GWM Shanhai Cannon 2023: affordable Ranger rival set for Australia

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The new Great Wall Motors (GWM) Shanhai Cannon could be the first hybrid dual-cab ute sold in Australia.

Bigger than a Ford Ranger, GWM unveiled its new Shanhai Cannon flagship ute at the Chengdu Motor Show in China last weekend – and its Australian subsidiary said it could be here within the next six to 12 months.

The Shanhai Cannon is expected to be offered in China with three engine options – a 3.0-litre turbo-petrol V6, a 2.4-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder and a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol hybrid.

The flagship V6 produces 260kW and 500Nm and is accompanied by a nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive. Outputs of the four-cylinder engines are yet to be announced, however official Chinese government information suggests the diesel four-cylinder will produce 137kW.

In China, the hybrid GWM Tank 500 SUV – to which the Shanhai Cannon is closely related – utilises a 2.0-litre turbo petrol hybrid producing 180kW/380Nm. The Tank 500 is also offered in turbo 3.0-litre petrol V6 guise producing 260kW/500Nm with a 48-volt mild hybrid system. The all-wheel-drive Tank 500 SUV offers triple differential locks for maximum off-roading capability.

Chasing Cars understands it’s unlikely all three powertrain options would be offered in Australia, however the vehicle is very much on GWM Australia’s radar.

“As a product we like what we see,” GWM Australia spokesperson Steve Maciver told Chasing Cars. “Ute for us has gone very well, the Shanhai Cannon could be a good option for us to extend the range further. We are in discussions with our head office colleagues about bringing it to Australia but it’s very much on the cards.”

Chinese government dossiers list the Shanhai Cannon as 5440mm long, 1991mm wide, 1924mm tall and with a 3350mm wheelbase. Compared to a new Ford Ranger Wildtrak, that’s 70mm longer, 73mm wider and 38mm taller, and on an 80mm longer wheelbase.

Built in China, the Shanhai Cannon’s tray is 1500mm long, 1520mm wide and 500mm deep. It features a traditional folding tailgate, or an unconventional barn-door arrangement.

Inside, the Shanhai Cannon presents luxuriously with a large central infotainment screen and digital instrument display. Back seats are configured in an almost two-seat arrangement with outboard seats featuring side bolstering and extended squabs.

The current GWM Ute sold in Australia – smaller than the Shanhai Cannon – is powered by a 120kW/400Nm 2.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder and uses an eight-speed ZF automatic. It’s priced from $35,990 to $45,490 drive-away.

Chasing Cars estimates a price of around $60,000 should the GWM Shanhai Cannon be offered in Australia.