GWM Tank 500 gets a makeover

GWM has unveiled a styling update for the Tank 500, underscoring the brand’s commitment to continuous improvement and responsiveness to customer feedback.

The minor makeover, introduced to production in April, 2025, but only reaching the Australian market in June, consists of a redesigned “sports grille” that enhances the Tanks 500’s modern aesthetic, according to GWM. In place of the narrow, nine-bar grille, the makeover has thicker bars and breaks the grille opening into three sections. Uniquely-shaped horizontal inserts sit in the top and bottom openings, with a narrow bar in the middle. The large ‘T’ emblem in the centre of the grille is unchanged.

This update reflects Australia’s influence in shaping the Tank 500 to better align with local consumer preferences, and follows other enhancements made to the platform, like software upgrades and a revised, Australian-specific suspension tune. The latter is said to deliver improved dynamics and a more composed on-road feel for the seven-seat SUV.

New grille aside, the Tank 500 is unchanged, offering ‘Lux,’ ‘Ultra’ and, most recently, ‘Vanta’ trim levels. Common to all is a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder engine and permanent magnet electric motor that produce a combined 255kW and 380Nm. A nine-speed sports automatic transmission and constant four-wheel drive are also common across the range. Differences between the spec levels mainly come down to interior appointments and driver-assistance technologies.

The Tank 500 has a five-star ANCAP safety rating, thanks to a strong safety suite that includes ABS, ESC, EBD, brake assist, traction control, rear collision warning, front collision mitigation with pedestrian avoidance, steering and brake assist. There’s also front and rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning and lane keep assist, driver fatigue warning, front, rear and side cameras, front and rear parking sensors, parking assistance, rollover stability control, hill ascent/descent control, a hill holder and seven airbags.

For more details on the revamped Tank 500, see your GWM dealer.