GWM has launched Australia’s cheapest plug-in hybrid ute, with the new Cannon Hi4-T PHEV priced from $47,990 drive-away for eligible ABN buyers and $48,990 drive-away for private customers.
Those prices include a $2000 launch bonus available until October 31, after which the entry-level Cannon Hi4-T Lux will cost $49,990 drive-away for ABN holders and $50,990 drive-away for private buyers.
Importantly, the GWM should retain its position as Australia’s cheapest PHEV ute after the launch promotion ends. The JAC Hunter Pro, which previously held that distinction, starts at $49,988 before on-road costs.
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Australia’s most popular plug-in hybrid ute, the BYD Shark 6, is priced from $55,900 plus on-road costs.
The better-equipped Cannon Hi4-T Ultra normally costs $53,990 drive-away for ABN buyers and $54,990 for private customers. The launch bonus cuts those figures to $51,990 and $52,990 respectively.
Customers can choose a $2000 fuel card instead of taking the $2000 discount.
The aggressive pricing also puts the PHEV below the most expensive diesel version of the regular Cannon, the $51,990 drive-away XSR, although the diesel range starts much lower at $36,490 drive-away.
Powering the Cannon Hi4-T is GWM’s plug-in hybrid system combining a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine with a 130kW electric motor and nine-speed hybrid automatic transmission.
Combined outputs are 310kW and 750Nm, making the Hi4-T substantially more powerful than the regular diesel Cannon.
Its 33.1kWh battery provides a claimed 115km of electric-only driving on the more generous NEDC test cycle. GWM also claims a total petrol-electric range of up to 1037km and official combined fuel consumption of 2.4L/100km.
DC fast charging is rated at a healthy 110kW, with GWM claiming the battery can be replenished from 30 to 80 per cent in 18 minutes.
Unlike the BYD Shark 6, which uses electric motors to provide all-wheel drive, the Cannon Hi4-T retains a conventional mechanical four-wheel-drive system alongside its electrification.
It gets low-range gearing and an electronic rear differential lock, along with Snow, Mud, Sand, 4H and 4L drive modes and a dedicated towing mode.
GWM has confirmed a 3500kg braked towing capacity and an 835kg payload. The Cannon Hi4-T has a 3420kg gross vehicle mass (GVM), 6400kg gross combined mass (GCM) and weighs 2585kg in both Lux and Ultra forms.
Vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability is also standard, providing up to 6kW of discharge power and including 230V outlets in the tub for powering tools, camping gear and other electrical equipment.
Both versions ride on 18-inch black alloy wheels and feature a black grille, sports bar, side steps, roof rails, mirror caps and door handles, along with red brake calipers.
The cabin introduces a 15.6-inch infotainment touchscreen running GWM’s Coffee OS – a first for an Australian-market GWM – alongside a 10.25-inch digital instrument display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and wireless phone charging.
Seven airbags are standard, along with adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assistance, rear cross-traffic alert with braking and driver fatigue monitoring.
Moving from Lux to Ultra adds power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, a heated steering wheel, sunroof, ambient lighting, front parking sensors and a 360-degree camera.
The Cannon Hi4-T becomes GWM’s second plug-in hybrid ute in Australia, sitting below the larger and more expensive Cannon Alpha PHEV.
Pre-orders are open now ahead of the first Cannon Hi4-T PHEVs reaching Australian GWM dealerships from mid-October.
The post Australia’s cheapest PHEV ute: GWM Cannon Hi4-T launches from $47,990 drive-away appeared first on EV Central.
