The GWM P-Series, one of the most popular bakkies in South Africa, is getting a big update in the near future.
The pickup is set to undergo a major facelift, which will change its looks, features, and even its name.
Following a new standard
The P-Series has been in South Africa since 2020 and is one of the best-selling bakkies on the market, comfortably landing in the top 10 each month.
The Chinese pickup is now due for its mid-life update, and GWM is evidently taking the opportunity to give it a major rework to bring the P-Series up to speed with its other products.
First and foremost, the P-Series will be rebranded to the P300 following the life-cycle change in order to better align the range with the larger P500 that went on sale in late 2024.
The P500 is a full-size pickup comparable to something like the American Ford Ranger F-150, while the P-Series is a midsize unit competing against the Ford Ranger, so the new P300 designation will act as an easy shorthand for consumers to better understand where each model stands at a glance.
GWM P500 – The P300’s big brother.
In terms of styling, the bakkie’s rounded edges are being replaced with much blockier proportions similar to what we’ve seen on its big brother.
The web-like grille of the P-Series is being swapped out for a set of horizontal bars, though it retains its signature teardrop-shaped P logo in the centre.
The wheel arches are more pronounced, and the front bumper and fog lights have been restyled, too.
The changes to the interior are just as dramatic, with a modern cabin featuring a 7-inch digital driver display, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, and an aviator-style gearstick identical to the ones on the GWM Tank SUVs.
The automaker will only confirm the full roster and spec sheet closer to the P300’s launch, but in China, the vehicle is sold with nice-to-haves like electronically-adjustable heated and ventilated seats, two-tone leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, a wireless charger, keyless entry, and adaptive cruise control, depending on the trim level.
Outgoing GWM P-Series
The P300 will continue to be sold in both double cab and single cab body styles, along with the familiar 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine.
This can be paired to either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic gearbox, with the option of either a rear-wheel or four-wheel-drive configuration.
However, GWM is going a step further by introducing the larger 2.4-litre turbo-diesel block and nine-speed auto shifter from the P500 to the midsize range, giving the P300 a new power cap of 135kW and 480Nm.
The added power means the P3oo can tow more than before, going from 1,200kg to 3,500kg.
The carmaker has thus far made no indication that it will also bring the P500 HEV’s 2.0-litre hybrid powertrain to the P300, but there’s always a possibility it could make an appearance at a later date if customer interest is deemed sufficient.
GWM P300
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