GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV Launches in New Zealand with Bold Pricing
5 May, 2025
GWM is shaking up the ute market once again, introducing the all-new Cannon Alpha PHEV to New Zealand with aggressive pricing and a clear challenge to its diesel rivals. As one of the first plug-in hybrid utes available locally, the Cannon Alpha PHEV brings electrified performance and advanced features to a segment that’s been slow to embrace change.
Priced from just $69,990 plus on-road costs, the new PHEV flagship arrives with a compelling mix of technology, power, and practicality. Its plug-in hybrid setup combines a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine with a 37.1kWh traction battery —providing a combined 1060km range and up to 115km of pure electric driving under NEDC testing. This powertrain delivers a total system output of 300kW and 750Nm, making it one of the most powerful utes on New Zealand roads.
Yet GWM’s push doesn’t stop at electrification. The Cannon Alpha PHEV boasts a braked towing capacity of 3,000kg, a 1,000kg payload, and 560mm of wading depth, proving that performance and utility can go hand-in-hand with lower emissions. Hi4T plug-in hybrid technology delivers genuine real-world efficiency, boasting a best-in-class combined fuel consumption of just 1.7L/100km (NEDC), low charge consumption of 7.9L/100km (NEDC), and impressively low CO₂ emissions of only 39g/km (NEDC).
Sitting above the popular Cannon line-up, the Cannon Alpha PHEV is built on GWM’s all-new body-on-frame P71 architecture. This gives it the size and stance to compete with market leaders like the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux, with dimensions stretching 5,445 mm long and 1,991mm wide.
The premium offering continues inside with a dual-screen digital display setup—a 14.6” infotainment screen and a 12.3” instrument cluster—alongside a panoramic sunroof*, 10-speaker Infinity sound system*, and heated/ventilated* power-adjustable seats. Safety is a strong focus too, with 15 radar sensors and 9 cameras supporting an extensive suite of driver-assistance features including autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert with auto braking.
The Cannon Alpha PHEV’s arrival also complements the refreshed 2025 GWM Cannon range, which includes a diesel-powered variant priced from $36,490+ORC. This updated model benefits from a bold new design, enhanced interior layout, and upgraded tech such as a 12.3” touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
GWM’s confident stride into the ute space is backed by a generous 7-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and 5 years of roadside assistance, offering peace of mind alongside innovation. With initial stock expected to arrive in late May, interest is expected to be high across the country. For buyers seeking a powerful, future-ready ute that blends everyday practicality with modern efficiency, the GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV is an offer that’s hard to ignore.
Ready to experience the future of utes? Register your interest in the Cannon Alpha PHEV today.
*Ultra Variant Only. Features, prices and specifications correct as of May 2025. Always contact your authorised Ingham GWM consultant for confirmation.