By Paul, Automotive Expert at CarExpert, Published: April 8, 2025

I’m Paul, your automotive guide with years of hands-on testing under my belt, and today we’re diving deep into the 2026 GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV—a plug-in hybrid dual-cab ute shaking up Australia’s growing segment. Priced from $63,990 drive-away (Ultra at $69,990), it’s a rival to the BYD Shark and the upcoming Ford Ranger PHEV. I’ve driven this pre-production beast, tested its 0-100km/h sprint, and tackled off-road challenges to see if it can outmuscle the Shark. With a massive battery, bold design, and 750Nm of torque, is this the ute to beat? Let’s break it down—performance, off-road chops, interior, and more—plus how it stacks up. Buckle up for the full review!

Overview: What Sets the Cannon Alpha PHEV Apart?

The 2026 GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV blends traditional ute grit with plug-in hybrid tech. Built by Great Wall Motors (GWM), it’s a step up from the standard Cannon Alpha, offering:

• Price: $63,990-$69,990 drive-away—$2,000 pricier than the BYD Shark.
• Powertrain: 2.0L turbo petrol + electric motor, 300kW combined, 750Nm torque.
• Battery: 37.1 kWh, ~110km EV range (NEDC).
• Towing: 3,500kg—1,000kg more than the Shark.

It’s a pre-production unit, so expect some polish in the final version. Let’s explore why it’s turning heads.

Exterior Design: Rugged Yet Refined

Visually, the Cannon Alpha PHEV mirrors its ICE sibling but adds hybrid flair:

• Front: Full LED headlights, massive GWM logo—bold and brash. Optional colors ($700 extra) like this test unit’s hue pop nicely.
• Wheels: 18-inch alloys with highway-terrain tires—macho machined finish. An off-road variant with a snorkel and AT tires is rumored (fingers crossed!).
• Side: Wheel arch cladding, side steps (a snag for serious off-roading), brushed aluminum trim—sleek touch.
• Rear: LED taillights, dual-mode tailgate (standard drop or barn-door style), 4×4 HI4T badge.

The tow bar’s an aftermarket clunker—low and clumsy, hurting departure angles. GWM needs a factory fix here. Still, it’s a handsome, imposing ute—perfect for worksites or weekend escapes.

Powertrain & Performance: Torque Monster Unleashed

Under the hood, it’s a hybrid powerhouse:

• Engine: 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder petrol—180kW, ~400Nm.
• Electric Motor: 120kW, 400Nm—sandwiched with a 9-speed auto.
• Combined: 300kW, 750Nm—beats a V6 diesel for grunt.
• Battery: 37.1kWh—110km EV range (NEDC), real-world likely ~90-100km.

0-100km/h Test:

• At 13% battery, Sport mode, traction off: 7.7 seconds. Not lightning-fast (Shark’s ~5.7s beats it), but decent for 2.8 tons. Full charge might shave a second—stay tuned for updates.
• 80-120km/h: 5.56 seconds—solid mid-range punch for overtaking.
• Braking (100-0km/h): 2.97 seconds, 41.36m—respectable for its heft.

In Sport mode, it’s eager—torque kicks in fast, hiding the weight. Normal mode lags, though—transmission hesitates, needing sharper calibration. Reverse tops out at 36km/h—handy for tight spots.

Driving Experience: On-Road Refinement Meets Quirks

I hit the pavement to test ride and handling:

• Ride: Soft and car-like at 130km/h—great body control over sine waves despite 2,810kg. At 90km/h on bumpy roads, it soaks up corrugations—no fatigue here.
• Handling: Some body roll in Sport mode, but it settles quickly—750Nm powers out of corners with gusto.
• Noise: Quiet cabin—minimal road noise from highway tires (AT tires will hum more), slight wind around mirrors at speed.
• Modes: Eco (2WD), Normal (4WD auto), Sport—plus low-range and diff locks for off-road.

The throttle’s jumpy—full power lingers after braking, a software glitch GWM’s fixing (standard hybrid got this update). Visibility’s ace—high perch, big mirrors, adjustable seat/steering beat the regular Cannon.

Off-Road Capability: Shark Slayer or Toe Bar Trouble?

I tackled our test course—hills, moguls, rocks—to see if it beats the Shark:

• Specs: 224mm ground clearance, 23° approach, 19° departure (pre-tow bar), 800mm wading depth, front/rear diff locks, low-range.
• Offset Moguls (Eco Mode): Traction control shines—lifts a wheel, keeps moving—no diff lock needed. Normal mode (4WD) walks it effortlessly.
• Hill Climb (High Range): Nearly summits—beats Shark’s halfway mark. Low range, no diff locks? Absolute breeze—toe bar scrapes, though.
• Hill Descent: Smooth regen in low range—controls speed well, recharges on the way down. Hill holds, stops, and restarts with ease.
• Rocks: No rock mode, but brake-throttle combo glides over—battery pack clears, tow bar drags.

