GWM is growing its presence here next year, almost doubling the model line-up. It has confirmed several new models are on their way. There will be a range of powertrains too, from pure ICE power to various hybrids and pure EVs. Six new models are confirmed for H1 of 2025, with others under consideration for H2.
First up is a new GWM Cannon ute with a bigger 2.4 turbodiesel engine. It’s the same 135kW/480Nm unit that powers the Cannon Alpha. That will also increase the GWM Cannon’s braked towing capacity to the benchmark 3500kg. The significantly upgraded GWM Cannon – no longer known as GWM Ute – will also come with a new grille and lower front bumper. It gets a new wheel design and an updated interior that includes a completely reconfigured dash. A larger central touchscreen and digital instrument cluster are notable updates. And it borrows the aircraft-style gear shift lever that’s found in the Tank range.
Also due in Q1 is the new Tank 300 Diesel. It gets the same 2.4 TDI unit as the Cannon and Cannon Alpha, adding to the petrol and hybrid variants already on sale.
GWM is then adding a second variant in the H6GT coupe-style line-up, the original being a 2.0 turbopetrol. This is the first GWM model to feature PHEV technology in New Zealand. Expect a pure electric driving range of up to 180km thanks to a 35.4kWh battery pack. It arrives also in Q1.
Shortly thereafter, GWM’s second PHEV model will go on sale in New Zealand, being the Cannon Alpha Hi4T. Utilising GWM’s Hi4T Technology and adopting a 37.1kWh NMC lithium-ion battery pack, the PHEV-powered Cannon Alpha offers up to 110km of EV driving range. The claimed WLTP combined cycle fuel economy figure is around 2L/100km. With system output of 300kW and 750Nm, the Cannon Alpha Hi4T offers almost 20 per cent more power and torque than the current hybrid offering.
Due around the same time here is the new Haval H6 featuring a refreshed exterior design with a new grille and rear tail-light design. Notable interior updates include a new centre console design, fresh steering wheel and a larger central infotainment touchscreen. It will run GWM’s new generation operating system for a faster response and more intuitive layout.
A hybrid option and probably a PHEV will join the 2.0 petrol model as well.
Finally, GWM will launch the Haval H7 mid-sized SUV. It is due here around midyear. Slotting in between the Haval H6 SUV and the off-road oriented Tank 300, the H7 provides another option for medium SUV buyers who are looking for something a bit different.
Whether it retains its Big Dog or Dargo naming from overseas markets is unclear but given the H6 is called that, we’d bet the H7 nomenclature will fit better. Besides to be the Big Dog you have to be the biggest model, and the Tank 500 is surely that in the SUV range.
Mention of, GWM will introduce the Tank 500 Hi4T PHEV as well at some stage. The Ora Sport Dual Motor EV remains under consideration. However, given the parlous state of EV sales at present, we’d expect it to arrive later rather than sooner.
The GWM brand currently sells eight models across its various ranges. That’s set to almost double next year.
GWM will disclose detailed specifications, grade line-up and pricing closer to launch.
