2025 GWM P500

GWM P500

GWM’s P500 marches straight into the one-ton bakkie turf, where the Ranger and Hilux have held court so long they practically own the deeds. It’s a simple play: serve up a 4x4 double cab dripping with kit, skip the badge tax, and see who bites. The 2.4-litre turbodiesel, married to a 9-speed auto, means you won’t find a manual or petrol in sight—so that’s a clear signal of intent. You’ll spot just four active listings, all tagged at R639,900, which says this bakkie is still finding its feet in South African showrooms. It’s what the P500 should have been from the start: a value-heavy, well-specced counterpunch for buyers who want leather and LED headlights, not a badge on the grill. Every single unit on offer is the 2.4T 9AT 4X4 Luxury, each a 2025 model and barely run in at just over 12,500 km. That puts it well below the Wildtrak XL on price, on paper at least, and that matters for anyone who’s watched Hilux SR5 prices head for the stratosphere. But GWM’s lack of a manual gearbox or a stripped-out entry model will be a deal-breaker for some—fleet buyers and those who just want a basic workhorse with proper 4x4 chops are left wanting. For private buyers, the P500’s improved finish and comfort might finally close the gap, especially if you pack smart and don’t mind being a trailblazer for the brand, but the Hilux’s reputation and Toyota’s dealer footprint remain a tough mountain to climb.