GWM Australia has launched its new Ora 5 SUV this month, priced from $33,990 driveaway for the entry Lux grade and $36,990 d/a for the Ultra flagship.

Powered by a 150kW/260Nm permanent magnet synchronous motor and 58.3kWh LFP battery, the front-drive Ora 5 offers up to 435km WLTC range, 120kW DC charging, and a 30-80 per cent charge time of 20 minutes.

A 10-80 per cent DC charge takes 30 minutes while AC charging takes up to 6.6 hours.

GWM quotes 0-100km/h acceleration time of 8.0 seconds.

Measuring 4471mm long, 1833mm wide,1641mm high, and with a 2720mm wheelbase, the Ora 5 sits in the small SUV class and offers 362 litres of luggage space. Braked and unbraked towing capacity is listed at 750kg.

Standard equipment includes 18-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, rain-sensing wipers, LED head- and tail-lights, rear privacy glass, keyless entry, a 14.6-inch touchscreen with GWM’s Coffee OS, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, DAB+ radio reception, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, adaptive cruise control, GWM app telematics, and vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality via an accessory adaptor.

The Lux grade receives fabric trim, a six-speaker audio system and single-zone climate control, while the Ultra adds leatherette upholstery in dark grey or cream, plus a panoramic glass sunroof and additional premium cabin finishes.

GWM says the Ora 5’s design was led by GWM design director Andrew Dyson, whose previous work includes roles with Volkswagen, Chrysler, Opel/Vauxhall, and Mini/BMW. Mr Dyson says the model was designed to create “an emotional connection through timeless proportions, natural forms and a welcoming character”.

The Ora 5 uses what GWM calls its “Life and Energy” design philosophy, drawing inspiration from river stones, sand dunes and natural forms. Its smooth bodywork contributes to a claimed 0.276Cd drag coefficient, while an active grille shutter and low rolling resistance 225/60 R18 tyres help achieve claimed efficiency of 15.5kWh/100km.

The model is available in six colours including Pepper White, Emerald Green, Flamingo Pink, Mystic Grey, Crystal Black, and signature Cute Cyan. Premium paint adds $595, while some colours are limited to the Ultra grade.

Safety equipment includes seven airbags, a 360-degree camera with transparent-view function, tyre pressure monitoring, blind-spot monitoring, lane support systems, autonomous emergency braking, and other collision mitigation functions.

The Ora 5 is currently undergoing ANCAP assessment, with a rating expected towards the end of 2026.

Battery safety is also highlighted, with GWM claiming its battery packs undergo tests including 48-hour submersion, strenuous bottom impact testing, and a 200kN crush test.

The battery pack is rated to IP68 (dust and moisture prevention) and uses liquid cooling to maintain operating temperature, supported by battery pre-conditioning, and a third-generation heat pump air-conditioning system.

The Ora 5 will arrive as a BEV-only model and expands GWM’s local electric offering beyond the existing (and outgoing) Ora hatchback, positioning the brand in one of Australia’s most competitive and price-sensitive EV segments.

The Chinese importer will offer the model with a seven-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty with included roadside assistance and capped-price servicing, as well as an eight-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty for the high-voltage battery.

Maintenance intervals are set at 12 months/15,000km with fixed pricing of $195 per scheduled service (for the first seven years).

Driving Impressions

Unusually styled, aggressively priced, and loaded with equipment, the GWM Ora 5 SUV is something of an out-there bargain in the Australian EV market, particularly given the way it rides and steers and the fact it is fitted with a spare wheel.

If the Mini Cooper-meets-Porsche Macan-meets-Volkswagen Beetle styling and bright duco gets you over the line, the remainder of the vehicle is almost certain to impress.

The GWM Ora 5 SUV delivers not only a sensibly proportioned cabin with retro flourishes we found charming (just look at those Mini-esque toggle switches and white faux leather), but ample accommodation for four (five at a pinch), a useful boot, and some of the most comfortable seats we’ve sat in at this end of the price spectrum.

And while GWM products have previously come under criticism for their nervous ADAS settings and ponderous road manners, there are clear signs of improvement in the Ora 5 SUV. In fact, we’d go so far as to say the difference here is like chalk and cheese.

The Ora 5 SUV is a mature and seemingly well-built offering that belies its price. The steering response is crisp, the ride is taut – but not uncomfortably so – and the body control is mostly hard to fault, save for a little head toss on poorly maintained surfaces.

The ADAS systems were mostly well calibrated, aside from the overzealous driver monitoring system, indicating that GWM had taken past feedback on board. Combine those assistance systems with balanced traction and stability settings and it’s fair to say the Ora 5 SUV is far more cultured than its price tag might suggest.

We found the ergonomics sound and visibility good. Parking the Ora 5 SUV is a cinch thanks to the 360-degree camera system on the top-spec Ultra variant, with local GWM representatives assuring us it's 'almost impossible to kerb a wheel'.

At freeway speeds, the GWM Ora 5 SUV is composed and quiet, with the only hint of distraction being a peculiar wind rustle at the centre of the windscreen – almost as if the shape of the bonnet is channelling air to a specific point. With the radio on, it’s barely evident. But those with a sharp ear might find it curious.

Power delivery is progressive and adequate for most scenarios. GWM designed the Ora 5 SUV as a city-centric model, and it’s clear the output figures and driving range are matched to that intent. Still, it’s no slouch, providing an encouraging level of get-up-and-go when moving through fast-paced arterial traffic.

We found the braking action satisfactory and the stopping performance excellent. The ability to quickly adjust the car’s regenerative settings (say, via paddles mounted behind the steering wheel) would have been a nice touch, though it’s unlikely Ora 5 SUV buyers will be fussed.

In terms of range, and based on a mix of city, freeway, and rural road driving at launch, we’d expect that close to 400km is achievable. With a more economical driving style and lower road speeds, there’s a chance the Ora 5 SUV will hit its claim, though we’ll hold that thought until we spend more time with the car in the coming months.

As a rival to the likes of the BYD Atto 2 (from $31,990), GAC Emzoom (from $25,590), Jaecoo J5 (from $36,990), Leapmotor B10 (from $37,888), and MG S5 (from $40,490), the budget-friendly GWM Ora 5 SUV presents compelling value for money.

Its looks might not appeal to every buyer’s taste, but those willing to embrace its unconventional styling are unlikely to be disappointed in what this vehicle has to offer.