Tired of waiting for a Toyota HiLux GR Sport or Ford Ranger Wildtrak X? The muscled-up GWM Ute Cannon-XSR flagship is here to lure you away

Chinese brand GWM has today unveiled a new and muscular flagship for its Ute range, with the "tough and rugged" Cannon-XSR designed to take on utes like the Toyota HiLux GR Sport, Ford Ranger Wildtrak X and Nissan Navara Warrior.

And we're talking more than just stickers and styling here, with GWM pointing out that its toughest Ute to date has been designed to "boost off-road functionality" through the use of bash plates, new 4WD kit and tougher rubber.

That story starts with a new part-time 4WD system (allowing you to flick between two- and four-wheel drive), with twin locking differentials, one front and rear.

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There's also a new front stabiliser, said to "enhance handling in the most extreme conditions", while a new underbody chassis guard, or bash plate, and new fender guards are designed to tackle whatever the Australian bush can throw at them.

The new ute also debuts two new technologies for GWM. The first is Crawl Mode, and the second is Turn Assist by Braking, both of which appear only on the Cannon-XSR. Finally, new 18-inch alloys wrapped in 265/65 R18 All-Terrain rubber complete the mechanical upgrades.

But being tougher means nothing in this field if you don't also look tougher, and the Cannon-XSR delivers with red brake calipers, a new front grille treatment, a new snorkel and a new and longer sport bar. Both bumpers are steel, too.

The bad news? There's no power boost, with the new flagship still rocking GWM's 2.0 litre turbo-diesel and ZF eight-speed automatic. It produces 120kW and 400Nm, with the latter number being a little off the pace when it comes to toughened-up dual cabs.

The GWM Ute Cannon-XSR will set you back $51,490 drive-away (if you have an ABN), or $52,990 drive-away if you're a private buyer, making it around $5k more expensive than the Cannon Vanta, and $6k more than the Cannon-X.

The new ute is available now.

2023 GWM Ute Cannon-XSR specification:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• LED headlights and taillights
• Heated leather-appointed seating
• Power adjustable drivers (6-way) and front passenger (4-way) seats
• 7-inch colour instrument cluster
• 9-inch LCD touchscreen
• Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
• Wireless charging
• Automatic Anti-Glare Rear-view Mirror
• 12v power outlet (including roof) & 220v power outlet
• Front and rear USB ports
• Sunroof
• Sports bar
• Snorkel
• Side steps
• Tub liner
• Roof rails
• Easy up/down tailgate
• Cargo ladder
• Front & rear differential lock
• 7 SRS airbags (including centre)
• Autonomous Emergency Braking & Forward Collision Warning
• Lane Departure Warning
• Lane Keep Assist
• Lane Centre Keep
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Traffic Sign Recognition
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring
• Rear parking sensors
• 360 degree around view camera