The GWM Ora 5, a compact electric SUV, is highly likely to expand beyond the Chinese market, with strong indications pointing toward releases in Europe and potentially Australia. Spotted undergoing testing in Europe, the Ora 5 fills a gap in GWM’s lineup, positioned between the smaller Ora 3 city car and the larger, upcoming Ora 7 SUV.
Market Positioning and Size
At 4.47 meters long, the Ora 5 is comparable in size to popular EVs like the BYD Atto 3 and Kia EV3. GWM Australia’s COO, John Kett, has confirmed that the company will introduce a small SUV under the Ora brand next year, strongly suggesting this will be the Ora 5. The model is expected to retain the signature design elements of other Ora vehicles, including round headlights and a curved silhouette.
Technical Specifications and Range
Chinese-market versions of the Ora 5 feature a single 150kW electric motor driving the front wheels, paired with a lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery. While specific battery capacity details remain undisclosed, the Ora 5 could adopt battery technology from the Lightning Cat sedan, offering options between 63.87kWh and 83.49kWh for potential ranges up to 705km (CLTC standard). Current range claims in China start at 480km, with higher-spec models reaching 580km.
Interior and Safety Features
Inside, the Ora 5 boasts a 15.6-inch central touchscreen running GWM’s Coffee OS 3, Apple CarPlay compatibility, and a 360-degree camera system. Higher trim levels include LiDAR technology for advanced driver assistance, though Volvo recently dropped LiDAR due to supply chain issues. Additional features include adaptive cruise control, automatic parking, traffic sign recognition, and rear autonomous braking.
Sales Performance and Future Growth
GWM Ora sales in Australia have declined by 41.8% year-on-year, with 688 units sold to date. Despite this, GWM remains the tenth best-selling auto brand in Australia, with 42,782 vehicles sold in 2024. The company aims to become a top-five brand by 2027, requiring an annual sales volume of approximately 78,000 units. This expansion will be supported by the launch of at least seven new models, including the Haval Jolion Max (PHEV and EV) and the luxury Wey brand, starting with the Wey 80 people mover in 2026.
GWM’s aggressive expansion strategy, combined with the introduction of competitive EV models like the Ora 5, demonstrates the company’s ambition to become a significant player in the Australian automotive market. The success of this plan hinges on maintaining market momentum and adapting to evolving consumer preferences.
