BYD SHARK 6 VS GWM CANNON ALPHA PHEV - WHICH HYBRID UTE IS BETTER?

EV Channels Review

The BYD Shark 6 and GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV are compared as the new contenders in the plug-in hybrid ute segment. The BYD Shark 6, in its Premium trim, is lauded for its sharp pricing, upmarket interior, high-tech powertrain, and balanced performance, feeling more like an SUV than a traditional ute. It excels on-road with its quiet, smooth, and EV-like driving experience, offering impressive acceleration. Off-road, it's capable for moderate use, though its software-based traction control and highway tires limit extreme capability. The GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV, tested in the Ultra spec, boasts a larger battery, more powerful engine, and superior towing capacity (3.5 tonnes vs. 2.5 tonnes for the BYD). It offers a more traditional ute experience with mechanical off-road hardware like locking differentials and low-range gearing, making it the more competent bush basher. However, the GWM's interior materials are deemed less premium, and its on-road refinement and acceleration lag behind the BYD. While both vehicles offer around 80 km of real-world EV range and similar fuel efficiency in practice (over 9 L/100km), the BYD Shark 6 ultimately wins due to its superior overall polish, more sophisticated driving dynamics, and a considerable price advantage, making it the better all-around package.