Tougher GWM Cannon Alpha, Tank 500 priced for Australia

GWM Australia has launched its new 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine in the Cannon Alpha and Tank 500, announcing pricing for the ute and SUV.

In the Cannon Alpha ute, the 3.0-litre engine replaces the 2.4-litre which has been on offer since its launch, developing 170kW of power and 620Nm of torque, a big 35kW and 140Nm increase on the turbo-diesel it replaces.

Priced from $58,990 drive-away in Lux guise and $63,990 drive-away for the flagship Vanta, it represents a price increase of $6000 compared to the outgoing 2.4-litre Lux, and $5000 more than the previous Ultra variant.

However, the pricing undercuts key rivals such as the Ford Ranger, which in equivalent dual-cab pickup guise starts from $57,900 plus on-roads for the XL V6, producing 184kW and 600Nm.

Despite offering greater outputs than the 2.4-litre turbo-diesel, the new 3.0-litre engine is claimed to be more fuel efficient, with a consumption figure of 7.3L/100km, down from 8.9L/100km.

A nine-speed automatic transmission continues to sit behind the new 3.0-litre engine, which is also paired with a part-time four-wheel drive system with selectable low-range gearing and locking front, centre and rear differentials.

GWM has also beefed up the Cannon Alpha’s payload in the 3.0-litre version, now at 945kg, well above the 760-821kg figure of the 2.4-litre, and far exceeding the PHEV’s 685kg rating.

In addition to the new engine, there’s also new equipment, such as a 14.6-inch touchscreen which runs a faster ‘Coffee OS’ software, supporting over-the-air updates.

Over in the Tank 500, the addition of the 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine to the lineup marks the first time it has been available as a diesel, with prices starting from $65,990 drive-away for the Lux, and $71,990 drive-away for the Vanta.

Currently the existing 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol-hybrid Tank 500 Vanta is $75,990 drive-away, while the PHEV is $79,990.

Like its ute sibling, the Tank 500’s new diesel option brings it far closer in line with the Ford Everest, with its most affordable V6 variant (the Active) kicking off from $66,990 before on-road costs.

While GWM’s new offerings aren’t due in showrooms until mid-September, the brand is offering buyers the choice of either a $2000 discount or $2000 fuel card for vehicles purchased before October 30, 2026.

“While many of the new Chinese automotive players are increasingly focused on electrification, GWM believes Australian customers deserve choice, and we’re not going to shy away from investing in diesel technology where we know demand is still strong,” said GWM Australia chief operating officer, John Kett.

“But choice is only part of the equation. When you look at the Cannon Alpha and Tank 500 against the established volume players in their respective segments, the difference is clear. 

“We’re offering a higher level of standard specification, more performance and more technology, while asking customers to pay thousands of dollars less.

“That is a proposition we believe Australian customers will find very compelling.”