GWM has chosen Australia as the first market to receive its all-new 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine powertrain, which will be available with the new GWM Tank 500 large SUV and GWM Cannon Alpha ute in September 2026.
The move highlights Australia’s growing importance within GWM’s global development program, particularly for vehicles focused on towing, off-road capability and long-distance touring.
Both models will launch alongside the highly anticipated GWM Cannon Hi4-T plug-in hybrid ute. The new 3.0-litre diesel will replace the current 2.4-litre diesel engine in the Cannon Alpha line-up, and will phase out the older 2.0-litre plug-less hybrid variant of the Tank 500.
The company has already opened expressions of interest for customers who want early updates before the official launch.
GWM 3L turbo-diesel powertrain release date
The diesel-powered GWM Tank 500 and GWM Cannon Alpha ute are scheduled to arrive in Australia in September 2026. GWM has already opened expressions of interest ahead of the official launch, allowing prospective buyers to register for updates and availability information.
Upgraded GWM 3L turbo-diesel engine performance
The new four-cylinder turbo-diesel replaces GWM’s current 2.4-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder and delivers 170kW of power and 620Nm of torque, which is an increase of 35kW and 140Nm respectively.
GWM pairs the engine with its in-house nine-speed automatic transmission, which helps deliver stronger low-end pulling power, smoother performance and better long-distance touring.
| Specification | New GWM 3.0L diesel powertrain |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel |
| Drive type | Four-wheel drive |
| Maximum power | 170kW (+35kW) |
| Maximum torque | 620Nm (+140Nm) |
| Transmission | 9-speed Automatic |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7.1L/100km (Tank 500) and 7.3L/100km (Cannon Alpha) |
| Braked towing capacity | 3,500kg |
GWM developed the new engine with the Outback in mind, and the new diesel powertrain focuses on stronger towing performance, long-distance touring and improved off-road capability.
Both the Tank 500 and Cannon Alpha retain a 3,500kg braked towing capacity. Official fuel consumption figures are 7.1L/100km for the GWM Tank 500 and 7.3L/100km for the GWM Cannon Alpha ute.
According to GWM, internal testing revealed efficiency improvements over the outgoing 2.4-litre diesel engine while reducing overall CO2 emissions.
Also read: 2026 GWM Tank 300 PHEV price confirmed for Australia
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Also read: 2026 GWM Tank 500 Hi4-T plug-in hybrid prices revealed
A diesel powertrain designed for Australian buyers
GWM says Australia now plays a key role in its global product strategy. The company selected Australia as the first market for the new engine because local customers continue to influence future vehicle development.
According to GWM, Australian buyers have consistently asked for larger-capacity diesel engines. The new 3.0-litre turbo-diesel responds directly to that demand while expanding the brand’s growing range of powertrains.
In the GWM Tank 500, the engine pairs with a seven-seat SUV designed for long-distance touring, premium comfort and luxury features.
Six months of local testing
GWM spent more than six months testing and validating the new powertrain across Australian roads and conditions.
Rob Trubiani, GWM Australia’s Product Engineering and Vehicle Dynamics Manager and former Holden engineer, led the local development program.
The rugged testing focused on performance, durability, drivability, towing capability, and powertrain calibration.
The company says the work ensures the engine delivers the refinement, reliability and confidence Australian buyers expect.
Part of a bigger expansion
The new 3.0-litre turbo-diesel will remain exclusive to the GWM Tank 500 and GWM Cannon Alpha from launch. It also strengthens GWM’s expanding Australian powertrain line-up, which now includes petrol, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and diesel powertrains.
The engine also forms part of GWM’s broader product rollout, with the company planning to introduce nine new models to Australia by the end of 2026. With Australia selected as the global launch market, the 3.0-litre turbo-diesel underscores GWM’s growing commitment to local buyers and expands the brand’s options for customers seeking stronger towing capability, touring range and off-road performance.
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