We’ve not hidden our findings of GWM vehicles during our reviews. A common compliant – and this isn’t just for GWM, but most Chinese-built vehicles – is that the driver-assist systems do not seemed tuned for other countries, or types of roads other than those in China.
It’s not just driver-assist systems that do not work well, for example, Alistair Weekes straight-up called the Cannon Alpha’s throttle response “abysmal” in his recent review of that model. The rest of the ute was very good, but issues like throttle response can put a buyer off very quickly.
Thankfully, GWM has listened to DriveLife and owners, and is making improvements to their models to ensure better driveability. GWM has announced a number of changes to their vehicles starting in Q1 of 2025, to try and overcome problems encountered to date, on their Canon Alpha and Tank 500 models. Hopefully these changes will flow down to other vehicles, like the Tank 300, soon after.
The changes are:
Cannon Alpha & Tank 500 updates:
- DMS – Distraction on/off switch + memory (no longer default on every cycle, will retain previous setting)
- DMS – Fatigue alert changed from “Please take a break” to an alert sound and volume lowered
- ELK – Increased local road scenarios to reduce false alerts
- ELK – Visual alert changed to simulation lane flash on graphics
- ELK – Switch off button added on shortcut screen (swipe down on info screen)
- ACC – Reduced the impact of intelligent cornering, reducing the likelihood of car slowing down too much while cornering
- ACC – Acceleration has been increased, allowing vehicle to respond quicker and therefore reducing the gap between vehicles
Cannon Alpha:
- Reversing camera – added a tow hitch guideline
- In addition to above changes, we will be making software changes to the Hybrid Normal and Sport mode:
- On both modes – We have improved overall throttle response to overcome the lack of throttle response
- Improvements on “engine runaway” or “sticky throttle” after full or heavy throttle input. We have lowered the rev hang and increased regen to improve this
- Normal mode – Sometimes a lag is experienced during the transition from EV to hybrid mode. We have adjusted the hybrid mode engagement logic
- Sport mode – We have sharpened the throttle response and engine response while maintaining smooth gear changes
Note that the updates cannot happen remotely, so owners will need to visit a GWM dealer to get the updates applied. GWM says owners will be contacted when the updates are ready.
