2024 GWM Cannon Alpha locked in as Australia’s first full hybrid ute

The 2024 GWM Cannon Alpha ute from China has finally been confirmed for an Australian showroom debut in mid-2024 with a choice of petrol-hybrid and diesel power.

The Cannon Alpha is larger than the current GWM Ute Cannon – and other top-selling utes such as the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux – but is smaller than the likes of the Ford F-150, Ram 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado.

Prices are yet to be confirmed, however it is expected to cost more than the $35,990 to $52,990 drive-away GWM Ute owing to its dimensions – and choice of a bigger 2.4-litre turbo-diesel or new 2.0-litre turbo-petrol hybrid.

It measures 5445mm long, 1991mm wide, 1924mm tall, riding on a 3350mm wheelbase – 35mm longer overall, 57mm wider, 38mm taller, and 120mm longer in wheelbase than a regular GWM Ute.

The biggest point of difference for the Cannon Alpha is its full hybrid powertrain – a first for the ute segment – which pairs a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder with an electric motor for a combined output of 255kW/648Nm.

It is more potent than the 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6-powered Ford Ranger, which makes 184kW/600Nm, and even comes close to matching the Ranger Raptor’s 292kW/583Nm 3.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V6.

The Ram 1500 V8 pick-up has been available with a mild-hybrid system for a number of years, but it is not a true hybrid – and the electric motor can only assist the petrol engine, rather than power the wheels on its own.

The Cannon Alpha will also be available with a 135kW/480Nm 2.4-litre turbo-diesel engine – up from the 120kW/400Nm 2.0-litre engine in the regular GWM Ute – putting it closer to the 140kW/450Nm 3.0-litre Isuzu D-Max and Mazda BT-50, 150kW/470Nm 2.4-litre Mitsubishi Triton and 150kW/500Nm 2.8-litre Toyota HiLux.

Both engines will send drive to all four wheels through a nine-speed automatic transmission, and feature a maximum braked towing capacity of 3500kg.

GWM promises “excellent on- and off-road performance, intelligent technology, strength and capability” from the new model.

There is also a three-mode all-terrain drive mode selector that can lock the front and rear differentials, as well as make use of the Borg Warner-sourced 4x4 transfer case.

Also unique to the Cannon Alpha is a tailgate which can be opened sideways in a 60/40 split – like a side-door fridge – or from the bottom like a traditional ute tailgate.

Inside, there is a 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen, a 10-speaker sound system, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless smartphone charger, nappa leather upholstery and heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats.

GWM is yet to confirm full pricing and specifications for the Cannon Alpha line-up, which will be revealed close to its on-sale date later in the year.

The current GWM Ute line-up starts at $35,990 drive-away for the 4x2 Cannon and tops out at $52,990 for the 4x4 Cannon-XSR, so expect the Cannon Alpha to cost more.