2025 GWM Cannon Alpha arrives with plug-in hybrid

The 2025 GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV has landed, giving Australian buyers a second plug-in hybrid dual-cab ute to rival the BYD Shark 6 when deliveries commence in April.

Available for pre-order now in either Lux or Ultra trims, the GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV will be priced from $63,990 or $68,990 drive away, but the new Chinese ute’s timing means it misses out on the March 30 deadline for a Fringe Benefits Tax exemption offered to buyers using novated leases.

Costing more than the BYD Shark 6 ($57,900 plus on-roads, or $58,789 to $63,725 drive-away depending on state), the GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV is positioned as a more rugged alternative to the BYD ute, the newcomer featuring a nine-speed auto and traditional four-wheel-drive hardware that includes three lockable differentials and a dual-range transfer case.

With a decent 224mm of ground clearance, GWM's new offering also has an impressive wading depth of 800mm.

Powering the GWM Alpha Cannon PHEV is a 180kW/380Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine that is combined with a 120kW/380Nm electric motor and a 37.1kWh battery pack.

Combined, the 300kW Alpha Cannon produces less power compared to the BYD Shark (321kW) but churns out more torque (750Nm versus 650Nm).

It’s that extra might that helps the plug-in pick-up tow up to 3500kg, compared to the Shark’s more limited 2500kg capability.

GWM claims its electrified ute can also cover up to 110km on pure-electric power alone – 10km more than its rival – with total range with a full charge and a full tank of fuel said to be 880km.

Usefully, for those who travel off-road, Cannon Alpha PHEV can run in electric mode in 4WD high range and even at highway speeds.

Both grades also come with a battery that can be DC fast charged at up to 50kW, with a 30 to 80 per cent top-up taking 26 minutes, while an AC charge at up to 6.6kW takes around 6.5 hours.

Coming standard with vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability, the new ute can power external electrical devices up to 3.3kW.

The disadvantage of the GWM ute's advanced tech is weight. The plug-in Cannon Alpha tips the scales at a substantial 2810kg, which translates to a 3495kg gross vehicle mass.

The knock-on effect is the Cannon Alpha PHEV’s payload is limited to just 683kg – significantly under the 821kg limit of the turbo-diesel version or 1000kg-plus utes like the Ford Ranger.

Fuel consumption for the Canon Alpha PHEV is claimed to be just 1.7L/100km.

Mirroring the existing combustion and hybrid versions of the Cannon Alpha ute, the base Lux plug-in hybrid gets auto LED headlamps, side steps, 18-inch alloy wheels, a spray-on tub liner, rear privacy glass, fake leather seats, dual-zone climate control, a six-speaker sound system and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, the latter paired with a 12.3-inch infotainment system that runs wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Pay more for the Ultra (+$5000) and you get a 60/40 split tailgate, power-fold mirrors, LED fog lamps, a panoramic roof, leather heated and ventilated front and rear seating, an eight-way electric-adjust driver’s seat with memory and massage functions, head-up display, 64-colour ambient lighting, a 10-speaker sound system, and auto park assist tech, among other upgrades.

Marble White is standard, with Lunar Red, Onyx Silver, Storm Grey and Crystal Black costing an additional $595.

How much does the 2025 GWM Cannon Alpha cost?
Cannon Alpha Lux Diesel – $51,990
Cannon Alpha Ultra Diesel – $57,990
Cannon Alpha Ultra Hybrid – $64,990
Cannon Alpha Lux PHEV – $63,990
Cannon Alpha Ultra PHEV – $68,990
* Drive-away pricing

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