2025 GWM Cannon steps up in every way but price

The 2025 GWM Cannon line-up will start from $40,490 drive-away when the first examples enter showrooms in the coming weeks, with the updated line-up comprising just four variants.

Whether or not 4x2 or cab-chassis variants will be added to the mix at a later date remains to be seen, but the initial portfolio comprises the entry-level Lux, mid-range Ultra ($43,490), sex-spec Vanta ($54,490) and XSR ($49,990) off-road hero, all of which are 4x4 dual-cab pick-ups.

Despite an all-new powertrain and a wealth of other upgrades (read on), three of the four variants are between $1000 and $3000 cheaper than their predecessors while the outlier is the same price.

Headlining the new model is the same 2.4-litre turbo-diesel engine and nine-speed automatic transmission as found in the Cannon Alpha, boosting power and torque up to 135kW and 480Nm respectively.

The extra grunt has increased the Cannon’s braked towing capacity to the segment-appropriate 3500kg while the combined fuel consumption has dropped from 9.4L/100km to a more competitive 8.4L/100km.

A full-time 4x4 system comes standard on the Lux, Ultra and Vanta along with a locking rear differential and low-range gearing while the XSR ups the ante with a more traditional part-time 4x4 system and a matching front locker.

The revised exterior design is paired with a heavily updated interior where you’ll find a redesigned centre console, a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, free-standing 7.0-inch driver’s display and a new steering wheel.

More subtle enhancements include a new wireless charging pad, a combination of USB-A and USB-C ports and nicer materials throughout.

Standard equipment highlights on the Lux include 18-inch alloys, LED exterior lighting, damped tailgate, keyless entry and start, a tub liner, faux leather upholstery, single-zone climate control, wireless smartphone mirroring, a six-speaker sound system, adaptive cruise control, remote start, automatic lights and wipers, paddle shifters and an electronic park brake.

The Ultra builds on this with an electric sunroof, integrated tailgate step, rear privacy glass, leather upholstery, heated, cooled and power-adjustable front seats, heated steering wheel, express windows, ambient lighting, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror and a 360-degree camera.

It’s rinse and repeat for the Vanta, albeit with a black grille, sports bar, side steps, wheels, wheel arches, mirror caps and door handles.

At the top of the tree, the Warrior-wannabe XSR builds on the Ultra’s spec with the unique mechanical bits detailed above, as well as a unique grille, snorkel, metal side steps, steel front bumper, body-coloured mirrors and door handles, Expert drive mode and all-terrain response.

But while the XSR is intended to be the most capable of the bunch, it also has the least amount of active safety gear; being devoid of emergency lane keeping, smart dodge, door open/vehicle warning, rear collision warning, blind spot detection, lane change assist and rear cross traffic alert with braking which is all present on the other variants.

The result is the XSR remaining untested by ANCAP whereas the Lux, Ultra and Vanta retain the previous versions’ five-star safety rating from 2021.

As for the utilitarian specs, the core variants all have payloads of 980kg, gross cumulative masses (GCM) of 6200kg and wading depths of 500mm compared to the XSR’s respective 875kg, 6300kg and 700mm figures.

The updated Cannon retains its predecessor’s seven-year/unlimited-kilometre factory warranty.

How much does the 2025 GWM Cannon cost?
Lux – $40,490
Ultra – $43,490
Vanta – $45,490
XSR – $49,990
* Prices are drive-away

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