GWM Australia is introducing its latest addition to the electrified ute market with the all-new Cannon Alpha Plug-in Hybrid EV (PHEV), set to arrive in Australia from April 2025. Priced from $63,990 drive-away, the utility vehicle will be available in two model grades.
The Cannon Alpha PHEV boasts a plug-in hybrid system combining a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine with a 37.1kWh lithium battery, delivering a combined 300kW of power and 750Nm of torque. This makes it one of the most powerful options in its class. The setup provides an electric-only driving range of up to 110km (NEDC) and a total range of 880km.
Off-road capability remains a priority, with the Cannon Alpha PHEV offering full-time four-wheel drive, selectable high- and low-range gearing, and electronic front, rear, and centre locking differentials. However, being the Alpha means it does feature a long wheelbase which can impede sheer off-road performance.
The braked towing capacity is rated at 3500kg, meeting the class standards, while the Alpha PHEV is capable of wading through up to 800mm of water.
Charging options include DC fast charging up to 50kW, allowing a 30-80% charge in just 26 minutes, and AC home charging (max 6.6kW), which takes around 6.5 hours for a full recharge. The vehicle also features a 3.3kW vehicle-to-load (V2L) function, enabling power supply to external devices and appliances.
Inside, the Cannon Alpha PHEV comes equipped with a 12.3-inch touch-screen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 360-degree camera system, and an array of advanced driver assistance technologies such as autonomous emergency braking and lane-keeping assist.
The top-spec Ultra variant, priced from $68,990 drive-away, adds premium features including a 14.6-inch display, a 10-speaker Infinity audio system, heated and ventilated seats, and a panoramic sunroof. GWM Australia’s head of marketing and communications, Steve Maciver, said:
“The Cannon Alpha PHEV is set to redefine electrification in the highly competitive utility segment. It delivers advanced EV sophistication without compromising on its strength and capability. This is evidenced by true 4×4 off-road performance and class-leading 3500kg maximum braked towing capacity, which remain critical for consumers.”
Customers can now place pre-orders through GWM dealerships nationwide, with first deliveries expected in April 2025. Prices are as below (drive-away), and see further below for standard feature highlights for both variants:
2025 GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV Lux: $63,990
2025 GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV Ultra: $68,990
KEY SPECIFICATIONS:
- 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine
- Transmission: 9-speed transmission
- Drive type: Four-wheel drive
- Engine outputs: 180kW / 380Nm
- Combined outputs: 300kW and 750Nm
- Electric motor outputs: 120kW / 400Nm
- Electric driving range: 110km (NEDC)
- Combined driving range: 880km (NEDC)
- Battery: 37.1kWh ternary lithium
- Max DC charging rate: 50kW
- Max AC charging rate: 6.6kW
- Max V2L discharge rate: 3.3kW
- DC charging time (30-80%): 26 minutes
- AC charging time: 6.5 hours
- Fuel economy (expected): 1.7L/100km (NEDC)
- Gross vehicle mass (GVM): 3495kg
- Kerb weight: 2,810kg
- Payload: 685kg
- Water wading depth: 800mm
- Braked towing capacity: 3500kg
- Unbraked towing capacity: 750kg
Cannon Alpha PHEV Lux:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Dual-zone climate control
- Keyless entry with push-button start
- Electronic centre and rear locking differential
- 360-degree View Monitor
- 12.3-inch full-colour driver instrument cluster
- 12.3-inch full-colour touch screen infotainment system
- Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
- Front and rear USB outlets
- Leatherette seats
- Faux leather steering wheel
- Driver Seat: 6-Way Electric Adjustment
- Front Passenger Seat: 4-Way Electric Adjustment
- Automatic wipers
- Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
- Rear privacy glass
- LED headlamps with DTRL
- LED taillights
- Auto high beams
- High-mounted tub light
- Front and rear parking sensors
- 7 Airbags
- Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
- AEB junction assist
- Lane change assist & Lane keeping assist
- Hill Decent Control
- Rear Collision Warning
Cannon Alpha PHEV Ultra adds:
- Electronic front differential lock
- 60/40 split tailgate
- Panoramic sunroof
- 14.6-inch full-colour touchscreen infotainment system
- Premium Infinity audio system with 10 speakers and amplifier
- Wireless phone charger (front and rear)
- Head-up display (HUD)
- Leather accented seats
- Driver seat: 8-Way Electric Adjustment
- Front passenger Seat: 6-Way Electric Adjustment
- Heated/ventilated/massage front seats
- Heated/ventilated rear outer seats with recline
- Rear seat: 2-Way electric adjustment
- Auto-folding exterior mirrors with memory
- Rear privacy glass
- Rear sliding window
- Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
- Heated steering wheel
- LED front fog lights with steering input
- Ambient lighting
- Heated steering wheel
- Automatic park assist with reverse assist
