Australia gets a new cheapest plug-in hybrid ute
The GWM Cannon Hi4-T PHEV takes the honours of becoming Australia’s least-expensive plug-in hybrid ute, with prices starting from under $50,000 drive-away.
GWM has expanded its ute lineup to include the new Cannon Hi4-T PHEV, set to be sold alongside its turbo-diesel counterparts and become the cheapest plug-in hybrid ute in Australia.
Offered in entry-level Lux and flagship Ultra guise, the GWM Cannon Hi4-T PHEV launches as the fifth PHEV ute in Australia, with competitive pricing from the get-go in an attempt to drive up sales.
The Cannon Hi4-T Lux is priced from $49,990 drive-away for ABN holders and $50,990 drive-away for private buyers, undercutting the JAC Hunter Pro ($49,988 plus on-roads), the BYD Shark 6 Premium ($57,900 before on-roads), the larger GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV Lux ($57,490 drive-away), and the Ford Ranger Hybrid XL ($61,000).
Opting for the Cannon Hi4-T Ultra brings prices up by $4000 to $53,990 for ABN holders and $54,990 drive-away for private buyers, respectively, still enough to keep it as the most affordable model overall.
Until October 31, 2026, GWM is also offering a $2000 drive-away bonus to ABN buyers, as well as the same bonus or a $2000 fuel card to private buyers.
A turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine is paired with an electric motor to produce up to 310kW and 750Nm, more than the Ford Ranger Hybrid (207kW and 697Nm), in the same ballpark as the BYD Shark 6 Premium (321kW and 650Nm), but less than the Shark 6 Performance (350kW and 700Nm) and JAC Hunter (360kW and 1010Nm).
Fed by a 33.1kWh battery pack, the Cannon PHEV will have a claimed NEDC lab-tested driving range of 115km, more than the Ranger Hybrid (49km), Shark 6 and JAC Hunter (100km), while matching the Cannon Alpha PHEV.
According to GWM, the battery allows a combined driving range of up to 1037km, just shy of the Cannon Alpha PHEV (1060km), but ahead of the JAC Hunter (1005km) and Shark 6 (800km).
The Cannon Hi4-T PHEV will also include Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability with 230V outlets in its tub.
Like the turbo-diesel version, it boasts a 3500kg braked towing capacity, matching the bulk of its competitors.
Features in the Lux include a 10.25-inch digital instrument display, 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, synthetic leather upholstery, and power-adjustable driver’s seat.
Stepping up to the Ultra adds a heated steering wheel, heated, ventilated, and power-adjustable front seats, and a sunroof.
Pre-orders for the GWM Cannon Hi4-T PHEV are now open, with deliveries expected to begin in mid-October 2026.
