Ora
GWM
Ora Introduction
The GWM Ora electric car is one of Australia’s most affordable and charismatic city EVs, blending retro charm with smart technology and a distinctly fun driving experience. Sold in variants such as Standard Range, Extended Range, Ultra, and the sporty Ora GT, the hatchback stands out with its rounded silhouette, expressive headlights, and thoughtful colour palette. Underneath, a zippy 126kW single-motor FWD setup offers surprisingly lively acceleration for city life, with the Extended Range battery claiming up to 420km WLTP (realistically 300–350km for most users). Buyers enjoy a 10.25-inch touchscreen, full active safety suite, wireless device charging, and a plush, faux-leather interior that feels leagues above the price point.
With a seven-year vehicle and eight-year battery warranty, the GWM Ora appeals to budget-minded buyers—particularly with strong capped-price servicing and low running costs in the face of rising fuel prices. Boot space is a compact 228L (rear up), expanding to 858L with seats folded, and the interior’s thoughtful layout maximises headroom and comfort. Although the infotainment can be fiddly and some dashboard materials divisive, most reviewers call Ora a “charismatic” and genuinely “refined” daily EV. As more Australians make the switch to electric, the GWM Ora stands out for its value, warranty, and fun personality among mainstream hatchback choices.
Available models
Ora Performance & Power
Offering 126kW and 250Nm through the front wheels, every GWM Ora feels lively at urban speeds—especially when “Sport” mode is engaged for overtakes or quick getaways. Andrea Matthews (RACV) states, "The GWM Ora Extended Range is driven by a torquey 126kW motor that delivers spritely performance." Susannah Guthrie (Drive) notes, "The ride comfort deserves some credit for being incredibly supple for a smaller car." The GT variant adds visual drama and a slightly sharper dynamic tune, though overall the range focuses on smooth, predictable power for daily commutes.
Acceleration from rest is brisk (around 8 seconds 0-100km/h for most models) and the car’s compact dimensions (4,235mm long) give it a nimble feel in heavy traffic. Feann Torr (Carsales) adds, "Drop the hammer in Sport mode and the Ora darts forward like a scalded cat," but testers agree it’s not a true hot hatch or highway warrior. Rotary gear selection can be laggy, requiring deliberate input, but overall stability, ride comfort, and low-speed handling win praise. For most buyers, the powertrain is ideal for city and suburban conditions, with more than enough energy for weekly errands or the odd road trip.
Ora Interior & Design
A key selling point for the GWM Ora is its cheerful, personality-filled design that sets it apart from bland small cars. Feann Torr (Carsales) describes it as “a charismatic car with loads of personality—rare for an EV.” The “cutesy” exterior, rounded front, and bright palette make the Ora instantly recognizable; inside, the layout feels airy and spacious up front, with narrow pillars boosting visibility and confidence in city use. Faux leather and stitched details (especially in Ultra/GT) are praised for their upmarket vibe, while the front seats are supportive and offer electric adjustment in most trims.
Andrea Matthews (RACV) says, "The interior is a reflection of its cutesy exterior, but is an exercise in refinement." The 10.25-inch touchscreen sits next to a digital cluster, and rear seat space is above average for small EVs (though not as big as some competitors). Odd materials, like the “cardboard-feel” dashboard (Susannah Guthrie, Drive), might not please all buyers, but thoughtful touches like ambient lighting, a powered tailgate (GT/Ultra), and panoramic sunroof (GT) win fans. Boot space is tight with the rear seats up but opens nicely for grocery runs or luggage when needed.
Ora Technology & Safety
Tech and safety are strengths in the Ora proposition: buyers get adaptive cruise, AEB, lane keep, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a crisp 360-degree camera even on the standard trim. Susannah Guthrie (Drive) calls the camera “crisp and feels like it belongs to a more expensive car,” but critiques the infotainment system, which can be buggy and unintuitive—especially for Android Auto pairing. Most reviewers highlight strong ANCAP safety scores and the suite of six airbags, noting GWM includes more advanced safety features than most budget electric rivals.
Andrea Matthews (RACV) admits, “This tech is better executed by other manufacturers.” Features like wireless phone charging, climate control, and auto park are present but can be let down by slow menu response or lack of head-up display. Voice recognition and software updates improve over time, but vehicle-to-load isn’t available in current models. Still, for the price, buyers receive a tech and safety suite better than most entry electric cars.
