GWM News

GWM has pulled the covers off its flagship luxury SUV after an extended teaser campaign.The new over 5.0-metre long three-row SUV will live under GWM’s Wey luxury brand, which is set to debut in Australia in the second half of 2026.It enters a suddenly extremely competitive flagship Chinese SUV space, which has also seen the recent reveals of the BYD Great Tang the, Zeekr 8X and 9X, and the IM LS8 and LS9 from MG’s luxury arm.The V9X is a plug-in hybrid which pairs a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine producing 175kW with dual electric motors in the brand’s signature 'Hi4' set-up, as well as relatively large battery options allowing a fully-electric driving range of either 240km or 363km according to the more lenient CLTC standards.It uses an 800-volt electrical architecture, becoming more common on Chinese plug-in hybrids, targeting 200km of range added in five minutes on a DC charger. According to data filed in China it can sprint from 0-100km/h in 4.4 seconds, which is rapid for an SUV which measures 5299mm in length.The new flagship also debuts a new and more sleek design direction for GWM, featuring toned-down light fittings with contemporary LED bars front and rear, a gentle rear spoiler and somewhat conservative chrome highlights to clad the window line.Inside is similar to other recent GWM offerings, and doesn’t stray far from the other vehicles within the Wey brand, in offering a two-spoke steering wheel, clean centre console design with only a handful of toggle controls, as well as a massive dash spanning dual-screen layout. Unlike some rivals, it maintains a more modest digital instrument cluster.Signature features on the outside include the vertical bar on its nose representing the Wey logo, active aero vents in the front splitter and a two-tone paint finish.On the inside it features generous leather appointments in a more traditional-for-China six-seat layout. It features a roof-mounted multimedia display and even wireless phone chargers in each of the rear doors, with leg rests for the independently reclining second row seats.It is offered with wheels spanning from 19- to 21-inches according to data filed with the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, and interestingly features traditional door handles, seemingly in recognition of new laws in China which will seek to prohibit flush door handle designs.GWM’s luxury Wey brand has been confirmed for Australia in the second half of 2026, although its launch line-up is yet to be finalised. It is expected to at least include the G9 people mover, which is already available in right-hand drive in Thailand.The Chinese juggernaut, which currently has a 4x4 heavy line-up under its Cannon and Tank sub-brands faces a renewed challenge in the next few years in Australia. While it finished  2025 with the title of Australia’s favourite Chinese brand, in the first two months of 2026 it has been overtaken by BYD, which is determined to crack the top-three overall this year.It is also facing a race against time to reduce the emissions footprint of its range, which still heavily features diesel and turbo-petrol engines, as Australia’s new vehicle efficiency laws close the vice on higher-polluting engine options.To that end, GWM has said to expect an expansion on its range of available plug-in hybrids across its brands, but also an expansion of its primarily electric Ora sub-brand.

