GWM Takes Aim at BYD
While BYD has secured the title of Australia's first plug-in hybrid (PHEV) ute with the Shark, GWM is confident that its forthcoming Cannon Alpha PHEV will offer a more compelling package for Australian buyers. GWM Australia and New Zealand product specialist Tim Leong asserts that the Cannon Alpha PHEV will outshine the Shark in crucial areas such as off-road prowess and towing capacity.
Off-Road Superiority
“In my personal opinion, the biggest difference is really the off-road capability of these cars,” stated Mr. Leong. He emphasized the Cannon Alpha's traditional low-range gearbox and physical front and rear differential locks, contrasting it with the BYD Shark's reliance on electronic traction control.
“Having the four wheels actually rotating and mechanically locked at the same speed is vastly different to the wheels trying the motors, trying at the traction control, trying to control the speed," Mr. Leong explained.
Towing Prowess
Towing capacity is another area where GWM believes the Cannon Alpha PHEV will have an advantage. Mr. Leong alluded to CarExpert's video showcasing potential towing difficulties with the Shark, stating that the Cannon Alpha PHEV will not encounter similar issues. The Cannon Alpha PHEV boasts a 3500kg braked towing capacity, matching the upcoming Ford Ranger PHEV and surpassing the Shark 6's 2500kg.
No Compromises
Recently appointed GWM Australia and New Zealand chief operating officer John Kett emphasized that the Cannon Alpha PHEV is designed to meet the functional needs of Australian ute buyers without compromise.
“We’ve made a choice to replicate the functional needs of a ute that we know it to be with a PHEV, as opposed to try and innovate some solutions," said Mr. Kett.
Key Features and Availability
The GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV is scheduled to launch in Australia in the second quarter of 2025 (April to June). Pricing starts at $63,990 drive-away for the Cannon Alpha PHEV Lux and extends to $68,990 drive-away for the Cannon Alpha PHEV Ultra.
The company has confirmed that it won't deliver any models to customers before the Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) exemption for PHEVs ends on April 1, 2025. The Cannon Alpha PHEV will rival the BYD Shark (priced at $57,900 before on-road costs) and the upcoming Ford Ranger PHEV (pricing yet to be announced). The GWM also bests the BYD's claimed electric-only driving range, offering 110km versus the Shark's 100km (NEDC testing).
Key Advantages of the Cannon Alpha PHEV over the BYD Shark:
- 3500kg braked towing capacity vs. 2500kg
- Front, rear, and centre locking differentials (Shark has none)
- Longer claimed electric-only driving range (110km vs 100km, NEDC)
A Bold Claim
GWM's bold claim positions the Cannon Alpha PHEV as a direct competitor to the BYD Shark and the upcoming Ford Ranger PHEV. Australian ute buyers will have a compelling choice to make when these models hit the market, weighing the pros and cons of each PHEV offering. Can the Cannon Alpha deliver on GWM's promise of superior off-road capability and towing performance? Time will tell.
