GWM Cannon Alpha vs BYD Shark 6
Two electric Utes go head to head. Which EV is the better buy for Australian drivers in 2026?
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Plug-in hybrid fuel economy is shown as a hybrid (battery depleted) so it compares fairly with the other car. A PHEV's official "combined" figure assumes you start every trip fully charged, so real-world economy depends on how often you plug in. Electric range shows how far it goes before the petrol engine is needed.
Price Breakdown
The GWM Cannon Alpha starts from $52,990 before on-road costs, while the BYD Shark 6 opens at $55,900. That makes the GWM Cannon Alpha the more affordable entry point by $2,910.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $58,289 and $61,490 respectively.
Both models qualify for Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) exemption, which is a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases. Depending on your tax bracket, this can save $5,000-$15,000+ per year compared to an equivalent ICE vehicle.
Safety Rundown
Both the GWM Cannon Alpha and BYD Shark 6 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 84% for the GWM Cannon Alpha and 85% for the BYD Shark 6.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The GWM Cannon Alpha packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 4 in the BYD Shark 6.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control.
Feature Showdown
The GWM Cannon Alpha features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the BYD Shark 6 gets a 12.8-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The GWM Cannon Alpha stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging and power tailgate that you will not find on the BYD Shark 6. The BYD Shark 6 counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The GWM Cannon Alpha uses a 2.0L 4-cylinder Turbo Petrol Plug-in Hybrid producing 300kW and 750Nm of torque, sent through a 9-speed hybrid automatic to a 4WD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 10.5 seconds.
The BYD Shark 6 responds with a Hybrid making 321kW and 650Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.7 seconds.
The BYD Shark 6 has the clear power advantage at 321kW vs 300kW. In the real-world sprint, the BYD Shark 6 is 4.8s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 37.1kWh (GWM Cannon Alpha) vs 29.6kWh (BYD Shark 6), giving WLTP ranges of 100km and 100km.
Space & Comfort
The GWM Cannon Alpha measures 5,445mm long on a 3,350mm wheelbase, 12mm shorter than the BYD Shark 6 at 5,457mm (3,260mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the GWM Cannon Alpha generally means more rear legroom.
0For towing, the GWM Cannon Alpha leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 2,500kg. That 1,000kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
13.0m to 13.5m
Based on 13.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 13.5m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, electricity costs roughly $379/year for the GWM Cannon Alpha and $379/year for the BYD Shark 6.
Estimated annual total: $379 (GWM Cannon Alpha) vs $379 (BYD Shark 6). Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (GWM Cannon Alpha) vs 6 years / 150,000km (BYD Shark 6). The GWM Cannon Alpha has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the GWM Cannon Alpha if: You want the lower entry price, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer GWM's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BYD Shark 6 if: You prioritise performance, or prefer BYD's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The GWM Cannon Alpha takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The GWM Cannon Alpha adds peace of mind with a longer 7-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, GWM Cannon Alpha and BYD Shark 6?
The GWM Cannon Alpha is the cheapest at $52,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BYD Shark 6 by $2,910.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The GWM Cannon Alpha uses the least fuel at 1.7L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — GWM Cannon Alpha and BYD Shark 6 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which can tow the most?
The GWM Cannon Alpha has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The GWM Cannon Alpha has the longest warranty at 7 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The BYD Shark 6 makes the most power at 321kW. The BYD Shark 6 is quickest to 100km/h in 5.7s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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