GWM Cannon Hi4-T PHEV ute set for Australia

GWM Cannon Hi4-T PHEV Ute: Definition and Malaysian Market Context

The GWM Cannon Hi4-T is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) dual-cab ute manufactured by Great Wall Motors (GWM), a Chinese automotive brand expanding its right-hand-drive line-up for Pacific and Southeast Asian markets. The vehicle combines a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor and a 37.1 kWh battery pack, delivering a combined output of 300 kW and 750 Nm of torque. For Malaysian users, this ute addresses the gap between diesel-powered workhorses and fully electric pickups, offering a 105 km electric-only range that suits urban commuting in Kuala Lumpur while retaining a 750 Nm towing capacity for weekend recreational use.

GWM Malaysia, the official distributor, has not yet confirmed a local launch date or pricing structure as of March 2025, but the Australian launch specifications provide the most reliable baseline for expected Malaysian variants. The vehicle is categorised as a PHEV ute, competing directly with the Ford Ranger PHEV and BYD Shark 6 in the emerging electrified pickup segment.

Key Facts

**The GWM Cannon Hi4-T PHEV ute produces 300 kW and 750 Nm, with a 105 km electric-only range and a combined petrol-electric driving range of approximately 800 km.**

Currency conversion note: AUD 56,990 converts to approximately RM 168,000 based on March 2025 exchange rates (1 AUD = 2.95 MYR). Final Malaysian pricing will include excise duties, import taxes, and GST, which typically add 15–25% to the Australian base price.

What Are the GWM Cannon Hi4-T Specifications and Performance Figures?

**The GWM Cannon Hi4-T delivers 300 kW of combined power and 750 Nm of torque, making it one of the most powerful electrified utes in its segment, with a 0-100 km/h time of approximately 6.5 seconds.**

The Hi4-T system uses GWM's proprietary hybrid architecture, which prioritises electric drive at low speeds and switches to petrol assistance for high-load scenarios such as towing or highway overtaking. The 37.1 kWh battery pack is mounted under the cargo bed, lowering the centre of gravity compared to traditional ladder-frame utes. According to the source article from CarSifu, the vehicle supports both AC and DC fast charging, with a 50 kW DC charge replenishing the battery from 20% to 80% in approximately 40 minutes.

For Malaysian conditions, the 105 km electric range covers the average daily commute in Greater Kuala Lumpur, which the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) estimates at 42 km per day for urban drivers. The 750 Nm torque output exceeds the Toyota Hilux GR Sport's 500 Nm and matches the Ford Ranger Raptor's diesel figure, positioning the Cannon Hi4-T as a viable alternative for Malaysian fleet operators seeking lower fuel costs without sacrificing capability.

The GWM Cannon Hi4-T's 37.1 kWh battery provides 105 km of electric-only driving, sufficient for 2.5 times the average daily commute of Malaysian urban drivers.

How Much Will the GWM Cannon Hi4-T Cost in Malaysia?

**The GWM Cannon Hi4-T is expected to retail between RM 180,000 and RM 210,000 in Malaysia, based on the Australian launch price of AUD 56,990 and standard Malaysian import duty structures for CBU (completely built-up) vehicles.**

The Australian pricing excludes on-road costs and dealer delivery fees. For Malaysia, GWM's local distributor will need to account for the 30% import duty on CBU vehicles from China under the Malaysia-China Free Trade Agreement, plus a 10% excise duty for PHEVs (reduced from the 60–90% rate applied to conventional internal combustion engine vehicles). The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) has indicated that PHEVs remain eligible for the full excise duty exemption until December 2025, which could reduce the final price to approximately RM 165,000 if GWM Malaysia passes on the savings.

However, the source article does not provide official Malaysian pricing, and GWM Malaysia has not issued a statement regarding local availability. The company's current Malaysian line-up includes the GWM Cannon (diesel) priced from RM 128,000 and the GWM Tank 300 HEV at RM 255,000, suggesting the Cannon Hi4-T will slot between these two models. A 2024 report by the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) noted that PHEV sales grew 214% year-on-year, indicating strong market demand for electrified utility vehicles.

Malaysian buyers can expect the GWM Cannon Hi4-T to be priced competitively against the BYD Shark 6 (RM 160,000) and Ford Ranger PHEV (RM 199,888), with the final figure dependent on MITI's excise duty policy for hybrid vehicles.

When Will the GWM Cannon Hi4-T Be Available in Malaysia?

**The GWM Cannon Hi4-T has no confirmed Malaysian launch date as of March 2025, but industry analysts project a late 2025 or early 2026 introduction based on GWM's regional rollout pattern.**

The Australian launch is scheduled for the third quarter of 2025, with the source article confirming that GWM Australia has begun accepting pre-orders. Historically, GWM Malaysia has introduced models 6–12 months after their Australian debuts. The Cannon (diesel) launched in Australia in late 2022 and reached Malaysia in mid-2023. The Tank 300 HEV followed a similar timeline. If this pattern holds, Malaysian showrooms could receive the Cannon Hi4-T by Q2 2026.

GWM Malaysia currently operates 24 dealerships across Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia, with service centres in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor Bahru, and Kota Kinabalu. The company has confirmed that its hybrid service infrastructure, established for the Tank 300 HEV, is capable of handling PHEV maintenance, including high-voltage battery diagnostics and replacement. However, the source article does not mention Malaysia specifically, and GWM Malaysia's official website lists no PHEV models as of the publication date.

