BYD Shark 6 arch-rival’s price cut: GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV arrives with more driving range and lower entry cost

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Following an initial announcement in February, Chinese carmaker GWM has secured lower pricing for its BYD Shark 6 and Ford Ranger plug-in hybrid ute rival. 

The 2025 GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV’s list price is now $59,990 for the entry level Lux, offering a $2500 saving on the driveaway price in the ACT, however with state-by-state rather than national driveaway pricing, the Alpha PHEV is $600 dearer in WA. 

READ: Plug-in hybrid dual-cabs compared on paper!

The top-spec Ultra version is now $66,990, before on-road costs, it was previously $68,990 driveaway. Now cheaper in Victoria, Tasmania, the Northern Territory (by $300), and the ACT (by $1000), the top-spec Ultra is actually dearer in the other states, by up to as much as $2100.

Additionally, the Cannon Alpha’s electric-only driving range certification has improved, from an already class-leading 110km to 115km. GWM reinforced the Cannon Alpha’s 3500kg braked towing capacity — 1000kg more than its closest Shark 6 rival. 

The Cannon Alpha is still more expensive than the Shark 6 Premium ($57,990, before on-road costs) but the gap’s now closer. Both remain cheaper than Ford’s Ranger PHEV which lists from $71,990. 

Editor’s note: this story previously had incorrect price comparisons by state/territory. They are now correct.

When examples of the Cannon Alpha begin arriving in mid-May, it will arrive with a 4WD system featuring high and low range along with a locking rear differential. 

This is different from the BYD Shark 6, which relies heavily on twin electric motors for drive, with a small combustion engine. 

Despite missing a 3500kg towing capacity, BYD has shown there’s hunger for plug-in hybrid utes — at least in an environment with advantageous FBT exemptions — in Australia, shifting 4836 to the end of March. 

GWM sold 437 Cannon Alpha diesels and hybrids in the same period.

GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV features and pricing

A 2.0L turbo-petrol four-cylinder sits at the Cannon Alpha’s heart, while a 37.1kWh battery pack runs the electric motor. 

The GWM Cannon Alpha’s peak outputs are 300kW and 750Nm, while fuel consumption is rated at 1.7L/100km (NEDC) and electric-only driving range 115km. With a low battery charge, expect to see fuel consumption climb to 7.9L/100km for 1060km combined driving range. 

Fast-charging is possible at up to 50kW, taking 24 mins to jump from 30-80 percent. 

Every Cannon Alpha features coil springs on front and rear axles, with a multi-link rear end. See the list of standard features below.

GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV Lux — $61,490-$64,590, driveaway

• Black 18-inch alloy wheels
• Auto LED headlights
• Matte black exterior trim
• Keyless entry with push-button start
• Spray-in bed liner
• Synthetic leather upholstery
• Driver 6-way, passenger 4-way power adjust seats
• Dual-zone climate control
• 14.6-inch multimedia touchscreen 
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Six-speaker sound system
• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
• Automatic wipers
• Adaptive cruise control with lane-trace assist
• Seven airbags
• 360-degree camera
• Rear parking sensors
• Tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS)

The top-spec Cannon Alpha PHEV Ultra gets all the fruit thrown at it. In addition to the Lux, it features the following:

GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV Ultra — $67,990-$71,090, driveaway

• Locking front differential
• 60/40 split tail gate
• Rear sliding window
• Sunroof
• Leather-accented upholstery
• Driver 8-way, passenger 6-way power adjust seats
• Power reclining rear seats
• Heated and ventilated front and rear outboard seats
• Front seat massage
• Heated steering wheel
• Auto-dimming rear view mirror
• Ambient lighting (64-colour)
• Infinity 10 speaker sound system
• Front and rear wireless charger
• Head-up display (HUD)

The GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV will join its hybrid and diesel-powered relations in dealerships next month.

2025 GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV pricing

Prices listed are before on-road costs

• Cannon Alpha PHEV Lux — $59,990
• Cannon Alpha PHEV Ultra — $66,990