By Alex Nguyen | Published May 14, 2025

The 2025 GWM Cannon Alpha Plug-In Hybrid is set to disrupt Australia’s dual-cab ute market, blending hybrid efficiency, off-road capability, and premium features at a price that undercuts rivals like the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, and Isuzu D-Max. Powered by a 2.0L turbo plug-in hybrid with 400 hp, 750 Nm of torque, and a 110 km electric range, it’s ideal for Sydney commuters, Outback adventurers, and Perth tradies.

What Is the GWM Cannon Alpha?

Great Wall Motors (GWM) dominates China’s dual-cab market, holding the top spot for 27 years, per Sunil. The Cannon Alpha, known as Pao Shanhu in China and GWM Cannon Alpha globally, is a standalone model with a unique chassis, not a variant of the GWM Cannon, per Ali. Expected to launch in Australia by late 2025, pending a new factory, it’s priced at ~$45,000 AUD (based on China’s ~$35,000 AUD), undercutting the Hilux ($50,000+) and Ranger ($55,000+), per CarExpert. Tested in a Shanghai car park, it rivals the BYD Shark and local utes. Here’s why it’s a game-changer for Australia.

Exterior: Rugged and Stylish

The Cannon Alpha’s bold design merges GWM Tank 300 ruggedness with Toyota Tundra TDR-inspired elements, per the review. Its chrome grille, H-A-V-A-L badge, and LED headlights with DRLs and indicators create a striking look for Melbourne’s streets. The Magnetic Grey finish (seen in the review) adds flair, per @JamoPG.

• Front: LED fog lamps, skid plate, diffuser-style bumper.
• Side: 18-inch alloy wheels, body-coloured overfenders, optional deployable side steps, roof rails.
• Rear: 3D-effect LED tail lights, full-size spare, standard tow bar, dual tailgate (swing or drop, optional).
• Size: Larger than most Aussie dual-cabs, matching the BYD Shark, per Drive.

The dual tailgate is clever but has a “non-conventional gap,” which may divide opinions, per Sunil. Highway-terrain tyres suit urban driving but limit hardcore off-road grip, per CarExpert.

Verdict: A premium, muscular look that rivals pricier utes, with minor tailgate and tyre quirks.

Interior: Plush and Practical

The Cannon Alpha’s five-seat cabin feels like an SUV, not a typical ute, per Sunil. Leather seats, wooden trim, and ambient lighting rival the Kia Sorento, per Drive. Front seats offer 10-way electric adjustment, heating, cooling, and massage, while the second row provides ample legroom, a flat floor, and reclining seats with heating and cooling, fixing common dual-cab rear discomfort, per the review.

• Front: Aviation-style shifter, panoramic sunroof, dual wireless chargers.
• Rear: Privacy glass, USB-A/C ports, Infinity audio, two-zone climate control.
• Storage: Cool box (not a fridge), four cup holders, large glovebox.
• Materials: Matte chrome plastics feel budget, but wood trim adds class, per CarExpert.

The tilt-only steering wheel is a slight letdown, per Ali. The large sunroof creates an airy feel, rare for utes, per @JamoPG.

Verdict: A luxurious interior elevates the dual-cab experience, despite some cheap plastics.

Performance: Power Meets Green

The 2.0L turbo plug-in hybrid combines a petrol engine and electric motor, delivering 400 hp and 750 Nm of torque via an 8-speed ZF automatic, per the review. It outperforms the Hilux’s 2.8L diesel (204 hp) and Ranger’s 2.0L bi-turbo (210 hp), per Drive. A diesel variant (2.4L, 137 kW, 480 Nm, 9-speed auto) is available, but the hybrid is the star.

• Hybrid: 110 km EV range (33% charge tested), AC/DC charging (fast DC supported).
• Off-Road: Full-time 4×4, three locking differentials, low-range 4L, 224 mm ground clearance.
• On-Road: Smooth shifts, paddle shifters, comfy ride, per Sunil.
• Towing: ~3,500 kg, matching Ranger, per CarExpert.

The 540-degree camera aids off-roading in the Flinders Ranges, but highway tyres reduce grip, per @JamoPG. Fuel economy is unlisted, likely ~5–6 L/100km combined, rivaling the BYD Shark, per Drive. 0–100 km/h is estimated at ~6 seconds, per the review.

Verdict: Strong power and EV range shine, but tyres need off-road focus.

Technology: Smart and User-Friendly

The 14.6-inch touchscreen and 10.25-inch digital cluster offer a “snappy” interface with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an Infinity audio system, per Ali. Physical climate controls and a head-up display boost usability, per the review.

