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The gimmicks to prove one plug-in hybrid ute is tougher than another are only set to get more outlandish as GWM takes the first swipe at BYD in a battle of the brawniest.
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GWM has taken its first swipe at BYD as brands clamour to show which of their new-energy utes best lives up to the Aussie need for a hard-working, go-anywhere dual-cab ute.
In a demonstration organised by GWM, the newly released Cannon Alpha PHEV was sent to tackle Beer O’Clock Hill, part of The Springs 4x4 Adventure Park in The Glen, Queensland.
GWM also used the demonstration to showcase the capabilities of its wider 4x4 range, with the recently released Cannon XSR ute and Tank 300 diesel SUV also put through their paces.
The Cannon XSR was provided in regular showroom specification, with the off-road specialist model already fitted with Cooper all-terrain tyres, additional off-road drive modes, front and rear diff locks, and a slightly different part-time 4x4 system to the rest of the Cannon range.
According to GWM, the Cannon ute became only the second production vehicle after the Ineos Grenadier to make it up Beer O’Clock Hill.
Both the Tank 300 and Cannon Alpha had their standard highway terrain tyres swapped for all-terrain tyres for the demonstration drive.
Aside from the tyre change, no other mechanical or suspension changes were made to the vehicles.
Australian 4x4 channel Savage Tech Australia has previously attempted to tackle the off-road course in two modified BYD Shark 6 plug-in hybrid utes, with both failing to complete the Beer O’Clock Hill climb.
You can see the full video below.
GWM claims that the Cannon Alpha PHEV is the first plug-in hybrid vehicle of any kind to make it up the course and stresses that, apart from the tyre swap, no lift kit or tuning tweaks were needed.
In a quote released by GWM, the owner of The Springs 4x4 Adventure Park, Lucas Bree said, “When GWM first reached out about testing on Beer O’Clock Hill, I was pleasantly surprised, but I’ll admit, I didn’t expect much.
“That surprise quickly turned to shock when they rolled in with completely stock production vehicles. No lifts, no engine mods — just factory-spec GWM 4x4 vehicles.
“But what happened next genuinely blew me away. All these vehicles didn’t just attempt the climb — they powered through it.
"And then, without fuss, they turned around and drove back to Brisbane.”
With the Ford Ranger PHEV set to arrive on the market next, the level of competitive flexing is sure to step up as ute brands rush to reassure owners that a plug-in hybrid ute can tackle the most rugged Australian conditions.
With Ford looking to protect the Ranger’s number-one selling reputation in Australia, and BYD coming under factory-backed distribution, expect to see more capability claims from the plug-in hybrid dual-cab segment.
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Kez Casey migrated from behind spare parts counters to writing about cars over ten years ago. Raised by a family of automotive workers, Kez grew up in workshops and panel shops before making the switch to reviews and road tests for The Motor Report, Drive and CarAdvice.