GWM has confirmed via its Chinese social media channels that its upcoming Ora 5 small SUV will be available not just as a fully electric model, but as a hybrid and with pure-combustion power, too.The small SUV will launch to the Thai market this month with all three powertrains, as opposed to its original all-electric form.Global Ora brand General Manager Lu Wenbin said the Ora 5 needed to “strive to adapt to different energy environments worldwide and cover all usage scenarios.”“We want global users to be able to choose the most suitable car, no matter where they are or how they use it.”He said the 'muliti-power' versions of the Ora 5 would become available in April in China, where the fully electric version has been available for some time.The brand confirmed the plugless hybrid version of the crossover will use a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired to a two-speed electrified transmission, with an official fuel consumption figure of 4.5L/100km.Meanwhile, the pure combustion version will be equipped with the familiar combination of a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo engine and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, as also seen in the Haval Jolion, for example.Australia is a logical next move for the Ora 5, which has been strongly hinted at by GWM’s local division in the past. As it is built in Thailand, it will be available from the get-go in right-hand drive, and GWM already sources the electric Ora hatch from this Thai facility, which used to build the Holden Colorado for Australia before it was bought by GWM and re-tooled.It is unclear if the brand will take the plugless hybrid version in Australia, although it has previously told CarsGuide it would primarily need to expand on its fully electric or plug-in offerings to stay ahead of its targets according to Australia’s strict New Vehicle Efficiency Standards (NVES).When queried, a representative for GWM Australia said the Ora 5 was still under consideration for Australia, and that "whilst Ora represents EV for GWM today, this is likely to evolve as new powertrains become available."While the Ora 5 shares its styling language with the smaller Ora hatch, it rides on a more modern ‘GWM One’ platform, which supports multiple powertrain options, as well as the brand’s latest ‘Coffee 3.0’ in-car software.This is hosted on a 15.6-inch central multimedia screen, and unlike the current Ora hatch, the Ora 5 features the latest switchgear on the inside, like a similar steering wheel to the new Haval range and a column mounted shifter to free up space in the centre console.The brand is targeting a five per cent lower purchase cost and 15 per cent lower running costs for the Ora 5 compared to its competitors.  Ora was originally GWM’s fully-electric brand, with its Cannon and Tank 4x4 brands focusing on a mix of combustion and hybrid power while maintaining their off-road abilities, and its Wey luxury arm focusing primarily on plug-in hybrids.The shift to hybridisation mirrors the moves of many other large car brands the world over, as electric vehicles reach either a point of saturation or limited demand in some markets.GWM is plotting a massive expansion of the Ora brand as it seeks to trim its emissions and expand on its range of cost-sensitive offerings, as well as compete better with other strong export brands like Chery and BYD. According to presentation slides the brand has shown in the past, the Ora 5 is set to be followed up by at least four more models, including two more small cars, a larger SUV and a city-sized vehicle.Stay tuned for more on GWM’s expansion plans over the course of 2026 imminently. While the Chinese juggernaut had a hard-fought top position amongst Chinese brands in Australia, it has been overtaken by BYD in the first few months of 2026 as its rival’s line-up expands.

Japan has lost its crown as the number one source of new cars for Australia - and it could be for good.

Internal combustion power is still by far the most popular type of car in Australia, the latest sales data has revealed. 

There’s now officially a new best-selling Chinese brand in Australia.

Utes are one of the most popular body styles according to Australian new-vehicle sales, but in recent years some of the bigger name models have increased in price.There's a new breed of ute that's undercutting the old guard, and they're mostly from China.So what are the three cheapest utes in Australia?CarsGuide’s reviewers not only know the answer but we also know what they’re like to live and work with day in and day out.Due to the huge number of ute variants available in Australia, we are focusing on the most popular body style and variant - the 4x4 dual-cab pick-up. So something like a Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux or Nissan Navara, but in this case, more affordable alternatives that can get the job done on a budget.Without further ado, here’s the top three most affordable utes in Australia;GWM’s popular dual-cab Cannon in entry-level Premium guise is currently the most affordable 4x4 dual-cab ute in Australia with a drive-away price of $39,490.The Cannon benefited from a significant update in 2025 that introduced revised exterior styling, a fresh looking cabin and a new engine.The Premium has an extensive standard features list including 18-inch alloys wheels, LED headlights and LED tail-lights, roof rails, side steps, damped tailgate, power-folding mirrors, chrome sports bar, a spay-in bedliner and proximity unlocking.Also standard is single-zone climate control, a 12.3-inch media touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, synthetic leather upholstery and a wireless phone charger.The Premium has a 120kW/400Nm 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine, four-wheel drive and a braked towing capacity of 3200kg.CarsGuide reviewers like the excellent value and quality of the Cannon, but didn’t like the intrusive steering assistance and the ergonomics of the gear shifter.China's LDV has a newer and shinier ute in its stable now in the shape of the big, bold Terron 9 (a twin of the MG U9), but the ageing T60 Max continues on.Currently priced at $41,042, the T60 is more than $12k cheaper than the most affordable Terron 9.Standard gear includes a 10.25-inch multimedia screen, six-speaker audio, two USB ports, a 12-volt outlet, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, paddle shifters, keyless entry, auto emergency braking (AEB) and adaptive cruise control.It's powered by a gutsy 160kW/500Nm four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine and a 3500kg towing capacity. Payload is 1040kg.We haven't had a chance to review a T60 in a while but CarsGuide reviewers said while safety improvements have helped the ute, the onboard tech is patchy and outdated, and the steering and braking is too heavy. The powertrain might be gutsy but it's still rough on the road.KGM’s (formerly SsangYong) Musso might not have the superstar status of some utes but it’s popular among those after a hardworking machine and its low price has seen it earn a place here in our most affordable top three. As a Korean brand, the KGM is also the only non-Chinese ute on this list. Keep in mind, though, that KGM will bring its next-gen ute to Australia about the middle of 2026 to replace this model and it’ll likely cop a price increase from the $42,500 drive-away price of the current entry-grade ELX.Standard features on the ELX include 17-inch alloy wheels, twin 12.3-inch displays for media and driver instruments, plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.There’s also a six-speaker stereo, HID headlights with LED daytime running lights and silver roof rails.Powering the Musso ELX is a 133kW/400Nm 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine with a six-speed automatic. Braked towing capacity is 3500kg.CarsGuide reviewers like the Musso's comfort and space, and its refined driving manners, but didn’t like how some safety items were only offered on top-of-the-range grades. JAC’s T9 arrived in Australia in 2025 and since then the entry-grade Oasis has undergone a price drop of nearly $5000 to land it here in the top three for $42,662 drive-away.Standard features include 18-inch alloys wheels, LED headlights and daytime running lights, a sprayed tub liner and sports bar.There’s leather upholstery inside, a 10.4-inch media screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a power driver's seat and wireless phone charging.Powering the T9 Oasis is a 125kW/410Nm 2.0-litre four cylinder turbo-diesel. The braked towing capacity is 3200kg. CarsGuide reviewers like the T9’s tough styling, strong value and its ability to do what will please most people. The things we don't like include the lumpy power delivery of the engine, and the intrusive safety tech. 

