2024 GWM Cannon Alpha hybrid ute Australian release locked-in beating Toyota HiLux, Ford Ranger & BYD ute to the punch

GWM has officially confirmed the long-rumoured Cannon Alpha ute (previously known as the Shanhai Cannon) for Australian shores with an optional hybrid powertrain. 

The ute, which is larger than GWM's existing Ute Cannon model, is expected to arrive in mid-2024. Detailed pricing and features will be revealed closer to its release. 

It could be the first true hybrid ute in Australia (with Toyota choosing not to call the HiLux 48-volt a ‘hybrid’), beating to market the likes of BYD and Ford with their plug-in hybrids as well as Isuzu’s electrified D-Max. 

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The underpinnings are very similar to the just-launched Tank 500, with an optional Euro 5 petrol-electric hybrid promising 255kW and 648Nm – enough to put the fear into a 184kW/600Nm Ford Ranger V6. 

There will also be a 2.4-litre turbo-diesel offered as a price-leader option developing 135kW and 480Nm. A nine-speed torque converter automatic is standard, as is permanent 4x4 with three terrain modes, low-range transfer case, plus locking differentials front and rear. 

At 5445mm long, 1991mm wide and sitting on a 3350mm wheelbase, the Cannon Alpha is larger than the existing GWM ute (5410mm and 1934mm) and Ford Ranger (5370mm and 1918mm) but significantly shorter than a 5916mm-long RAM 1500 and other full-size American pick-ups. 

Tare weight for the diesel is 2432kg while the hybrid hits the scales at 2526kg. Both are rated to tow a 3500kg braked trailer load. 

Upfront of the GWM Cannon Alpha is a 14.6-inch multimedia touchscreen.

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Tare weight for the diesel is 2432kg while the hybrid hits the scales at 2526kg.

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GWM has officially confirmed the long-rumoured Cannon Alpha ute.

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The Cannon Alpha measures in at 5445mm in length and sits on a 3350mm wheelbase.

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The GWM Cannon Alpha promises luxury typically unknown to ute buyers.

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The Cannon Alpha ute will hit Australian shores with an optional hybrid powertrain. 

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The GWM Cannon Alpha promises luxury typically unknown to ute buyers, with a generous 14.6-inch multimedia touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless charging, 10-speaker Infinity-branded sound system and 18-inch alloy wheels.

Power-adjust seats appointed in Nappa leather with heating, ventilation and massage functions will be available on richer trim levels, though GWM is yet to confirm variant names. 

The unique 60/40 split swinging tailgate will make it to Australia, too. It’s a clever solution, allowing owners to either swing the doors out if they wish, or drop the tailgate – with its soft-open feature – like a traditional ute. 

The Cannon Alpha will feature a unique 60/40 split swinging tailgate.

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Owners will either swing the doors out if they wish, or drop the tailgate – with its soft-open feature – like a traditional ute. 

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The Cannon Alpha is rated to tow a 3500kg braked trailer load. 

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GWM’s latest ute was expected to arrive in the first quarter of this year but has missed that target for sales. The brand has promised a "mid year" release for now. 

Pricing is yet to be confirmed but given the Tank 500 hybrid’s extremely sharp $66,490 drive-away positioning we can expect the Cannon Alpha to shake the established dual cab market up. 

The current 4x4 GWM Ute range begins at $38,990, drive-away, with a 120kW/400Nm 2.0-litre turbo-diesel. It’s safe to expect the larger and more powerful Alpha to command a premium, though we’d be surprised if an entry-grade came in above $50K, drive-away. 

As for hybrid trims, a circa-$65K starting price isn’t out of the question. We’ll have more detailed pricing and specifications closer to the Cannon Alpha’s mid-year release.