GWM prices Cannon Hi4-T PHEV ute from $58,990, undercutting Shark 6 by $12,000

GWM New Zealand has priced the Cannon Hi4-T plug-in hybrid ute from $58,990, $12,000 below the BYD Shark 6, with the first examples expected later this month.

The Lux grade opens the range at $58,990, with the Ultra a further $4,000 at $62,990. The Shark 6 starts at $70,990 here and rises to $76,990 for the Performance model, while Ford’s Ranger PHEV, the segment’s other plug-in, starts from $82,990.

Power comes from a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine paired with an electric motor within the transmission, for a combined 310kW and 750Nm, among the highest outputs of any ute on sale. A 33.1kWh battery gives a claimed electric range of up to 115km on the lenient NEDC cycle, around 92km on a WLTP basis, with a claimed combined range of 1,037km and NEDC fuel consumption of 2.4L/100km. DC charging peaks at around 50kW, and vehicle-to-load outlets in the tub supply 230-volt power for tools and camping gear.

The Cannon Hi4-T is rated to tow 3.5 tonnes braked, matching the dual-cab standard and eclipsing the standard Shark 6’s 2.5 tonnes; BYD buyers need the $76,990 Performance model for the full rating. GWM says the defining feature of its Hi4-T system is that it retains a conventional transmission and mechanical four-wheel drive, with a low-range transfer case and locking rear differential, alongside the plug-in hardware, rather than relying on electric motors for off-road drive.

Standard equipment on the Lux includes 18-inch alloys, roof rails, automatic LED headlights and a full-size spare. Inside there is a 10.25-inch digital cluster, a 15.6-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a six-speaker sound system, GWM’s Comfort Tek leather seats with manual adjustment, and a wireless phone charger.

The Ultra adds a tailgate step and red brake calipers outside, and leather-accented seats with power adjustment, a heated steering wheel, an electric sunroof and tinted rear windows inside.

Pre-orders are open through GWM dealers. The Cannon Hi4-T enters a plug-in ute segment that saw the Shark 6 finish fourth among all utes in August, with GWM already selling the larger Cannon Alpha PHEV here and Ford’s range-extender Bronco due next year. BYD, for its part, has 15 models planned for the next 18 months.