2023 Great Wall Motors Shanhai Cannon ute a step closer to Australia

The extra-large GWM Shanhai Cannon ute from China – which is bigger than Australia’s top-selling Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger double cabs but smaller than the Ram 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado pick-ups – could be in local showrooms by the end of this year.

In China, the GWM Shanhai Cannon is available with a choice of twin-turbo V6 petrol power, a 2.4-litre turbo diesel, or a 2.0-litre turbo petrol hybrid.

At this stage, it is unclear which of the three engine options will make it to Australia – or what the vehicle will be called. 

The name Shanhai is believed to be a tribute to the major Chinese city of Shanghai.

Drive understands, in Australia, GWM Ute Cannon XL is one possibility for the local name, to cash-in on the early success of the regular GWM Cannon model.

In a recent media briefing, a spokesperson for GWM Haval told Drive: “The current ute is doing a really good job and it appeals to a broad range of buyers, but we know there are also a lot of customers in the top end of the ute market.

“We believe the Shanhai will offer customers a roomier cabin, a bigger vehicle and a lot of standard features compared to others in the segment.

“At the moment we’re not in the top-end of the ute segment; the Shanhai could give us the opportunity for that.”

As previously reported by Drive, the GWM Shanhai Cannon is 5440mm in length, 1991mm wide and 1924mm high, with a wheelbase of 3350mm. 

This makes it 30mm longer, 57mm wider and 38mm taller than the GWM Ute, with its wheelbase extended by 120mm.