GWM has officially confirmed the introduction of the P500 PHEV to the South African market. Unveiled at the Sandton Convention Centre on 26 February during the company’s annual dealer awards ceremony, the P500 PHEV marks a significant milestone as South Africa’s first plug-in hybrid bakkie. The vehicle was initially launched in Australia earlier this month, where it is known as the Cannon Alpha PHEV. While the South African variant is expected to be largely identical, official pricing details have yet to be announced.
P500 PHEV: South Africa’s First Plug-in Hybrid Bakkie
Set to rival traditional diesel-powered models, the P500 PHEV is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine paired with a 37.1-kWh battery pack and dual electric motors—one on each axle. This setup generates an impressive total output of 300kW and 750Nm, making it 45kW and 102Nm more powerful than the hybrid version. It boasts a pure electric range of 110 km and retains a towing capacity of 3,500 kg.
As with its HEV and diesel-powered counterparts, the P500 PHEV features a nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Dimensionally, it remains unchanged from its siblings and is expected to be available in Lux and Ultra trims. Standard features include a dual 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and infotainment system, 18-inch alloy wheels, electronic rear differential lock, LED headlights with Auto High Beam Assist, dual-zone climate control, and a drive mode selector.
The Ultra variant further enhances comfort and luxury with additional amenities such as ambient lighting, a premium 10-speaker Infinity sound system, heated and ventilated front and rear seats, a panoramic sunroof, massaging and electric front seats, dual wireless charging pads, and a Head-Up Display.
Safety features across the range include Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Monitoring, front and rear parking sensors, a surround-view camera system, and Traffic Sign Recognition. The Ultra trim also benefits from Park Assist and Automatic Reverse Braking.
In Australia, the P500 PHEV starts at AU$63,990 (approximately R741,507) for the Lux and AU$68,990 (around R799,447) for the Ultra. However, South African pricing is expected to exceed R1 million, given that the hybrid model is already priced at R999,900. GWM South Africa has yet to confirm the official launch date or pricing details.
Key Features of the P500 PHEV
| Feature | P500 PHEV Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L Turbocharged Petrol |
| Battery | 37.1-kWh |
| Total Power Output | 300kW |
| Total Torque | 750Nm |
| Transmission | 9-Speed Automatic |
| Drive System | All-Wheel Drive |
| Electric Range | 110 km |
| Towing Capacity | 3,500 kg |
| Trim Levels | Lux, Ultra |
| Infotainment System | Dual 12.3-inch Screens |
| Safety Features | AEB, Lane Keep Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitoring |
| Additional Ultra Trim Features | Panoramic Sunroof, Massaging Seats, 10-Speaker Sound System |
Haval H6 GT PHEV: Performance and Pricing
In addition to the P500 PHEV, GWM also showcased the Haval H6 GT PHEV at the awards event. This plug-in hybrid version expands the fastback-styled GT range, incorporating updates introduced to the standard model in late 2024.
Under the hood, the H6 GT PHEV combines a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with dual electric motors, powered by a 35.4-kWh battery pack. This configuration delivers a combined output of 342kW and 762Nm, allowing the SUV to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds. The vehicle’s all-electric range is 180 km, with a total combined driving range exceeding 1,000 km when utilizing both power sources.
Compared to the conventional 2.0-litre turbo-petrol H6 GT, the PHEV version delivers an additional 187kW and 437Nm. It is expected to be available in a single, high-end Super Luxury trim, featuring a 10.25-inch infotainment system, a 12.3-inch digital cluster, heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and an electric tailgate.
Key Features of the Haval H6 GT PHEV
| Feature | H6 GT PHEV Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5L Turbocharged Petrol |
| Battery | 35.4-kWh |
| Total Power Output | 342kW |
| Total Torque | 762Nm |
| Transmission | 2-Speed DHT |
| Drive System | All-Wheel Drive |
| Electric Range | 180 km |
| Combined Range | Over 1,000 km |
| Trim Levels | Super Luxury |
| Infotainment System | 10.25-inch & 12.3-inch Screens |
| Safety Features | AEB, Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitoring, Parking Sensors |
| Additional Features | Panoramic Sunroof, Heated & Ventilated Seats, Electric Tailgate |
GWM has confirmed that the H6 GT PHEV will be priced at R800,000, representing an increase of R137,750 over the petrol-only GT model. While an official market release date has not been provided, further details are expected in the coming weeks. With the arrival of these two electrified models, GWM continues to expand its footprint in the South African market, offering innovative hybrid and plug-in hybrid options across different segments.
Related article: 2025 GWM Haval Jolion Lux Review: Features, Performance, and Value
