GWM Tank 500 Diesel Unveiled in Thailand – Malaysia Next?

The GWM Tank 500 flagship 4x4 SUV just gained a new diesel version in Thailand. Is Malaysia next on the list?

Months after making its Malaysian debut, it seems that the GWM Tank 500 has just gained a new diesel variant in Thailand. The flagship 4x4 SUV follows the same trend as its smaller sibling, the Tank 300, which also got a diesel-powered variant in the northern neighbouring Kingdom earlier this year.

And just like the Tank 300 and the GWM Cannon pick-up truck, the Tank 500 Diesel also gets the same 2.4-litre 4-cyl turbocharged diesel engine that delivers 184 HP and 480 NM. Paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, buyers can choose from 2WD or AWD versions, and the oil-burning lump can also accept Thailand’s B20 biodiesel fuel, GWM claims.

Besides the new oil-burning lump, the Tank 500 Diesel gets the same mechanical bits as its hybrid twin, including the ladder-frame chassis it underpins, as well as both the front and rear locking differential setup. Several Thai news outlets also claimed that the Tank 500 Diesel will get a new suspension tuning from the heavier hybrid model.

Mechanical bits aside, what also separates the Tank 500 Diesel from its hybrid twin is that its spare tyre is mounted under the car, as opposed to on the tailgate. The rest of the exterior design looks similar to our market’s hybrid version, but Thai people will also get the Black Warrior trim levels for the Tank 500 Diesel, which essentially replaces all the chrome trims with black-hued accents instead.

For a perfect ‘black-on-black’ setup, you can opt for the black exterior colourway for the Tank 500 Diesel to go along with the Black Warrior trim. Those who are less keen on the all-black setup can still get the diesel SUV in either grey or white.

With the tailgate-mounted spare wheel gone, the Tank 500 Diesel now sits slightly shorter than its hybrid twin, measuring 4,886 mm long, 1,934 mm wide, 1,905 mm tall, and with a wheelbase of 2,850 mm. Despite missing the whole HEV setup, the diesel version is only 25 kg lighter than the hybrid model, tipping the scale at 2,560 kg.

On board, the Tank 500 Diesel still retains the same three-row, seven-seater layout as the hybrid model, although the second-row seats are said to feature some extra layers of foam for better comfort. Other tech amenities primed here include the 12-speaker Infinity audio system, ventilated and powered seats, retractable side steps, a 14.6-inch central infotainment screen, a panoramic sunroof, a wireless charger, wood veneer trims, and many more.

As of now, no pricing details have been shared about the new GWM Tank 500 Diesel, but we can expect it to be in the same region as the HEV model, which currently retails from THB 2.049 million (RM268,528) onwards.

Beyond the Thai borders, the Tank 500 Diesel is expected to arrive in other right-hand drive (RHD) markets like Australia, although it was reported that the Aussie might get a peppier 3.0-litre V6 diesel variant instead. No news on its potential arrival in Malaysia, but we’d reckon it'll be less likely to happen given the current diesel subsidy rationalisation.