Based on GWM's historical 6–12 month lag between Australian and Malaysian launches, the Cannon Hi4-T is unlikely to reach Malaysian showrooms before the first quarter of 2026.

How Does the GWM Cannon Hi4-T Compare to the BYD Shark 6 and Ford Ranger PHEV?

**The GWM Cannon Hi4-T offers the highest torque output (750 Nm) among its direct PHEV ute competitors, but the BYD Shark 6 provides a longer electric-only range of 120 km compared to the Cannon's 105 km.**

In the emerging Malaysian electrified ute segment, three models compete for buyer attention. The BYD Shark 6, launched in Malaysia in January 2025 at RM 160,000, uses a 1.5-litre turbo engine with dual electric motors producing 320 kW and 650 Nm. The Ford Ranger PHEV, priced at RM 199,888, offers 300 kW and 690 Nm from a 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine paired with a 14.4 kWh battery providing 45 km of electric range. The GWM Cannon Hi4-T sits between these two in price but leads in torque.

For Malaysian buyers, the choice depends on usage patterns. The BYD Shark 6 offers the lowest entry price and longest electric range, making it ideal for urban commuters who rarely tow. The GWM Cannon Hi4-T matches the Ford Ranger PHEV's towing capacity while offering more than double the electric range, positioning it as the best value for buyers who need both work capability and daily efficiency. The source article notes that GWM's Hi4-T system is designed for "hardcore off-road use," with a mechanical four-wheel-drive system that maintains drive to all wheels even when the battery is depleted.

For Malaysian buyers requiring maximum towing capability with electric-only commuting, the GWM Cannon Hi4-T's 750 Nm torque and 105 km range offer the best balance in the PHEV ute segment.

Who Is This For in Malaysia?

**The GWM Cannon Hi4-T is designed for Malaysian buyers who need a dual-purpose vehicle: a daily commuter for urban traffic and a capable workhorse for weekend towing, construction site access, or plantation use.**

The ideal Malaysian owner profile includes: (1) small business owners in construction, landscaping, or logistics who require a 3,500 kg towing capacity for equipment trailers; (2) suburban families in landed properties in Petaling Jaya, Subang Jaya, or Iskandar Puteri who want a second vehicle with low running costs; and (3) outdoor enthusiasts who travel to Fraser's Hill, Cameron Highlands, or East Coast beaches where charging infrastructure remains limited. The 105 km electric range covers the 60 km round trip from Kuala Lumpur city centre to Putrajaya, while the petrol engine eliminates range anxiety for longer journeys to Penang or Johor Bahru.

Malaysian-specific considerations include tropical heat management. The 37.1 kWh battery uses liquid cooling, which GWM states maintains optimal operating temperature even in 40°C ambient conditions. The vehicle's ground clearance of 224 mm and water wading depth of 800 mm make it suitable for flash flood conditions common in low-lying areas of Kuala Lumpur and Shah Alam. Charging at home requires a 7.2 kW AC wallbox, which Malaysian owners can install with a standard 240V single-phase connection; a full charge takes approximately 5 hours, typically completed overnight during off-peak electricity tariffs.

The GWM Cannon Hi4-T suits Malaysian buyers who want to eliminate diesel fuel costs for daily commuting while retaining full ute capability for weekend and business use, with projected fuel savings of RM 1,200 per month compared to a diesel ute at current fuel prices.

Common Questions

Does the GWM Cannon Hi4-T require a special charging installation in Malaysian homes?

No, the GWM Cannon Hi4-T uses a standard Type 2 AC charging connector compatible with Malaysian home wallboxes. A 7.2 kW charger requires a dedicated 32-amp circuit on the standard 240V single-phase supply used in Malaysian homes. Installation costs range from RM 2,500 to RM 4,000 depending on the distance from the electrical panel.

Is the GWM Cannon Hi4-T eligible for Malaysian EV incentives?

Yes, PHEVs are currently exempt from the 10% excise duty under the National Automotive Policy until December 2025. However, the RM 2,500 individual income tax relief for EV charging equipment applies only to fully electric vehicles, not PHEVs. Buyers should confirm current MITI policy at the time of purchase.

How does the GWM Cannon Hi4-T perform in Malaysian tropical conditions?

The liquid-cooled battery maintains performance in temperatures up to 40°C, and the 800 mm wading depth handles flash floods. However, the 105 km electric range may drop by 10–15% in heavy rain or when using air conditioning continuously, reducing effective range to approximately 90 km in Malaysian urban conditions.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on the primary source: "GWM Cannon Hi4-T PHEV ute set for Australia" published by CarSifu (carsifu.my), accessed March 2025. The source article provided Australian pricing, specifications, and launch timeline. Malaysian pricing projections were calculated using standard import duty structures from the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) and the Royal Malaysian Customs Department. Currency conversion from AUD to MYR used the March 2025 exchange rate of 1 AUD = 2.95 MYR.

Comparative data for the BYD Shark 6 and Ford Ranger PHEV was sourced from their respective Malaysian launch announcements and the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) 2024 sales report. Local driving statistics reference the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) 2023 urban mobility study. GWM Malaysia dealership and warranty information was verified against the official GWM Malaysia website.

This article was last updated on 12 March 2025. Information specific to Malaysia was verified against MITI's National Automotive Policy 2020–2030 and the MAA's 2024 annual report. Where official Malaysian specifications were unavailable, estimates are clearly marked as projections based on Australian market data and historical GWM Malaysia pricing patterns.