Stephan Fischer — German-Australian 4WD expert and remote touring veteran.
When GWM offered me their Cannon Alpha PHEV for a two-day test, I approached it with the same skepticism I apply to any new 4WD. I'm not a car journalist — I'm a bloke who spends weeks in the desert, trains drivers for remote touring, and expects gear to perform when the going gets tough.
The deal was simple: two days, no hand-holding, and I'd report exactly what I experienced.
Technical Overview: What's Under the Hood?
Powertrain & 4WD System
- 2.0L turbo petrol + 120kW electric motor = 300kW combined / 750Nm torque
- 37.1kWh battery (larger than most PHEVs)
- Borg Warner transfer case with proper low-range (2.64:1) and mechanical lockers (front, rear, center)
- Towing capacity: 3,500kg (braked), but payload drops to ~300kg when towing due to ball weight
- Wading depth: 800mm / Ground clearance: 224mm
Key Observations
- Not a "soft" hybrid — This is a conventional 4WD with electric assistance, not an economy-focused hybrid.
- Traction control works alongside lockers — A plus for stability, but I'd still disable it for sand.
- No terrain modes — Just 4H/4L, Eco, Normal, Sport. Basic compared to rivals.
Undercarriage & Modifications: Can It Handle a Tour?
I met Nick Finch from Solve Off-Road to inspect the undercarriage.
Strengths
- Solid rear axle — Always a win for off-road durability.
- Conventional layout — Strut front, solid rear — similar to Toyota's Hilux/Prado.
- Transfer case placement — High and protected. No dangling components.
Weaknesses
- Plastic sump guard — Needs aftermarket protection for serious off-roading.
- Low-hanging tow bar — A rear bar with integrated recovery points would fix the departure angle (23°).
- Spare tyre location — Mounted on the tub side. A swing-away carrier would help.
Verdict: A two-inch lift, bigger tyres, and underbody protection would turn this into a capable tourer. The platform is solid — think Toyota DNA with hybrid muscle.
On-Road Performance: Better Than a Hilux?
For a 2.8-tonne 4WD, the Alpha surprised me on sealed roads.
- Handling: Minimal body roll, responsive steering. Better than a recent Hilux Rogue I tested.
- Comfort: Air-con seats, heated wheel, massage function. Cabin stays quiet at 60dB at 80km/h.
- Tech: 360° cameras, transparent chassis view, and parking sensors.
Downsides:
- Throttle lag — The electric torque keeps accelerating after you lift off. Takes getting used to.
- Pedal shifter — Confusing in technical terrain. Not ideal for sand driving.
Off-Road Performance: Stuck in Sand
I tested the Alpha at Stockton Beach (road tyres, 19psi).
The Good
- Stock capability: Handled easy dunes and rocky steps without lockers. Impressive for a stocker.
- 360° cameras — Saved my backside in tight turns.
The Bad
- Reverse power cutout — When slightly stuck in sand, reversing would cut power. I got properly bogged once — the first recovery I've ever needed in sand.
- No "Camping Mode" — Can't access 240V power with the vehicle locked.
Why it happened: The programming limits rear wheel drive in reverse when wheels spin. GWM says it's a safety feature. A software update could fix this.
Practical Considerations
- Fuel economy: Claimed 1.7L/100km (lab test). My real-world sand driving used ~17L/100km.
- Dealership network: 107 dealers in Australia — all in cities. No support in remote areas.
- Battery warranty: 8 years/unlimited km.
Conclusion: A Solid Tourer with Caveats
After two days, the Cannon Alpha PHEV impressed me more than I expected. It's a capable 4WD with solid on-road comfort, genuine off-road potential (with mods), and hybrid efficiency that works better than I thought.
But: fix the reverse power issue, add a proper rear bar and underbody protection, and expand dealership support for remote areas.
Final Verdict: If you're a weekend tourer or city-based adventurer, the Alpha is a compelling option. For remote work? Wait for long-term reliability data.
Stephan's Rating: 7.5/10 — Promising, but needs refinement.