China is now the biggest country of origin for new-car sales in Australia, leapfrogging Japan in what is a seismic shift in the Australian automotive industry.

The second most popular Chinese ute in Australia is about to get a serious boost.GWM’s Cannon ute will gain a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain before the end of the first half of this year, giving the brand a second PHEV ute alongside its larger Cannon Alpha PHEV stablemate.The PHEV Cannon was revealed in Chinese government findings in February, but details like electric driving range are scarce. The Australian launch was confirmed by GWM Australia Chief Operating Officer John Kett at a media briefing in Melbourne.The Cannon PHEV’s 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine and electric motor will produce 185kW (torque hasn’t been confirmed), which is off the pace of the popular BYD Shark 6 (321kW) as well as the Cannon Alpha PHEV (300kW).In good news for Aussie ute fans, the new Cannon PHEV won’t lose any of its towing capacity. It will retain the segment-standard 3500kg figure of the diesel-powered versions. This is in part due to the inclusion of GWM’s off-road capable Hi4-T four-wheel drive system found in the Cannon Alpha.The updated Cannon will also ditch one of the Cannon Alpha’s most contentious features - the tub-mounted spare wheel. GWM Australia has confirmed the Cannon PHEV will feature a spare wheel housed under the rear tub.Exact timing is yet to be locked in but expect the plug-in Cannon in showrooms before the end of June.Grades and pricing is a mystery for now, but you can guarantee it will carry a premium over the respective diesel grades. At the moment, PHEV versions of the Cannon Alpha cost $10,000 more than the equivalent diesel grade.The most affordable Cannon Alpha PHEV is the Lux from $61,490 drive-away and the Ultra is $67,990. The Cannon PHEV shouldn’t reach those levels given its smaller size and overall positioning.By comparison, the only other PHEV utes are the BYD Shark 6 PHEV, which is still only offered in one model grade (for now) from $57,900 before on-road costs, and the Ford Ranger PHEV that runs from $71,990 BOC to a hefty $86,990.Some more good news for GWM ute fans is the arrival of the much hyped new 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine for the Cannon Alpha and the related Tank 500 SUV. The Chinese carmaker says the 3.0L Cannon Alpha will go on sale in Australia in the second half of 2026, but specific timing is yet to be locked in.Outputs for the four-cylinder internal combustion 3.0L diesel haven't been revealed by GWM but it is set to hit similar figures to the 3.0-litre V6 diesel in Ford’s Ranger ute and Everest SUV siblings, and that’s 154kW of power and 600Nm of torque.

GWM teases new hybrid system for its flagship 4x4 - but will it come to Australia?

Specifications for the GWM Tank 300 plug-in hybrid off-roader have just been released, with the SUV joining as a new rugged rival.