• Features: Dual wireless chargers, customizable ambient lighting, 540-degree camera.
• Controls: Hard buttons for key functions, touchscreen for settings, per Sunil.
• Audio: Infinity system delivers crisp sound, per @JamoPG.

The sunroof, touch-sensitive roof lights, and alcantara-like headliner add premium vibes, per Drive. Two-zone climate control limits rear customization, per the review.

Verdict: A tech-rich cabin with intuitive controls, though climate zoning could improve.

Safety: Robust Protection

The Cannon Alpha’s safety suite includes adaptive cruise control, front collision warning, cross-traffic alert, intelligent turning, and emergency braking, adjustable via the touchscreen, per Sunil. Eight airbags (six globally), ABS with ESP, and auto parking ensure safety, per CarExpert.

• Cameras: 540-degree view with chassis projection for off-roading and parking.
• Stability: ABS and ESP excel in slippery tests, per the review.
• ADAS: Sensitivity adjustable, but may need tweaking, per Ali.

Safety matches the Ranger, per @JamoPG.

Verdict: Advanced safety offers confidence, with minor ADAS adjustments needed.

Practicality: Work and Play

The Cannon Alpha balances work and leisure. The bed (~1,500 L) and 3,500 kg towing suit Brisbane tradies, while roof rails and side steps support camping in the Blue Mountains, per Drive.

• Bed: Dual tailgate (optional), standard tow bar, full-size spare.
• Cabin: Spacious second row with heating, cooling, USB ports.
• Storage: 400 L boot, cool box, cup holders, limited underfloor cargo.
• Towing: Matches D-Max, trails Ranger slightly, per CarExpert.

The second row is great for road trips to Uluru, but two-zone climate control restricts rear comfort, per Sunil. The 540-degree camera eases parking in Sydney, per @JamoPG.

Verdict: Versatile for work and family, with cargo and climate limitations.

Pricing: Value Leader

Priced at ~$45,000 AUD, the Cannon Alpha undercuts the Hilux ($50,000), Ranger ($55,000), and D-Max ($48,000), offering hybrid tech and premium features, per the review.

• Warranty: 7-year, unlimited-km, per CarExpert.
• Servicing: 5-year capped-price (~$1,800), 100+ dealers by 2026, per Drive.
• Costs: Fuel ~$2,000/year (15,000 km, hybrid), resale ~45% after 3 years, per CarExpert.
• Launch: Late 2025, factory-dependent, per Ali.

Launch uncertainty is a concern, per @JamoPG.

Verdict: Unbeatable value, pending launch confirmation.

How It Compares

• Toyota Hilux: $50,000, 204 hp, reliable but less tech, per CarExpert.
• Ford Ranger: $55,000, sharper handling, no hybrid, per Drive.
• BYD Shark: Similar hybrid (~$50,000), untested locally, per @JamoPG.

The Cannon Alpha’s price and features lead, but Hilux’s durability remains strong, per the review.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• ~$45,000 with hybrid efficiency.
• 400 hp, 750 Nm, 110 km EV range.
• Three locking diffs, 540-degree camera.
• Plush cabin with sunroof, massage seats.

Cons:

• Highway tyres limit off-road grip.
• Unconfirmed launch date.
• Two-zone climate control.
• Some budget plastics.

Who Should Buy It?

• City Drivers: Sydney commuters using 110 km EV range.
• Off-Roaders: Alice Springs adventurers needing locking diffs.
• Families: Perth parents seeking comfy cabins.
• Tradies: Brisbane workers towing 3,500 kg.
• Budget Buyers: Adelaide drivers wanting luxury affordably.

Buying Tips

• Monitor Launch: Check GWM Australia for late 2025 updates, per the review.
• Choose Hybrid: 2.0L PHEV for efficiency, per CarExpert.
• Test Off-Road: Try locking diffs in the Outback, per Drive.
• Budget Servicing: Plan ~$1,800 for 5 years, per CarExpert.
• Compare: Test Hilux ($50,000) or D-Max ($48,000), per @JamoPG.
• Seek Deals: Look for launch offers, per the review.

Verdict

The 2025 GWM Cannon Alpha Plug-In Hybrid is a dual-cab disruptor, offering 400 hp, 110 km EV range, and premium features at ~$45,000 AUD. Its off-road tech, plush interior, and 7-year warranty rival the Hilux and Ranger, per CarExpert. The YouTube review calls it “extremely comfortable,” and X posts (@JamoPG) praise its value. Highway tyres and launch uncertainty are drawbacks, but this ute is ready to conquer Australia’s roads, from cities to the bush.

Keen to drive? Register at GWM dealers or follow CarExpert for updates. Share your thoughts below!

Sources: YouTube (GWM Cannon Alpha Plug In Hybrid First Look Review), CarExpert, Drive, X posts by @JamoPG.