By GWM has introduced the facelifted version of its Tank 500 SUV in China for the 2026 model year. Positioned as a rival to the Toyota Prado, the refreshed version brings notable upgrades in luxury and safety features. However, according to car.news, it’s not expected to go on sale in Australia anytime soon.
The new model includes subtle exterior design tweaks and interior upgrades such as a 17.3-inch 3K multimedia screen that folds down from the ceiling and a 50W built-in refrigerator integrated into the center console. The cabin also features a new steering column-mounted gear selector and a fresh blue-and-white color theme.
However, these updates won’t accompany the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain that’s set to be released in Australia from October. GWM Australia confirmed they will continue offering the current version, with no immediate plans to align with China’s MY26 spec.
Among the visual enhancements in the Chinese model are a redesigned front grille, new alloy wheels, a new Dunhuang (dark green) exterior color option, and an updated rear GWM Tank badge. The vehicle also benefits from GWM’s third-generation Coffee Pilot Ultra safety suite, now paired with a roof-mounted Hesai LTX LiDAR sensor and additional cameras on the front fenders and rear spoiler.
Originally unveiled in 2021, the Tank 500 debuted in China with turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 petrol and 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid engines. The latter arrived in Australia in March 2024 and received powertrain and safety upgrades in December 2024 following initial feedback.
GWM also introduced the first diesel-powered Tank 500, using the same 2.4-litre turbo diesel engine as the smaller Tank 300 and Cannon Alpha ute. However, according to car.news, this Thai-built diesel version was cancelled for Australia, which is now expected to receive a more powerful 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel engine around 2027.
Starting in October, one of two plug-in hybrid variants launching in China will join Australia’s existing hybrid Tank 500. This will make the Tank 500 the first large, ladder-frame SUV in Australia to offer a PHEV powertrain—outpacing both the Prado and the top-selling Ford Everest.
GWM Australia has not yet confirmed which PHEV system will be offered: the off-road-focused Hi4-T, which combines a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine with a single electric motor to deliver 300kW and 750Nm; or the road-focused dual-motor Hi4-Z setup, producing a massive 635kW and 1195Nm of torque.
Both systems are based on the same 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine. However, Hi4-Z lacks mechanical linkage between the front and rear motors and features a significantly larger battery, delivering an electric-only WLTC range of 201km and a total driving range of 1096km.
Hi4-T, meanwhile, delivers 45kW and 102Nm more than the standard HEV version, maintains impressive off-road capability (including 800mm wading depth), but has 11mm less ground clearance. It offers a WLTC range of 110km.
The Hi4-T variant is 398kg heavier than the current hybrid version, while the Hi4-Z weighs in at 2980kg—about 150kg more than the Hi4-T.
GWM previously told CarExpert that the PHEV version would carry an estimated price premium of $6,000 to $15,000 over the current HEV Tank 500, which starts at $66,490 in Australia. As a result, the base PHEV version is expected to start around $72,000.
GWM Australia’s Head of Marketing and Communications, Steve Maciver, noted that final pricing will depend on battery size and driving range.
The post GWM Unveils Updated Tank 500 in China – No Immediate Plans for Australian Launch first appeared on Mediamark Digital.
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