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.

Chinese car giant Great Wall Motors says the GWM Shanhai Cannon is under consideration for Australia and an evaluation vehicle has been delivered Down Under.

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.

MORE: 2023 GWM Shanhai Cannon – Turbo V6 and hybrid ute revealed, on wish list for Australia

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 translates to "mountains and seas" in Chinese.

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.