GWM Shanhai Cannon ute all but locked in for Oz

An Australian launch for the 2024 GWM Shanhai Cannon ute appears to be all but locked in with GWM’s confirmation in China of production availability for our market from the fourth quarter of this year.

During a livestream from the Shanghai motor show, a GWM China spokesperson said the flagship dual-cab ute would “soon be available [in Australia and South Africa] in the fourth quarter of 2023”.

He was referring to production availability, with GWM-Haval Australia later clarifying that the local business case for the Shanhai Cannon was still to be locked in.

But there’s a strong desire within the local subsidiary for the high-series ute to be sold Down Under, so its launch here appears to be a formality with perhaps final negotiations on local pricing and spec with the factory the only sticking point.

“Production will be available for Australia, if we want it,” GWM-Haval Australia marketing and communications executive general manager Steve Maciver told carsales.

“It’s not a confirmation of a Q4 launch in Australia as the local arm is still working on this business case.

“As things stand, Shanhai remains under strong consideration for Australia but it’s not a done deal yet.”

There’s strong interest in the GWM Shanhai Cannon because it’s bigger than the GWM Ute on sale in Australia and features a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 petrol engine that produces 260kW and 500Nm of torque, paired to a nine-speed automatic and a BorgWarner full-time 4x4 system.

A 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel developing 135kW/480Nm should also be available, along with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain.

During this week’s livestream, the Shanhai Cannon on display had ‘PHEV’ plates and badging.

No details were provided on the PHEV, but it’s believed to be the same 300kW/750Nm 2.0-litre petrol-electric powertrain as found in the related Tank 500 PHEV.

Those outputs would see it become the most powerful and torquiest mid-size ute on the market – Ford Ranger Raptor (292kW/583Nm) included.

Compared to the GWM Ute, the Shanhai Cannon is 35mm longer, 57mm wider, 38mm taller and rides on a 120mm longer wheelbase, making it one of the bigger offerings within the segment without risking overlap with full-size pick-ups like the RAM 1500 or Chevrolet Silverado.

A payload capacity is yet to be locked in, but we do know the big Chinese offering rides on a multi-link rear suspension and will tow up to 3300kg.

Its low-range gearing, locking rear differential and 800mm wading depth also suggest it will be capable off-road.

Pricing starts from 228,800 yuan in its native market – the equivalent of $A49,250.

It’s unlikely the Shanhai will be joined by the even bigger GWM Poer King Kong in local showrooms given the latter is “essentially an extended version of the existing ute” – even though the nameplate has been trademarked with IP Australia.

“As discussions have moved on it’s probably looking more unlikely for us at this stage than likely,” Maciver told carsales earlier this year.

For everything you auto know about EVs, listen to carsales' Watts Under the Bonnet: the electric car podcast

Join the conversation at 

our Facebook page

Or email us at 

editor@carsales.com.au