GWM Tank 500 Gets a Bigger Diesel: How to Accessorise Australia's New Off-Road Flagship
CarMoods TeamGWM has confirmed a bigger, punchier engine for its Tank 500 large SUV. According to CarExpert, a new 3.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder will land in the Tank 500 (and the Cannon Alpha ute) during the third quarter of 2026, making 170kW and 620Nm.
That's up 35kW and 140Nm on the 2.4-litre turbo-diesel it replaces, paired with a standard nine-speed automatic and full-time four-wheel drive. GWM claims a roughly 20 per cent quicker 0-100km/h time and around five per cent better fuel use, so the boxy off-roader should feel noticeably more relaxed when towing or loaded up for a trip away.
The move also sees the Tank 500 hybrid enter runout as GWM simplifies the line-up around diesel and plug-in hybrid power. If a diesel Tank 500 is on your shortlist, now is the perfect moment to plan how you'll protect it and make it your own. Here's a practical guide, with a hand-picked selection from our GWM accessories range.
Jump to: The new diesel · Protect the paint · Long-drive comfort · Cabin style · FAQ
This guide covers
- What the new 3.0-litre diesel means for Tank 500 owners
- Exterior protection for a hard-working off-roader
- Comfort upgrades for long touring days
- Cabin styling and everyday practicality
What the new diesel means for Tank 500 owners
The headline is torque. A 620Nm four-cylinder gives the Tank 500 more effortless pulling power for hills, sand and a loaded boot, and the extra outputs should make overtaking on country roads a calmer affair.
The Tank 500's braked towing capacity sits at 3000kg, so it's well suited to a camper trailer or a modest van. It's a genuine touring 4WD, which changes how you should think about accessories: prioritise protection, comfort and organisation over pure looks.
Whether you're waiting on a diesel build or already driving a Tank, a few smart upgrades go a long way. Start on the outside.
Protect the paint first
Big off-roaders often live outdoors, exposed to Australian sun, tree sap and dust. A tailored cover is the cheapest insurance you can buy for your paint and trim, and it makes a real difference to how the vehicle looks in five years.
Editor's Choice
GWM Great Wall Tank 300 & 500 Full Car Cover
A tailored full cover shields paint, glass and trim from sun, dust and sap between drives.
Shop nowDoors are the other quiet weak point. Car parks, driveways and campsite obstacles all take small chips out of your paint edges over time, and a set of discreet guards keeps the Tank looking sharp.
Staff Pick
GWM Car Door Anti Collision Silicone Pad For Great Wall Tank
Soft silicone edging cushions door knocks and keeps paint chips at bay in tight car parks.
Shop nowPro tip
Always fit a cover on a clean, dry vehicle. Trapping grit under the fabric can do more harm than the weather you're protecting against.
For more exterior ideas, from mud flaps to trim, browse our exterior accessories collection.
Comfort for long touring days
A more capable diesel invites longer trips, and that's where cabin comfort earns its keep. A supportive headrest cushion and lumbar pad reduce the neck and lower-back fatigue that creeps in after a few hundred kilometres behind the wheel.
Bestseller
GWM Tank Neck Pillow & Lumbar Support Cushion
Matched headrest and lumbar cushions keep your posture supported on long touring days.
Shop nowIf the seat belt digs into your shoulder on gravel roads or long stretches, a matching pillow-and-pad set softens the contact and pulls the cabin together with a coordinated look.
Recommended
GWM Tank Neck Pillow & Seat Belt Shoulder Pad
Cushions the neck and softens seat-belt pressure so passengers arrive fresher.
Shop nowPlanning bigger adventures? Our travel & road trip essentials collection has organisers, coolers and comfort gear built for the long haul.
Cabin style and everyday practicality
The Tank 500's chunky steering wheel is the part of the cabin you touch most. A tailored cover adds grip in the wet, keeps the rim cool in summer, and lifts the whole interior with a premium finish.
Editor's Choice
GWM TANK Carbon Fiber Steering Wheel Cover
Adds all-weather grip and a sporty carbon-look finish to the wheel you hold every day.
Shop nowPrefer leather or suede? Compare finishes across our steering wheel covers collection to match your cabin.
Finally, a small practical touch that earns its place in the door pocket: a sturdy, branded umbrella for muddy campsites and rainy school runs alike.
Staff Pick
GWM Branded Fully Automatic Umbrella
A one-touch folding umbrella that tucks neatly into the door and matches your Tank.
Shop nowOur top picks
- 🥇 GWM Tank 300 & 500 Full Car Cover Best all-rounder Shop →
- 🥈 GWM Tank Neck Pillow & Lumbar Support Cushion Best for touring Shop →
- 🥉 GWM TANK Carbon Fiber Steering Wheel Cover Best cabin upgrade Shop →
A bigger diesel makes the Tank 500 an even more tempting family and touring 4WD. Protect the paint, sort the seats for comfort, and add a few personal touches, and you'll enjoy it far more on every drive. Explore the full GWM accessories range to build your kit.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the new GWM Tank 500 diesel arrive in Australia?
GWM has confirmed the 3.0-litre turbo-diesel Tank 500 and Cannon Alpha are due on sale in Australia in the third quarter of 2026, per CarExpert. Timing can shift, so check with GWM for the latest on-sale details.
How much more powerful is the new diesel?
The 3.0-litre unit makes 170kW and 620Nm — up 35kW and 140Nm on the 2.4-litre turbo-diesel it replaces — with a claimed 20 per cent quicker 0-100km/h time.
Will these accessories fit both hybrid and diesel Tank 500 models?
Our GWM Tank accessories are designed around the Tank's interior and body, so covers, cushions and steering wheel covers suit hybrid, PHEV and diesel variants alike. Always confirm your exact model on the product page.
What should I buy first for a new Tank 500?
Start with paint protection (a full cover and door guards), then comfort for long drives, then styling touches like a steering wheel cover. That order protects your investment before you personalise it.
