Drive
With so many tough-sounding superlatives in its name, the GWM Cannon Alpha Ultra PHEV may be at risk of raising questions about what it is trying to offset.
by Alex Forrest
Updated • Published
2 min read
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by Alex Forrest
Updated •
Published
Text size
Watch Alex's full review of the 2025 GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV on our Horizons YouTube channel
The truth is though, the ute itself doesn’t really need all those pneumatic monikers. It does okay at most ute tasks, and rather well when it comes to cabin refinement, electric-only driving range and actual value.
As a PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle), the GWM Cannon Alpha has a real-world electric driving range of around 85km when fully charged. If the battery runs out before you can charge again, the 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine adds more assistance, and the ute runs like a typical hybrid.
With a starting price of $57,490 drive away, the Cannon Alpha PHEV competes with the Ford Ranger PHEV ute ($81,200) and the BYD Shark 6 PHEV ($59,400).
It comes in two variants, being the Lux PHEV and the Ultra PHEV. We drove the latter (costing $64,490), which demonstrates well just how much gear you get for what is the starting price of some other utes.
For example, front seats which are heated, cooled, massaging and electrically adjustable with position memory are unusual in a vehicle costing less than $65,000.
The theme of plush family transport in the shape of a ute continues with polished finishes, fake woodgrain and a nice shiny analogue clock.
To make best use of its electrified talents, the Cannon Alpha PHEV is best suited for city driving where trips are short and regenerative braking is plentiful.
Long trips are not its forte – after the battery is depleted, in petrol hybrid mode it uses around 9.7L/100km.
Charge it regularly though, and you’ll have access to its tremendous, combined output of 300kW and 750Nm.
There’s a huge amount of gear and tech here for the money, but it’s best in the city.
Price | From $57,490 drive away |
Engine | 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol turbo / PHEV |
Power (combined) | 300kW |
Torque (combined) | 750Nm |
Claimed fuel economy | 1.7L/100km |
ANCAP safety rating | 5 stars |
