Top 10 Reasons to Buy the 2025 GWM Cannon Alpha Plug-In Hybrid: Australia’s Ultimate Dual-Cab Ute
By Alex Nguyen | Published May 14, 2025
The 2025 GWM Cannon Alpha Plug-In Hybrid is poised to shake up Australia’s dual-cab ute market, offering hybrid efficiency, off-road prowess, and premium features at a price that undercuts rivals like the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, and Isuzu D-Max. With a 2.0L turbo plug-in hybrid delivering 400 hp, 750 Nm of torque, and a 110 km electric range, it’s perfect for Sydney commuters, Outback adventurers, and Perth tradies.

Why Choose the 2025 GWM Cannon Alpha?
Picture cruising Sydney’s streets in pure-electric mode for 110 km, then tackling the Flinders Ranges with three locking differentials and a 540-degree camera. The Cannon Alpha’s AUD 45,000 price (estimated, based on China’s ~ AUD 35,000) beats the Hilux ($50,000+), per CarExpert. Its plush cabin, with massage seats and a panoramic sunroof, rivals SUVs, per Drive. Despite highway-terrain tyres and an unconfirmed late-2025 launch, it’s a versatile ute for Melbourne families, Brisbane tradies, and Cairns off-roaders. Here are the top 10 reasons to make it your next dual-cab, backed by the YouTube review and industry insights.
Top 10 Reasons to Buy the 2025 GWM Cannon Alpha Plug-In Hybrid
1. Unbeatable Price Under $45,000 AUD
The Cannon Alpha is expected to start at ~$45,000 AUD, undercutting the Hilux ($50,000), Ranger ($55,000), and D-Max ($48,000), per CarExpert. It offers hybrid tech, locking diffs, and premium features at a budget price, per the review.


- Value: Cheaper than rivals with more tech, per Drive.
- Warranty: 7-year, unlimited-km, per CarExpert.
- Servicing: ~$1,800 for 5 years, per @JamoPG.
Winner: Affordable luxury for cost-conscious Aussies.
Score: 9.0/10.
2. Powerful Plug-In Hybrid Performance
The 2.0L turbo plug-in hybrid delivers 400 hp and 750 Nm of torque via an 8-speed ZF automatic, outmuscling the Hilux’s 204 hp and Ranger’s 210 hp, per Drive. It’s smooth and responsive, per Sunil.

- Power: ~6 seconds 0–100 km/h (estimated), per the review.
- Modes: EV, hybrid, sport, eco, per Ali.
- Paddle Shifters: Adds driving fun, per @JamoPG.
Winner: Class-leading power for highways and trails.
Score: 8.9/10.
3. 110 km Electric Range
With a 110 km pure-electric range (tested at 33% charge), the Cannon Alpha suits Sydney and Melbourne commuters, slashing fuel costs, per the review. AC/DC charging (fast DC supported) ensures flexibility, per CarExpert.
- Efficiency: ~5–6 L/100km combined (estimated), per Drive.
- Urban Use: Zero-emission city driving, per @JamoPG.
- Charging: Home or commercial fast chargers, per Sunil.
Winner: Green driving without range anxiety.
Score: 8.8/10.
4. Off-Road Prowess with Locking Differentials
The full-time 4×4 system (H14T badge), three locking differentials (front, rear, center), and low-range 4L make it a beast for the Outback, per the review. 224 mm ground clearance handles rough terrain, per Drive.
- Tech: 540-degree camera with chassis view, per Ali.
- Modes: 4H for cities, 4L for trails, per CarExpert.
- Durability: Body-on-frame chassis, per @JamoPG.
Winner: Ready for Australia’s toughest tracks.
Score: 8.7/10.
5. Luxurious SUV-Like Cabin
The five-seat cabin feels like an SUV, with leather seats, wooden trim, and ambient lighting, rivaling the Kia Sorento, per Drive. Massage seats and a panoramic sunroof elevate comfort, per Sunil.



