BMW 2 Series vs GWM Tank 500
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
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Price Breakdown
The BMW 2 Series starts from $61,800 before on-road costs, while the GWM Tank 500 opens at $59,990. That makes the GWM Tank 500 the more affordable entry point by $1,810.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $67,980 and $65,989 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the BMW 2 Series by roughly $3,135 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The BMW 2 Series features a 10.7-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the GWM Tank 500 gets a 14.6-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BMW 2 Series stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, power tailgate and Harman Kardon audio — features our data doesn't list for the GWM Tank 500. The GWM Tank 500 counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the BMW 2 Series gets sensatec synthetic leather upholstery while the GWM Tank 500 offers synthetic leather.
Drivetrain
The BMW 2 Series uses a Petrol producing 115kW and 230Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.6 seconds.
The GWM Tank 500 responds with a Hybrid making 255kW and 648Nm, paired to a 9-speed auto driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.5 seconds.
The GWM Tank 500 has the clear power advantage at 255kW vs 115kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the GWM Tank 500 is 0.1s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BMW 2 Series measures 4,546mm long on a 2,670mm wheelbase, 532mm shorter than the GWM Tank 500 at 5,078mm (2,850mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the GWM Tank 500 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 360L in the BMW 2 Series and 98L in the GWM Tank 500, giving the BMW 2 Series a 262L advantage. The GWM Tank 500 seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the GWM Tank 500 leads with a 3,000kg braked capacity vs 1,300kg. That 1,700kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.2m to 11.7m
Based on 11.7m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,796/year for the BMW 2 Series and $2,423/year for the GWM Tank 500. That is a $627 annual difference in favour of the BMW 2 Series.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (BMW 2 Series) vs 7 years / 999,999km (GWM Tank 500). The GWM Tank 500 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW 2 Series if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the GWM Tank 500 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer GWM's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The GWM Tank 500 takes 5 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The BMW 2 Series will save you roughly $627 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the BMW 2 Series has a clear edge. The GWM Tank 500 adds peace of mind with a longer 7-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, BMW 2 Series and GWM Tank 500?
The GWM Tank 500 is the cheapest at $59,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BMW 2 Series by $1,810.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The BMW 2 Series uses the least fuel at 6.3L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
GWM Tank 500 holds a 5-star ANCAP rating. We have no published ANCAP rating for BMW 2 Series, so there is nothing to compare on crash performance. Compare the active-safety features above instead.
Which has the most boot space?
The BMW 2 Series has the largest boot at 360L.
Which can tow the most?
The GWM Tank 500 has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The GWM Tank 500 has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The GWM Tank 500 makes the most power at 255kW. The GWM Tank 500 is quickest to 100km/h in 8.5s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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