GWM Cannon arrives from $40,490

GWM’s updated Cannon light commercial utility arrives in Australia this month with some grades becoming $3000 less expensive than before and others as much as $4500 costlier (see pricing table below).

Priced from $40,490 drive-away for private buyers, the Cannon is said to offer “significant improvements” in powertrain, technology, and design, including the adoption of a larger 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine producing 135kW and 480Nm shared with the larger Cannon Alpha ute (up from 120kW/400Nm).

Fuel consumption for the range is listed at 8.4 litres per 100km on the combined cycle, equating to CO2 emissions of 221 grams per kilometre (up slightly from 8.3L/100km/219g/km).

Class-competitive braked towing of 3500kg (up from 3200kg) is now standard across the four-variant range that comprises Lux, Ultra, Vanta and XSR grades in dual-cab format.

All include a nine-speed automatic transmission (previously eight ratios) and four-wheel drive as standard fare.

Multiple four-wheel drive modes (Snow, Mud, and Sand) join Normal, Eco, and Sport engine settings and a rear locking differential is standard. Coil springs feature up front and leaves at the rear, the Cannon stopped by four-wheel disc brakes and directed by an electrically assisted rack.

The updated GWM Cannon range has not changed in size by more than a few millimetres, measuring between 5416mm and 5439mm in length, 1947mm and 1958mm in width, and 1884mm and 1893mm in height. The wheelbase is uniform across the line-up at 3230mm.

Depending on variant, the Cannon offers a GCM of between 6200kg and 6300kg. Payload ranges from 875kg to 995kg and kerb mass from 2230kg to 2330kg.

Off-road geometry, wading depth and turning circle depend on variant, from 27º to 30º for approach angle and 25º to 26º departure but ramp-over angle is not listed. Wading depth varies between 500mm and 700mm, while the turning circle is between 13.1m and 13.7m.

GWM says the new Cannon offers a “bold, muscular and modern exterior design” which includes “muscular wheel arches, sculpted bonnet lines, and a distinctive grille”. The tailgate now features embossed “GWM” lettering, while practical design elements include integrated side steps, roof rails, and a durable sports bar.

Paint colours include Crystal Black, Lunar Red, Pearl White, Pittsburgh Silver, Sapphire Blue, and Stealth Grey. Premium paint attracts a $595 surcharge.

Inside, the Cannon is said to strike a harmonious balance between durability and sophistication, the redesigned cabin offering a reduced number of buttons and dials, instead centring control via a 12.3-inch touchscreen display.

The dark-themed interior is complemented by subtle chrome accents, and offers an aviation-style gearshift, wireless charging pad, 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster, USB-A and USB-C ports, seven airbags, and a “advanced active and passive safety technologies”.

Equipment highlights for the Cannon Lux include 18-inch alloy wheels, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a six-speaker audio system with AM/FM/DAB+ radio reception, single-zone climate control, faux-leather upholstery with manual seat adjustment, keyless entry and ignition, rain-sensing wipers, auto LED headlights, and cornering fog lights.

Safety features include adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, driver fatigue detection, front collision warning, hill ascent and descent control, ISOFIX and top-tether child seat anchorages, lane centring, departure and keeping, rear parking sensors, reversing camera, seven airbags, traffic sign recognition, trailer sway mitigation, tyre pressure monitoring, and more.

Ultra variants add a 360-degree camera system, front parking sensors, electric sunroof, tailgate step, rear privacy glass, leather-accented upholstery, heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, powered front seat adjustment, LED ambient cabin lighting, and an auto-dimming mirror.

The penultimate Vanta grade adds a black sports bar and side steps, and matt black exterior garnishing (grille, door handles, mirror scalps, wheel arches), while the flagship XSR adds a locking front differential, snorkel, bespoke grille and body-coloured accents.

Importantly, the Cannon XSR omits key safety technologies including emergency lane-keep, smart dodge, door open warning, rear collision warning, blind-spot monitor, lane change assist, and rear cross-traffic alert.

GWM will offer the Cannon with a seven-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty including five years of roadside assistance and capped-price servicing. Pricing related to the capped price servicing program will be confirmed at launch.

2025 GWM Cannon pricing*:

*National drive-away price.