GWM Ora Review

While GWM’s products like the Jolion and the Ute have gone down a hit, they were far safer bets than the GWM Ora, though the timing may be perfect as electric vehicles become more mainstream.

Affordability has always been a restricting factor for the uptake of EVs here in Australia, so let's take a closer look at the GWM Ora and see how one of the cheapest electric hatchbacks on sale handles the test.

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GWM Ora Competition

Starting Price: $43,990

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How Much Does It Cost?

The GWM Ora range is priced from $43,990 for the entry-level Ora, while stepping up to the Ora Extended Range brings the price up to $47,990 and the range-topping Ora Extended Range GT is priced at $53,990.

These prices are before on-road costs, and are subject to change.

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Using OnlineAuto’s car buying service, you could save by letting one of our car specialists help you find the best value model for you.

GWM ORA (STANDARD RANGE) Specifications

For more details and other variants, check GWM ORA car page.

What Features Does the GWM Ora Have?

The entry-level GWM Ora comes riding on a set of 18-inch alloys, and receives LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, a surround-view camera with rear parking sensors, leatherette upholstery, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto.

“Not the most attractive, but exceptional bang-for-buck for a fully electric vehicle,” Craig - OnlineAuto Car Buying Specialist

Stepping up to the Ora GT adds a special set of 18-inch alloys, a unique front grille and bumper design, a hands-free boot lift, a set of red brake calipers, a parking assistant and a panoramic sunroof.

Range Features:

• 18-inch alloys

• LED headlights

• Adaptive cruise control

• Surround-view camera with rear parking sensors

• Leatherette upholstery

• Auto-dimming rear-view mirror

• 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster

• 10.25-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto

• Hands-free boot lift (GT)

• Red brake calipers (GT)

• Panoramic sunroof (GT)

• Parking assistant (GT)

Is the GWM Ora Comfortable to Drive?

Designed as an all-electric companion for those tackling a commute or a round of errands in the urban jungle, the GWM Ora presents a super user-friendly option for those in the market for an all-electric A-to-B car.

Powering the GWM Ora is a single electric motor that throws 126kW/250Nm to the front wheels via a single-speed transmission, which offers some perky and instant acceleration off the line.

At slower speeds around town, the GWM Ora is confident enough to change direction on a dime and remains nice and agile. The featherweight steering rack makes turning and parking a simple task, while the brakes are far less intrusive than other electric vehicles.

The steering starts to offer far less feedback as you pick up speed where the little Ora can be a bit overwhelmed, but in the majority of real-world situations just cruising around town, it’s quiet and complacent.

When you leave town, it’s immediate that the Ora isn’t built to handle much in the way of Australian B-roads, though as a point-and-shoot town car, it ticks all of the important boxes of its design brief.

Around the city, though, the suspension package is just enough to keep everything relatively comfortable, though there is a noticeable divide between the Ora and its main rivals when it comes to overall driving comfort, and even more so with driving enjoyment.

As a package, the Ora is fine to drive… nothing more, nothing less - it does the job, but fails to charm.

How Far Can the GWM Ora Drive on a Single Charge?

GWM gives buyers the choice of two batteries for the Ora, with the entry-level variant receiving a 48kWh lithium-ion battery, while the Ora Extended Range picks up a 63kWh battery pack.

This translates to a claimed 320km of driving range per charge for the base GWM Ora, which extends to 420km in the Ora Extended Range on the WLTP test cycle.

Is it Practical and Spacious?

While the Ora cuts a small silhouette from the outside, GWM has actually done a pretty impressive job when it comes to its interior design and packaging.

Up front, the driver and front passenger are welcomed by a very unique interior design that makes a bold first impression - you’ll either love or hate the styling, but you certainly can’t accuse it of being bland.

There’s more than enough headroom to accommodate tall drivers in the front of the cabin, with a mix of eclectic colours and textiles throughout the dash, centre console and door surrounds that keep the eyes busy.

Thankfully, the styling has been matched with some impressive practical touches, with a large storage area paired with cup holders at the base of the centre console, a smartphone stash and a folding armrest.

“The funky styling inside is matched by some seriously impressive legroom and clever practical designs.” Dan - OnlineAuto Car Buying Specialist

Move to the rear of the cabin and the pint-sized Ora has a surprisingly spacious second row.

Second-row legroom is more than adequate for even tall adults, which is made better by the fact there’s enough headroom without feeling cramped. For the parents out there, the Ora has a pair of ISOFIX anchors in the second row, as well as top tether mounts.

Finally, the Ora has a relatively small boot, with designers prioritising legroom in the second row rather than cargo space; we can’t help but admire that move because it makes a world of difference in the rear seats.

The Ora’s boot measures in at 228L which expands to 858L with the second row folded, though the tall load lip paired with a low-slung floorline means it can be difficult at times to load and unload.

Is it Safe?

The GWM Ora has picked up a five-star ANCAP safety rating, and comes well-equipped when it comes to safety equipment.

The Ora scored 92% for adult protection, 84% for child protection, 74% for vulnerable road user protection and 93% for its safety assist scores, according to ANCAP’s 2023 testing results.

As standard, the Ora is packaged with autonomous emergency braking, pedestrian and cyclist detection, rear collision warnings, lane-departure alerts, lane-keep assistance, blind-spot monitoring, rear-cross traffic alerts, traffic sign recognition and driver monitoring.

Our Verdict: Is The GWM Ora Worth it?

While most were skeptical about the launch of the GWM Ora, it is indeed a worthy addition to the Australian landscape, so long as you’re looking for a more clinical means of getting from A-to-B.

If you’re in the market for an affordable EV, there’s a handful of options, most of which offer much more in the way of driving enjoyment, though the Ora has some seriously impressive equipment lists and a spacious cabin to offer buyers in return.

“While I’m not a fan of the styling, the amount of tech and driving range for an electric car is very impressive at the price point,” Glynn - OnlineAuto Car Buying Specialist

If you’re looking for an affordable EV, get in touch with one of our car-buying specialists who can help narrow down your options and find the best possible price.

Five Specs You Need to Know

1. Seven-year, unlimited kilometre warranty

2. Five-years roadside assist & capped-price servicing included

3. Five-star ANCAP safety rating

4. Two battery sizes available; ranges between 320-420km

5. 228L boot space