GWM follows Toyota's lead with incoming hybrid assault: 2025 GWM Haval H6 and H7 Hybrids, plug-in hybrid Cannon Alpha ute and H6GT joined by punchier diesels for Tank 300 and Cannon ute

GWM Australia has confirmed rumours circulating earlier in the week about a raft of new products coming in 2025. 

The Chinese brand has locked in arrival dates for a more powerful diesel version of its Cannon ute along with diesel power for the popular Tank 300 off-roader. 

There are two new plug-in hybrids (PHEV) in the form of the Haval H6 GT and Cannon Alpha ute, both of which have 35kWh-plus battery packs for 180km and 110km electric-only driving range, respectively. 

Finally, the brand is going to roll out a new nameplate — either H7, Dargo or Big Dog, depending on final decisions — that’s a rough-and-tumble Ford Bronco Sport-like medium SUV along with the facelifted H6 Toyota RAV4 rival.

GWM Cannon ute and Tank 300 diesel – Q1 2025

A new diesel engine is coming to Australia, first in the familiar Cannon ute then the Tank 300 off-roader. Compared to the existing 2.0-litre, the new 2.4-litre unit develops an extra 15kW and 80Nm, bringing totals to 135kW/480Nm. 

It bumps the Cannon ute’s towing capacity up to 3500kg from 3000kg. 

The Cannon also gets a Tank-inspired update inside with a bigger multimedia screen, new-look dash, fresh digital instrument cluster and the shifter from Tank 500. Outside, there are design changes to the grille and front bumper and new wheel designs. 

The Tank 300 continues as we know it simply with the diesel powertrain. That means diff-locks, eye-catching Jeep Wrangler-like styling and the option of turbo-petrol and hybrid power. 

GWM Haval H6 GT plug-in hybrid Q1 2025

Sorry BYD Sealion 6, your plug-in hybrid superiority will be short lived because GWM is coming to shake things up — quite a lot. 

The H6GT coupe-style SUV will get a plug-in hybrid next year and, while full specifications are yet to be confirmed, its 35.4kWh battery pack should see it able to travel up to 180km from a charge, according to GWM. That’s equal to an original BMW i3 electric car.

Power and torque outputs are expected to be pretty high with China-market non-GT H6s producing 240kW and 530Nm. 

GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV – late Q1/early Q2 2025

This is the debut of GWM’s off-road capable Hi4T plug-in hybrid system in Australia. The Cannon Alpha PHEV will join hybrid and diesel offerings with a 37.1kWh lithium-ion battery pack enabling 110km battery-electric driving range. 

Outputs are pretty spectacular at 300kW and 750Nm especially considering the 2L/100km fuel efficiency number. GWM has not announced tow ratings yet, however with 100Nm more than the BYD Shark PHEV it’s possible the ute could hit the expected 3500kg braked figure. 

GWM Haval H6 facelift – Q2 2025

Along with fresh exterior styling and cabin overhaul — including a new 14.6-inch multimedia screen and Merc-style stalk shifter — the H6 gets the GT’s plug-in hybrid powertrain a little bit later. 

The H6 petrol is expected to get a nine-speed BorgWarner automatic transmission inplace of the in-house dual-clutch transmission, while the RAV4-rivalling hybrid model will remains a staple. 

GWM Haval H7 or Big Dog – Q2 2025

This is no Tank model but the Haval H7 has the essence of ruggedness. With chunky bumpers and off-road styling, think of it as an alternative to the Subaru Forester Sport or US-Market Ford Bronco Sport. 

Full details are not confirmed but local compliance documents reveal the H7/Big Dog uses hybrid power combining a 110kW petrol engine and a 130kW electric motor for 179kW — the same as the existing H6 hybrid. 

GWM continues to grow market share in Australia with affordable hybrids and combustion models proving key to its success. Unlike BYD and MG, the brand is not so heavily focused on electric cars. Instead, plug-ins will do the heavy lifting in NVES. 

Sales are up 21.8 per cent year-to-date for GWM with a sales forecast of 40,000 units this year. It is also the second biggest hybrid seller in Australia behind Toyota delivering 7069 units this year.