GWM plug-in hybrid ute here in 2025

Hybrids are hot right now and GWM knows it.

The budget car brand is set to flex its new product muscles by announcing the introduction of six new models in Australia in 2025, including a diesel-powered version of the Jeep Wrangler-rivalling GWM Tank 300 and two crucial plug-in hybrids.

As part of a new model offensive designed to bolster sales and fortify its position ahead of legions of Chinese challengers arriving imminently, GWM’s six new models will also include a plug-in hybrid version of the GWM Cannon Alpha ute that lands with an impressive 110km all-EV range.

The GWM Cannon Alpha Hi4T pumps out 300kW and 750Nm which would make it one of the most powerful utes in its class, although not quite as potent as the 320kW BYD Shark ute that also comes with a plug-in hybrid powertrain.

Arriving in Australia from around April 2025 the GWM Cannon Alpha Hi4T employs a 37kWh battery pack (bigger than the Shark’s 29kWh unit) that enables it to deliver up to 110km of pure EV driving range even off-road, claims GWM.

A more powerful version of the slightly smaller GWM Cannon ute (formerly the GWM Ute) featuring a beefier 2.4-litre turbo-diesel engine (now with 135kW/480Nm) arrives in early 2025, around February.

The power and torque boost now enables a 3.5-tonne towing capacity like league leaders Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux, something the current 2.0-litre version cannot do.

The GWM Haval H6GT PHEV will arrive around the same time in Q1 of 2025 and will be the first plug-in hybrid EV model to wear the GWM badge in Australia.

Using a 35kWh battery pack GWM says the H6GT will come with an incredible 180km EV range, after which the petrol engine chimes in to take it further.

Also arriving in April 2025 is an updated version of the Haval H6 that will be freshened up with a new grille and rear taillamps.

Inside, the Chinese brand says its popular mid-size SUV will adopt a redesigned centre console, a new steering wheel and a larger infotainment system that will run the car-maker's latest, fastest and more responsive software systems.

Under the bonnet the H6 will come with 2.0-litre petrol, hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions to help it battle the likes of the Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5.

In the same second-quarter of 2025 the H6 will be joined by the slightly larger, more rugged GWM Haval H7 that is known as the Big Dog or Dargo in overseas markets.

Featuring boxy looks, a raised ride height and the addition of a locking rear differential, the new H7 will sit above the H6 but below the more extreme off-road focused Tank 300 in GWM's line-up.

Full specification and pricing will be confirmed later. It remains to be seen if GWM will actually use the 'H7' nameplate for its latest SUV.

GWM has also confirmed it wants to bring both the Tank 500Hi4T PHEV to our market, while the Tesla Model 3-rivalling Ora Sport sedan remains under consideration, with the brand hinting an Australian launch to be confirmed in the coming months.

Formerly known as Great Wall Motors but now preferring GWM or ‘Go With More’, the Chinese car giant is riding high on big sales in 2024.

In the first two-thirds of this year total sales from its new car portfolio were up 21.8 per cent year-to-date, comparing favourably to the entire new car market's growth hovering around 5.3 per cent.

GWM is currently sitting 12th place overall in year-to-date sales on the Australian charts, but is within striking distance of Tesla and Subaru and could leapfrog them both to snaffle a top 10 position by year’s end.

GWM now predicts it will top 40,000 deliveries in 2024 for the first time, thanks to its eight product offerings and network of 107 dealers nationwide.

Expect 2025 to see the brand continue its growth phase with at least six new models, and particularly as PHEVs continue to find favour with buyers in Australia and globally, while EV sales show signs of plateauing.

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