- Front: 10-way electric seats, heating, cooling, per the review.
- Rear: Reclining seats, heating, cooling, per Ali.
- Vibe: Premium alcantara-like headliner, per @JamoPG.
Winner: Plush comfort for long drives.
Score: 8.8/10.
6. Spacious and Practical Rear Seating
The second row offers ample legroom, a flat floor, and reclining seats with heating and cooling, fixing dual-cab rear discomfort, per the review. It’s ideal for Perth families, per CarExpert.
- Space: Fits three adults comfortably, per Sunil.
- Features: USB-A/C ports, privacy glass, per Drive.
- Access: Deployable side steps (optional), per @JamoPG.
Winner: Family-friendly rear comfort.
Score: 8.6/10.
7. Cutting-Edge Technology
The 14.6-inch touchscreen and 10.25-inch digital cluster run a “snappy” interface with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an Infinity audio system, per Ali. A head-up display adds convenience, per the review.
- Controls: Physical climate buttons, touchscreen settings, per Sunil.
- Audio: Crisp Infinity sound, per @JamoPG.
- Extras: Dual wireless chargers, ambient lighting, per Drive.
Winner: Tech-packed for modern drivers.
Score: 8.7/10.
8. Comprehensive Safety Suite
Standard safety includes adaptive cruise control, front collision warning, cross-traffic alert, emergency braking, and eight airbags (six globally), per Sunil. ABS with ESP shines in slippery tests, per CarExpert.
- Cameras: 540-degree view for off-roading, parking, per Ali.
- ADAS: Adjustable sensitivity, per the review.
- Stability: Robust ESP control, per @JamoPG.
Winner: Top-tier safety for peace of mind.
Score: 8.6/10.
9. Versatile Work and Leisure Features
The Cannon Alpha handles work and play with a 1,500 L bed, 3,500 kg towing, and roof rails, perfect for Brisbane tradies and Blue Mountains campers, per Drive. A dual tailgate boosts flexibility, per the review.
- Bed: Standard tow bar, full-size spare, per Sunil.
- Towing: Matches D-Max, per CarExpert.
- Storage: Cool box, cup holders, per @JamoPG.
Winner: Practical for jobs and adventures.
Score: 8.5/10.
10. Strong Brand Support
GWM’s 7-year, unlimited-km warranty and 100+ dealers by 2026 ensure reliability for rural Darwin buyers, per CarExpert. Capped-price servicing (~$1,800 for 5 years) and 45% resale value add value, per Drive.
- Trust: GWM’s 27-year dual-cab leadership, per Sunil.
- Access: Nationwide dealer network, per @JamoPG.
- Costs: Competitive ownership, per the review.
Winner: Dependable support for Aussie owners.
Score: 8.5/10.
Comparison Table: 2025 GWM Cannon Alpha vs. Competitors
Feature | GWM Cannon Alpha | Toyota Hilux | Ford Ranger | Isuzu D-Max |
---|---|---|---|---|
Starting Price (AUD) | ~$45,000 | $50,000 | $55,000 | $48,000 |
Power (hp) | 400 (Hybrid) | 204 (Diesel) | 210 (Diesel) | 190 (Diesel) |
Torque (Nm) | 750 | 500 | 500 | 450 |
Towing (kg) | 3,500 | 3,500 | 3,500 | 3,500 |
Fuel Economy (L/100km) | ~5–6 (est.) | 7.9 | 8.2 | 8.0 |
EV Range (km) | 110 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Infotainment | 14.6-in touchscreen | 8-in | 12-in | 9-in |
Warranty | 7-yr/unlimited-km | 5-yr/unlimited | 5-yr/unlimited | 6-yr/150,000 km |
Notes: Prices estimated; economy untested for Alpha. Data from YouTube review, CarExpert, Drive.
Drawbacks to Consider
- Unconfirmed Launch: Tied to factory completion by late 2025, per Ali.
- Highway Tyres: Limit off-road grip, per @JamoPG.
- Two-Zone Climate: No rear customization, per Sunil.
- Budget Plastics: Some matte chrome feels cheap, per Drive.
- Untested Economy: Fuel figures estimated, per CarExpert.
- No Telescopic Steering: Tilt-only wheel, per the review.
Buying Tips for Australian Buyers
- Track Launch: Monitor GWM Australia for late 2025 updates, per the review.
- Pick 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 Rivals: Test Hilux ($50,000) or D-Max ($48,000), per @JamoPG.
- Seek Deals: Look for launch discounts, like Haval’s $4,000 off, per the review.
- Visit Dealers: GWM’s 100+ showrooms by 2026, per Drive.
Who Should Buy the 2025 GWM Cannon Alpha?
- City Commuters: Sydney drivers using 110 km EV range.
- Off-Roaders: Alice Springs adventurers needing locking diffs.
- Families: Perth parents wanting spacious cabins.
- Tradies: Brisbane workers towing 3,500 kg.
- Value Seekers: Adelaide buyers craving luxury affordably.
Verdict: Why the 2025 GWM Cannon Alpha Shines
The 2025 GWM Cannon Alpha Plug-In Hybrid is a dual-cab game-changer, blending 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 hurdles, but for 2025 GWM Cannon Alpha buyers, it’s a versatile ute for Australia’s roads, from cities to the bush.
Ready to roll? Register at GWM dealers or check CarExpert for updates. Share your thoughts below!
Sources: YouTube (GWM Cannon Alpha Plug In Hybrid First Look Review), CarExpert, Drive, X posts by @JamoPG.