Verdict: Low-range and diff locks crush the Shark off-road—reduction gears multiply torque where the Shark’s pure EV setup falters. That tow bar, though? A departure-angle killer—needs rethinking.

Interior: Premium Feel, Packed Features

Inside, it’s a step above typical utes:

• Design: Piano black galore (fingerprint magnet), but soft-touch doors, quality stitching—feels $80K, not $70K. Gurometer-tested—top-tier softness (link to full results below).
• Seats: Heated/cooled front with massage, electric adjust (tilt, lumbar)—second row heated/cooled, reclines electrically.
• Infotainment: 14.6-inch touchscreen—Sync-like with nav, voice control (“close window halfway”—nails it), Infinity audio. Apple CarPlay/Android Auto—big, clear, but home-screen access lags.
• Driver Display: 12.3-inch hooded cluster—glare-free, plus head-up display.
• Storage: Wireless charger, deep console (cooled), glovebox, sunglass holder, USB-A ports—dash cam-ready.

Build quality’s solid—doors slam with a thud. It’s a luxe workspace—Hilux can’t touch this vibe.

Practicality & Payload: Ute Life Covered

• Tray: Dual-mode tailgate—drop or barn-door. Spare tire eats space (no underbody spot—design flaw).
• Payload: 695kg—less than Shark (~750kg) or Ranger (~1,000kg). With 3,500kg towing and 350kg downball, only 330kg left—tight for passengers and gear.
• GVM/GCM: 3,495kg / 6,745kg—curb weight 2,810kg.
• Charging: 50kW DC, 6.6kW AC—V2L at 3.3kW (Shark’s 7kW trumps it).

It’s a workhorse, but payload’s a pinch point—plan light if towing heavy.

Under the Hood: Hybrid Tech Breakdown

On the hoist, differences shine:

• Layout: Traditional ICE setup—engine up front, electric motor by transmission, battery at rear. Shark’s all-EV undertray contrasts this.
• Protection: Underbody faces rear—less sand-trapping than Shark. Fuel tank exposed, but not the lowest point.
• Battery: 37.1kWh NMC pack—low-hanging at rear, protected but vulnerable off-road. No spare tire space—platform oversight.
• Tow Bar: Aftermarket, low-slung—blocks recovery point, sags under load.

It’s a hybrid-first design, not EV-first—keeps 4WD roots intact but compromises spare storage.

Fuel Economy & Range: Hybrid Efficiency

Pre-production limits real-world data:

• Current: 11L/100km, 19.3 kWh/100km (mixed use, low battery).
• EV Mode: ~110km range—daily commutes (20-30km) go gas-free.
• Post-Battery: TBD—full test pending production unit.

Expect ~5- 7L/100km sans EV juice—bigger engine fills torque gaps better than Shark’s smaller unit.

Pros vs. Cons: The Full Picture

• Pros:
  • 750Nm torque—towing/off-road beast.
  • 110km EV range—commute-friendly.
  • Luxe interior—massage seats, big screens.
  • Off-road prowess—low-range, diff locks.
• Cons:
  • Tow bar mess—low, aftermarket vibe.
  • Spare tire issue—tray hogger.
  • Transmission lag—Normal mode naps.
  • Payload pinch—695kg limits flexibility.

Cannon Alpha vs. BYD Shark: Head-to-Head

• Power: Cannon’s 300kW/750Nm trumps Shark’s ~320kW/620Nm—torque wins.
• Towing: 3,500kg vs. 2,500kg—Cannon hauls more.
• Range: 110km vs. 100km—neck and neck.
• Off-Road: Cannon’s low-range/diff locks crush Shark’s EV-only setup.
• Price: $64K-$70K vs. $62K—Shark’s cheaper.

Cannon’s a tougher, torqueier ute—Shark’s faster, simpler off-road package lags in grunt.

Verdict: Should You Buy the 2026 GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV?

The 2026 GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV is a torque titan—750Nm, 110km EV range, and off-road mastery make it a Shark-slayer. At $64K-$70K, it’s a premium ute with luxe perks and towing muscle. Transmission hiccups, a dodgy tow bar, and spare tire woes need fixes—but it’s a pre-production quirk. I’d buy it for its hybrid versatility and 4WD chops—beats the Shark where it counts. Thoughts? Comment below, share this, and subscribe—I’m Paul, off to test more!

Specs Snapshot

• Price: $63,990-$69,990
• Power: 300kW, 750Nm
• Range: ~110km (EV)
• Towing: 3,500kg

Author Section

About the Author: Paul

Paul is a seasoned automotive expert and your go-to guide for ute and hybrid reviews at Car Expert. With a knack for detailed testing—from hoist inspections to off-road trials—he’s driven it all. Passionate about Australia’s car scene, Paul brings insider knowledge to every review. Subscribe to his channel and drop your thoughts below—he’s here to fuel your automotive curiosity!