-injection system.

The manufacturer says the engine has undergone extensive durability development, including million-kilometre test-bench testing and full-vehicle validation.

For buyers who need to tow, the Tank 500 3.0 Diesel has a maximum towing capacity of 3.5 tonnes, making it suitable for caravans, trailers and other equipment.

Still a seven-seat luxury SUV

Despite the focus on its diesel powertrain and off-road capability, the Tank 500 remains positioned as a premium seven-seat SUV.

The cabin features a genuine leather interior, with the electrically adjustable driver’s seat offering eight-way adjustment, heating, ventilation and massage functions. The front passenger seat also gets electric adjustment, heating, ventilation and massage.

The new diesel model also introduces GWM’s Coffee OS 3.0 infotainment and connectivity system, including integrated voice control for functions such as navigation, entertainment and selected vehicle systems.

Extensive safety equipment

The Tank 500 3.0 Diesel comes with a comprehensive suite of active and passive safety features.

Standard equipment includes dual front, front-side, side-curtain and front-centre airbags, along with ABS, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Traction Control, Electronic Stability Control and Brake Assist.

The SUV also features Hill-Start Assist, Hill Descent Control and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System.

Driver-assistance features include Adaptive Cruise Control, Intelligent Cruise Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Centering Assist, Emergency Lane Keeping, Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking.

Pedestrian and cyclist detection, Traffic Sign Recognition, Intelligent Speed Assist, Front Cross-Traffic Alert and Front Cross-Traffic Braking are also included, alongside parking sensors and various rear and side collision warning systems.

Three derivatives available

The Tank 500 3.0 Diesel range consists of 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: R999,900

All versions feature a 78-litre fuel tank, while the Overland derivative can be specified with an additional 53-litre auxiliary tank.

The Tank 500 3.0 Diesel is backed by a seven-year/200,000 km warranty, seven years of unlimited-kilometre roadside assistance and a seven-year/75,000 km service plan. Service intervals are set at every 15,000 km or 12 months.