- GWM has revealed pricing and specification for the plug-in hybrid version of its Cannon ute.
- The Cannon Hi4-T will pack a 310kW/750Nm PHEV powertrain and start at $58,990.
- The PHEV version of the Cannon ute is expected to arrive late next month.
GWM New Zealand has confirmed local pricing and specification details for the all-new Cannon Hi4-T plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) ute. Set to arrive in local dealerships from late September 2026, the double-cab ute will be offered in two distinct trim levels, with entry into the range starting with the Cannon Hi4-T Lux priced at $58,990, while the higher-specification Cannon Hi4-T Ultra lands here at $62,990.
Under the bonnet, power comes from a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine paired with GWM's proprietary Hi4-T intelligent hybrid system and a nine-speed hybrid automatic transmission. The petrol engine generates 180kW of power and 380Nm of torque, while an electric motor adds a further 130kW and 495Nm for total combined outputs of 310kW and 750Nm.
According to GWM, the 33.1kWh battery pack gives the Cannon an electric-only driving range of up to 115km tested under the NEDC cycle (so expect real world figure to be closer to around 80 to 90km). Combined with the 75-litre petrol fuel tank, total overall range is rated at up to 1037km, while official fuel consumption is stated at 2.4L/100km. Recharging via a DC fast charger at up to 110kW allows the battery to charge from 30 to 80 per cent in 18 minutes.
GWM says that, unlike many electrified light commercial vehicles, the Hi4-T retains traditional body-on-frame four-wheel-drive mechanical hardware, including a low-range transfer case and an electronic rear differential lock working alongside the electric drive system.
Towing capacity is rated at a maximum of 3500kg braked and 750kg unbraked, with a payload capacity of 835kg, while also boasting 232mm of minimum ground clearance and a 500mm wading depth. The Cannon Hi4-T also features integrated Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capabilities, providing up to 6kW of discharge power through 230V outlets located in the rear tub.
Both variants come standard with a black exterior styling package that includes 18-inch black alloy wheels, a black front grille, black side steps, black roof rails, black mirror caps, and a black sports bar.
Inside, the Cannon Hi4-T marks the debut of GWM’s 15.6-inch high-definition central touchscreen running Coffee OS with over-the-air update capability, alongside a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support.
The Ultra grade adds red brake calipers, a tailgate step, an electronic sunroof, leather-accented upholstery, heated power-adjustable front seats, a heated steering wheel, ambient lighting, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, front parking sensors, and a 360-degree camera system.
With this release, GWM becomes the only brand in New Zealand offering two plug-in hybrid ute models, with the Cannon Hi4-T slotting into the range under the larger Cannon Alpha Hi4-T.
"For Kiwis, the Cannon Hi4-T PHEV represents a practical step forward: the ability to drive on electric power
during the week, while retaining the towing, touring and off-road capability Kiwi ute buyers expect,” said Cameron Thomas, Country Manager GWM New Zealand.
"With the Cannon Hi4-T, it really is a case of New Zealand’s most versatile plug-in hybrid ute joining New
Zealand’s most versatile ute range."
The arrival of the plug-in hybrid version of the Cannon comes just before GWM launches its new 3.0-litre diesel four-cylinder engine that will debut in the larger Cannon Alpha, giving the Chinese manufacturer and even broader range of utes when it arrives in New Zealand later this month.
