GWM has confirmed New Zealand pricing for the new Cannon Hi4-T PHEV, expanding its local electrified ute range with a smaller and more affordable alternative to the Cannon Alpha Hi4-T.
The dual-cab Cannon Hi4-T will be offered in two grades. The Lux opens the range at $58,990 plus on-road costs, while the better-equipped Ultra is priced from $62,990 plus on-road costs. Pre-orders are now open, with the first vehicles expected to reach GWM dealerships around New Zealand from late September 2026.
Power comes from a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine working alongside an electric motor and a 33.1kWh battery. Together, the system produces a combined 310kW and 750Nm, delivered through a nine-speed hybrid automatic transmission.
GWM claims an electric-only driving range of up to 115km under the NEDC test cycle, potentially allowing many owners to complete their daily commute and local trips without using the petrol engine. Once the battery’s usable charge has been depleted, the petrol-electric powertrain provides the flexibility required for longer journeys without relying entirely on charging infrastructure.
The Cannon supports DC fast charging at up to 110kW, allowing the battery to be charged from 30 to 80 per cent in a claimed 18 minutes. GWM also quotes a combined driving range of up to 1037km from a full battery and 75-litre fuel tank.
Official fuel consumption is listed at 2.4L/100km under the NEDC test procedure, although, as with any plug-in hybrid, real-world consumption will depend heavily on how often the vehicle is charged, the distance travelled between charges and the load being carried or towed.
Mechanical 4WD remains
Rather than replacing the ute’s conventional driveline with an entirely electric system, GWM’s Hi4-T setup integrates its electric motor with a mechanical transmission, transfer case and four-wheel-drive hardware.
The Cannon retains selectable 4H and 4L modes, an electronically locking rear differential and dedicated terrain settings for snow, mud and sand. There is also a towing drive mode, with GWM pitching the new model as a PHEV that can retain the traditional ute capabilities required for touring, towing and off-road driving.
A double-wishbone independent front end is paired with a leaf-sprung live rear axle, while ventilated disc brakes are fitted at both ends. Minimum ground clearance is listed at 232mm, with a 26-degree approach angle, 23-degree departure angle and 19-degree breakover angle. Its quoted wading depth is 500mm.
Braked towing capacity is 3500kg, matching the accepted benchmark within the dual-cab ute market, while gross combined mass is 6400kg. Payload is listed at 835kg for both grades.
That payload figure is worth keeping in mind when towing at the maximum rated capacity. A full 350kg towball load would theoretically leave 485kg for occupants, accessories and cargo before the vehicle reaches its 3420kg GVM.
Power wherever it is needed
The Cannon Hi4-T also features Vehicle-to-Load functionality, turning its large battery into a portable power supply.
GWM says the system can provide up to 6kW of discharge power, with 230V outlets installed in the tub. That opens up the ability to run tools at a worksite or power camping equipment and appliances while travelling off-grid.
“For Kiwis, the Cannon Hi4-T PHEV represents a practical step forward: the ability to drive on electric power during the week, while retaining the towing, touring and off-road capability Kiwi ute buyers expect,” says GWM New Zealand country manager Cameron Thomas.
The Cannon Hi4-T joins the larger Cannon Alpha Hi4-T in GWM’s local range, making GWM the only manufacturer currently offering two distinct plug-in hybrid utes in New Zealand.
Lux or Ultra
Standard Lux equipment includes 18-inch black alloy wheels, a black grille, sports bar, side steps, roof rails, door handles and mirror caps. A spray-on tub liner, full-size steel spare wheel, LED lighting and a one-piece tailgate are also included.
Inside, the Lux receives Comfort-Tek upholstery, a wireless phone charger, a 10.25-inch digital instrument display and a 15.6-inch infotainment touchscreen. The new display runs GWM’s Coffee OS software and supports over-the-air updates, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Other standard features include adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera, rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert with braking and seven airbags.
Moving up to the Ultra adds leather-accented upholstery, powered front seats, a heated steering wheel, sunroof, ambient lighting, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, front parking sensors and a 360-degree camera. It also receives a tailgate step and red brake calipers.
Both models measure 5416mm long, 1947mm wide and 1884mm high, with a 3230mm wheelbase and seating for five.
2026 GWM Cannon Hi4-T PHEV pricing
Cannon Hi4-T Lux: $58,990 plus on-road costs
Cannon Hi4-T Ultra: $62,990 plus on-road costs
Key specifications
Powertrain: 2.0-litre turbo-petrol plug-in hybrid
Transmission: Nine-speed hybrid automatic
Combined output: 310kW and 750Nm
Battery: 33.1kWh
Electric range: Up to 115km NEDC
Combined range: Up to 1037km
DC charging: Up to 110kW
Braked towing capacity: 3500kg
Payload: 835kg
Ground clearance: 232mm
Wading depth: 500mm
Fuel tank: 75 litres
Arrival: Late September 2026
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