The GWM Shanhai Cannon double-cab bakkie is positioned as a bigger and more luxurious offering in comparison to the P-Series … and it’s looking likely to come to South Africa.

First showcased at the Chengdu Motor Show in 2022, the GWM Shanhai Cannon looks to be the new bakkie flagship for the Chinese carmaker. And, judging by recent comments from a GWM China official at the 2023 Shanghai motor show, it’s likely to come to South Africa.

According to carsales.com.au, a GWM China spokesperson confirmed during a livestream that the Shanhai bakkie would “soon be available [in Australia and South Africa] in the 4th quarter of 2023”. Turns out, however, the spokesperson was making reference to production availability rather than concrete launch dates.

In addition, it’s worth keeping in mind Haval Motors South Africa (which distributes the GWM brand locally) has yet to confirm this model for launch. Still, it’s looking increasingly likely, isn’t it? In addition, the local distributor’s COO hinted to us earlier in 2023 there were indeed plans to expand the bakkie range.

The Shanai Cannon slots in above the P-Series.

So, what separates the Shanhai Cannon from the P-Series? Well, firstly it’s larger and uses a ladder-frame setup that’s near-identical to the one found in the flagship Tank series.

As far as physical dimensions go, the Shanhai Cannon is 5 400 mm long, 1 991 mm wide and has a height of 1 924 mm. There’s a wheelbase of 3 350 and these figures make it fractionally longer, wider and taller than the current P-Series. The P-Series has a wheelbase of 3 230 mm.

Secondly, there’s not one, not two, but three engines to choose from (in China, anyway). Kicking off the range is a brand-new turbocharged petrol V6 engine producing a punchy 260 kW and 500 Nm, paired to a 9-speed automatic gearbox. There’ll also be a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol hybrid engine (outputs which are yet to be confirmed) as well as a brand-new 2.4-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder diesel motor, which is said to have 137 kW on tap with no torque figure given.

It has some cool party tricks, like its tailgate can be opened in the traditional manner as well as open vertically in two halves. Inside, there’s a massive 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster for the driver, with both rows of seats gaining heated/ventilated power adjustable seats, upmarket cream leather upholstery, woodgrain inserts and nice gadgets like a wireless smartphone charging pad.

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