GWM Cannon Alpha Lux PHEV review: Eco-crusher

Cannon Alpha PHEV is aiming for zero emissions, zero 4x4 compromise. (Images: Driven/Supplied)

Sun, 20 Jul 2025

We were wondering where all the plug-in utes were for so long, and now suddenly they’re a real … thing. Three to choose from in New Zealand right now, in fact: the BYD Shark 6, Ford Ranger PHEV and our test vehicle here, the GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV. Which, obviously, wins the prize for the biggest mouthful of a name.GWM CANNON ALPHA LUX PHEV: POWERTRAIN 2.0-litre turbo-petrol 4-cylinder engine with plug-in 37.1kWh battery and single electric motor, 9-speed hybrid transmission with low-range, 4WD OUTPUT 300kW/750Nm...

Subscribe to BusinessDesk

Stay informed on business, government and financial developments across New Zealand.

Deeply researched, twice-edited and fact-checked news
Annual subscribers also receive a complimentary subscription to The Wall Street Journal
Personalised email news alerts, plus gift up to 5 stories a month to non-subscribers

You can cancel anytime with two clicks, an email or a phone call.
Find out more.

We are serious about journalism.

Already a Subscriber ? Sign in here.

Name {{ registerForm.errors.get('name') }}

Email address {{ registerForm.errors.get('email') }}

Phone Number {{ registerForm.errors.get('phone') }}

Job Title {{ registerForm.errors.get('title') }}

Password Minimum password length of 8 characters.
Require at least one upper and lowercase, numeric, and special character. {{ registerForm.errors.get('password') }}

Repeat password {{ registerForm.errors.get('password_confirmation') }}

We had trouble validating your card. It's possible your card provider is preventing us from charging the card. Please contact your card provider or customer support.

Credit Card

Cardholder's name

{{ __(plans[index].name) | capitalize }} {{ plans[index].attributes.old_price | currency }} {{ plans[index].price | currency }}

All subscriptions auto renew but are easy to cancel.

I Accept The Terms Of Service

{{ registerForm.errors.get('terms') }}

Tax: {{ taxAmount(selectedPlan) | currency }}

Total Price Including Tax: {{ priceWithTax(selectedPlan) | currency }} {{ selectedPlan.type == 'user' && spark.chargesUsersPerSeat ? '/ '+ spark.seatName : '' }} {{ selectedPlan.type == 'user' && spark.chargesUsersPerTeam ? '/ '+ __('teams.team') : '' }} / {{ __(selectedPlan.interval) | capitalize }}

The Life

People can’t quit smartphones, smart glasses won’t help

Our lives are increasingly centred around mobile devices.

The Washington Post 28 Sep 2025

The Life

There are no rules for success

Young people, it’s time to create your own path – maybe even your own jobs.

The Wall Street Journal 28 Sep 2025

The Life

Volkswagen Amarok PanAmericana: Tough character

Aventura is the more glitzy, road-oriented luxury model.

David Linklater 28 Sep 2025

Volkswagen Amarok PanAmericana: Tough character

Sponsored

Fiji’s exclusive side revealed

Private islands and 5-star luxury, closer than you think.

Tourism Fiji

Sponsored

The double edge of AI in cyber security

Artificial intelligence has the potential to become both a lifeline and a liability for modern organisations, as a revolutionary tool capable of spotting threats at lightning speed, but also the ultimate weapon in the hands of cybercriminals.

Spark