2023 GWM Ute ‘Off-Road’ flagship edition set for Australian showrooms

The 2023 GWM Ute is set to gain an off-road-oriented flagship variant to rival top-of-the-range Toyota HiLux, Ford Ranger, Mitsubishi Triton, Nissan Navara and Volkswagen Amarok, government documents reveal.

The company has certified a new version of the dual-cab GWM Ute for sale – provisionally dubbed 'Off-Road' – with upgraded suspension, off-road bumpers and side steps, and taller all-terrain tyres.

GWM Haval Australia has been contacted for comment on launch timing for the new model, however the company typically introduces vehicles three to six months after they are certified for sale, if history is a guide.

Already on sale in China, the flagship GWM Ute gains off-road side steps, a snorkel, new front and rear bumpers with tow hooks, black wheel-arch flares, a black metal sports bar, and black 18-inch wheels with larger 265/65 R18 all-terrain tyres (vs 265/60 R18 on standard versions).

Ground clearance is listed as 34mm higher (now 228mm), while there is upgraded suspension with increased wheel travel, and 28mm-wider front and rear wheel tracks.

Specifications in China list approach and departure angles of 30 and 26 degrees respectively without a towbar, a 700mm wading depth, and 40 per cent maximum climb grade.

Features in China are listed as front and rear differential locks, multiple off-road driving modes, a front-mounted winch, and a 'tank turn' function that brakes the inner rear wheel to reduce the turning circle on loose surfaces.

There is also additional underbody protection, Cooper or BFGoodrich all-terrain tyres, nitrogen-filled shock absorbers, red-painted brake calipers and coil springs, steel front and rear bumpers, and roof racks.

Chinese models also gain a unique black and red interior, but it is unclear if this will be available in Australia.

There are no changes to the engine, which remains a 120kW/400Nm 2.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder, with an eight-speed automatic transmission and part-time four-wheel drive. Four-wheel disc brakes remain.

Unlike key off-road rivals such as the Nissan Navara Pro-4X Warrior, Volkswagen Amarok W580X and inbound Mitsubishi Triton Xtreme – as well as the upcoming Toyota HiLux GR Sport – the GWM Ute Off-Road edition is expected to arrive in Australia fully-built from the factory in China, with no additional modifications required at an external facility in Australia.