China's Ranger Raptor rival? GWM Ute set to gain off-road variant in Australia

The local 2023 GWM Ute Cannon lineup is tipped to grow with the addition of a new off-road-focused variant.

Local homologation information published this week has revealed Chinese brand Great Wall Motors (GWM) could introduce an off-road variant to its aptly-named Ute in Australia.

4X4 Australia has contacted GWM Australia for comment, and this story will be updated with its response.

Based on the Mount Everest Edition launched in China in 2021, the variant would be a cheaper alternative to the Toyota HiLux GR Sport and Nissan Navara Pro-4X Warrior.

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However, unlike the beefed-up Ford Ranger Raptor, the off-road variant retains the same 120kW and 400Nm turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine as the regular GWM Ute, matched to a ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic transmission.

The Government documents reveal the GWM Ute 'Off-Road' will gain a standard-fit snorkel and side steps, while it is also expected to feature unique alloy wheels, all-terrain tyres, chunkier flares, and a sports bar.

But towing capacity will take a hit, with the standard 3000-kilogram braked limit – below the three-and-a-half tonne capacity of its top-selling rivals – reduced to just 2.25 tonnes.

In China, the GWM Ute Everest Edition offers an 'off-road expert' drive mode to disable stability and traction control automatically, a creep mode, and four-wheel 'tank turn' capability.

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Under the skin, GWM has reinforced the chassis to allow for a 4300-kilogram winch, and a conventional system replaces the automatic four-wheel drive system to switch between 2H, 4H and 4L manually.

It also features three locking differentials and a 700 millimetre wading depth.

GWM has not detailed the approach, departure and ramp breakover angles for the Everest Edition, with the standard model offering 27 degrees, 25 degrees and 21.1 degrees, respectively.

It has a taller 228mm ground clearance versus 194mm for the standard GWM Ute.

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While the 2023 GWM Ute 'Off-Road' has yet to be locked in for Australia, the timing of the Government documents suggests it should arrive within the next six months.

GWM Australia has previously homologated single-cab, cab-chassis and manual transmission versions of the Ute for local sale – but these variants have yet to appear in showrooms.

Currently, the GWM Ute range is offered in the most-popular dual-cab automatic body style, priced from $35,990 drive-away for the entry-level Cannon 4x2.

With the range-topping Vanta 4x4 priced at $46,490 drive-away, the off-road grade should command a circa-$10,000 premium, suggesting an approximate $55,990 drive-away price tag.

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At the recent media launch of the Tank 300 off-roader and Ora electric hatch, GWM executives suggested the larger GWM Shanhai Cannon could reach local shores later this year or in 2024.

Currently, the Shanhai Cannon is only available in its home market with a mild-hybrid 260kW/500Nm petrol V6 or 2.4-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder developing 135kW/480Nm – the latter more likely for Oz.

As for an all-electric GWM Ute to rival the LDV eT60 and upcoming JAC T9 EV, it is still under development, but GWM's local arm remains keen on offering the model once it is finalised in China.