GWM Ute Cannon XSR 2024 review

It’s quite a simple if multi-layer pitch that comes with GWM’s flagship ute, the XSR, launched in the middle of 2023 to bolster the Ute Cannon, erm, canon to seven variants.

At $52,990 driveaway – or even cheaper at a tenner under $50K on offer until June 30 – it undercuts the higher grades of big-selling dual-cab 4×4 juggernauts in Ford’s Ranger, Toyota’s Hilux and Isuzu’s D-Max by a fair wedge or three in fully loaded guises.

Beyond that, it boasts an array of off-road focused equipment and features right off the showroom floor and no aftermarket required, including dual axle differential locks absent on most higher-priced competitors.

Against key direct rival LDV T60 Max, the XSR appears more 4×4 focussed in specification despite the similar styling and pricing.

Bundle that together, and you not only get a turnkey all-terrain proposition at a relative bargain, it’s a Chinese-made package that’s vastly more attainable to younger budding 4×4 enthusiasts than a modified Thai-built alternative. And without the insurance and warranty challenges demanded by dipping into the aftermarket.

Thing is, $53K isn’t chump change, or anything like as enticing as the entry point to the GWM Ute pick-up range, called simply Cannon, that can be had for just $37,490 driveaway in optional 4×4 guise.

Further, it looks pricey against logical upper-spec rivals such LDV T60 Max Luxe auto (from $45,884 driveaway) and Ssangyong Musso Ultimate (from $45,000 driveaway).

In assessment, all of the above poses multi-layered questions. Is it a decent ute on singular merit? How is, on balance, good enough given the value proposition? And, further, as the pricey Ute Cannon option, what do you get over and above its sharper-priced stablemates?

This last bit is significant given that every variant in the range fits the same 120kW and 400Nm turbo-diesel four and everything bar the entry Cannon RWD – so all seven grades – can be had with 4×4 and the same ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic transmission.

In terms of workhorse stats, braked towing is 3000kg (across the entire Ute Cannon lineup) while payload in the 1.52-metre-square tub is just 875kg, or a fair bit down on other stablemates boasting as