GWM Australia will expand its plug-in hybrid (PHEV) ute lineup with the Cannon Hi4-T, set to arrive before mid-2026. This move positions GWM to compete directly with rivals like the BYD Shark and Ford Ranger PHEV in a rapidly growing market segment.
Rising Demand for PHEV Utes
The Australian automotive market has seen explosive growth in PHEV sales recently, surging 130.9% in 2025 to over 53,000 units. This boom is largely fueled by Chinese brands offering competitive options, like the BYD Shark, which sold over 18,000 units last year. The broader trend reflects a shift away from traditional petrol and diesel vehicles, with EVs also increasing by 93.3% in the first month of 2026.
Cannon Hi4-T: Specs and Capabilities
The new Cannon Hi4-T will feature a 2.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine paired with a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery. GWM promises a 3.5-tonne maximum braked towing capacity, exceeding BYD’s 2500kg offering. Combined power output is rated at 180kW, lower than the Ford Ranger PHEV’s 207kW.
GWM is unique in offering two PHEV utes: the smaller Hi4-T and the larger Cannon Alpha PHEV, which boasts 300kW and 750Nm from its 2.0-liter engine and 37.1kWh NMC battery. The Hi4-T will likely be priced aggressively, given the Alpha PHEV starts at $51,490 drive-away.
Hi4-T Tech: Mechanical Four-Wheel Drive
GWM’s Hi4-T system ensures full mechanical four-wheel drive linkage, unlike the E-AWD systems found in some competing models. The company emphasizes that this maintains the towing and 4WD capabilities expected from a diesel equivalent, a key selling point for buyers who don’t want to compromise.
GWM’s Market Growth
GWM experienced 23.4% sales growth in 2025, registering 52,809 vehicles and finishing seventh in overall manufacturer sales. The Cannon Alpha and Tank 300 SUV drove much of this success. The company is now aiming to break into the top five, requiring sales to increase by 50% – a target within reach given the success of the BYD Shark and the potential of the new Hi4-T.
The influx of Chinese PHEV models is reshaping the Australian car market, and GWM is positioning itself to capitalize on this trend. With two plug-in hybrid utes, strong sales growth, and a commitment to maintaining traditional 4WD capabilities, the company is poised for further expansion.
