GWM Cannon Alpha Ultra Hybrid review reveals combo of tech and luxury

This is Australia’s first hybrid ute, but there are also a host of luxuries in the GWM Cannon Alpha Ultra Hybrid mix

Given our love for utes, it was only a matter of time before the electric revolution pushed into the dual-cab realm.

The Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux remain entrenched in the nation’s top three selling vehicles, yet there is a new breed on the way.

Excitement surrounded the Tesla Cybertruck when they opened the books on orders, but now it looks unlikely to come Down Under – at least in its current form.

Full electric offerings are still on the horizon. For those looking at alternatives there is the middle ground of hybrids which are proving popular in the passenger vehicle market.

Chinese manufacturers have won the first to market plug-in hybrid race, with the BYD Shark 6 deliveries starting in December while the GWM Cannon Alpha is coming next year. Ford will also release its plug-in hybrid Ranger in 2025.

Then there is also the hybrid GWM Cannon Alpha – no need to plug in, just get in and drive. It’s been a outstandingly successful formula for Toyota that started with the Prius, and has led to success in the Camry, RAV4 and Kluger.

What do you get?

Good Friday sales haven’t taken hold in the automotive sector, but GWM has cut prices across its range.

The Cannon Alpha Ultra Hybrid is now $62,990 drive-away. That’s a price reduction of $2000, while the first three scheduled services are now free (saving of about $1650) as part of the deal that lasts until December 8.

Far from rugged, climb inside and GWM’s ute range-topper is a plush experience. Comfy nappa leather trimmed seats, refined looking cabin materials, giant 14.6-inch central touchscreen, digital driver instruments, heated and cooled front seats with massage modes and electronically controlled, as are those in the back (outbound back seats also have heating and cooling functions).

Throw into the mix keyless entry, 18-inch alloys, 60-40 split tailgate, wireless phone charging, 10-speaker stereo, head-up display as well as wireless smartphone mirroring apps and it’s a compelling feature list.

White is the only colour which doesn’t add to the price, with grey, silver, black and red an additional $595.

Inside the GWM Cannon Alpha Ultra Hybrid is all luxury, with leather trim, wireless phone charging, 10-speaker stereo, head-up display and wireless smartphone mirroring apps.

How was the drive?

We sampled the same hybrid combination in its Tank 500 SUV sibling, yet the ute provided a livelier experience behind the wheel.

Without a load in the back and the rear leaf spring suspension, designed to handle up to 735kg in the tub, the back end feels super light. During some downpours we had to feather the throttle to avoid losing traction or spinning the wheels on wet bitumen as the turbo petrol engine and electric motor sent serious power to the rear tyres in two-wheel drive mode.

The hybrid combination is a responsive one and while there is less body roll than the Tank, the unladen tub can lead to a bouncy ride while the steering can be vague.

Weighing 2575kg, it’s heavy even by dual-cab standards, while the turning circle of 13m and its 5.4m length ensures tight car parks are a challenge.

Fortunately the GWM driver monitoring system was mostly disabled during our test. On previous drives it has intervened regularly to remind you of speed limits and various other hazards … to the point where it drives you to distraction. Any yawns and you’re encouraged to “take a break”.

Front and rear locking differentials ensure it has the hardware for the tough stuff, and it doesn’t shy away from tough terrain. The wading depth is 800mm.

Don’t buy the hybrid for miserly fuel consumption, you’d get better performance from the diesels. One highway trip we managed 8.9L/100km, but our overall average was 11.2L/100km.

There is currently a deal on the GWM Cannon Alpha Ultra Hybrid for $62,990 drive-away, with three free services.

Would you buy one?

Kel: Given the price and features list, I can see why so many people have asked us about the GWMs. The Cannon Alpha Ultra was impressive in terms of luxuries and it didn’t feel like you were in a workhorse. The drive-away deal would put it on my consideration list if I was looking for a ute, with the knowledge that resale probably won’t be great.

Grant: The pricing of the plug-in version will be interesting, and for the estimated extra $10-15k it may be hard to justify going past this hybrid. Having the seven-year warranty is great peace of mind for those who want to treat their utes rough. The Cannon Alpha Ultra remains a good option for those wanting excellent tech and luxury without the burden of paying upward of $85k.

The split tailgate in GWM’s Cannon Alpha Ultra Hybrid.