Ora Range & Charging
Range in the GWM Ora varies by battery: the Standard Range (48kWh) claims 310km WLTP, Extended Range (63kWh) 420km, and the GT around 400km—though reviewers like Andrea Matthews found closer to 300km in mixed, real-world driving. “I only felt the need to charge the car four days into my loan,” Susannah Guthrie (Drive) remarks, and most testers see 15–17kWh/100km in urban commuting, meaning daily city use rarely requires more than a home overnight top-up. The max 80kW DC charging rate isn’t record-breaking but gives a 20–80% charge in under 45 minutes at public stations; 11kW AC is great for off-peak home schedules.
Feann Torr (Carsales) notes “urban efficiency is good, but high-speed runs chew battery faster.” With city-focused buyers in mind, the Ora’s range and charging pace are well matched to weekly errands, work commutes, or quick weekend getaways. Fast charging from near-empty is claimed to recover about 300km of range in just under 50 minutes, which is competitive for this price. For reliable home EV charger, find a local solar installer expert here.
Ora & Solar Power
The GWM Ora’s modest battery size and high urban efficiency make it a natural pairing with rooftop solar; charging during daylight hours can all but erase weekly “fuel” costs for most metro drivers. Most owners can refill a Standard Range Ora in 3–4 sunny hours on an average system, while larger solar homes have no trouble managing regular fill-ups for Extended or GT versions. Smart EVes enable automatic charging when solar generation peaks and minimise grid costs.
For property owners or business buyers, integrating solar plus charger with expert help offers a rapid three-year or less payback period, especially as public charging prices and petrol keep rising. Efficient metro commuting and off-peak charging keep running costs among the lowest for any new Australian car. For renters, overnight grid charging with a cheap AC EV retains the Ora’s cost edge.
FAQ - GWM Ora
What is the price of the GWM Ora in Australia?
Prices begin at $33,990 drive-away for the Standard Range, $36,990 for the Extended Range, and $41,990 for the flagship GT before government rebates and incentives. “gwm ora price,” “gwm ora australia price,” and “gwm ora for sale” are top queries for buyers comparing trim levels. Final drive-away pricing can shift with local taxes, on-road costs, and dealer specials. Most buyers consider the Ora one of the most affordable EVs with a long warranty.
What driving range does the GWM Ora offer, and how does it perform in the real world?
Official claims are 310km (Standard), 420km (Extended), and 400km (GT) WLTP, but most users report 250–350km depending on battery and driving style. City commuting is its strong suit, with moderate battery use and good energy efficiency. Highway and high-speed country use will reduce the range faster. For most families, one or two charges per week suffice.
How fast is the GWM Ora, and does it drive well in city conditions?
All Ora versions use a 126kW motor and are tuned for peppy, responsive acceleration at urban speeds—around 8 seconds 0-100km/h. Reviewers praise handling and ride as very supple for a compact EV, with excellent comfort over city bumps. The GT gets extra visual punch and a slightly tauter feel, while the rotary shifter can sometimes lag on quick gear changes. Steep hill climbs may require more deliberate throttle, but everyday driving is easy and fun.
Is the GWM Ora interior comfortable and spacious?
The front cabin is airy and feels premium for its price, with supportive faux-leather seats, adjustable driver’s position, and ambient lighting on higher trims. The back seat offers good headroom but can be tight for three adults, more suited to two passengers or child seats. Boot space is 228L with seats up and can expand to 858L if needed. Material choices (like the dash surface) are a bit quirky but suit the car’s cheerful, youthful vibe.
How does home charging work, and what about public fast-charging?
A dedicated 7–11kW AC EV at home is the most efficient way to top up; most users recharge overnight. Public DC chargers will add 20–80% charge in under 45 minutes, ideal for road trips or emergencies. The Type 2/CCS plug is standard on all models, and plug-and-charge is supported at major networks. Overnight off-peak electricity or solar further reduces running costs.
What is included in the Ora’s tech and safety package for Australia?
Standard safety features include adaptive cruise, AEB, lane/park assist, blind-spot, rear cross-traffic, six airbags, and a five-star ANCAP safety score. The 10.25-inch touchscreen, 360-degree camera, wireless charging, and climate control are also included on all trims. Android Auto/Apple CarPlay are generally standard, but infotainment UI has mixed reviews. Premium variants add power tailgate, sunroof, and enhanced materials.
What warranties and servicing support does GWM Ora come with?
Every Ora offers a leading seven-year, unlimited distance warranty on the vehicle, plus an eight-year battery warranty and five years of capped-price servicing. Roadside assist is included for five years or up to 150,000km. Long-term reliability and servicing costs are rated as outstanding for an entry-level EV. Warranty transfers to new owners, aiding resale.
Where is the GWM Ora made, and who owns the brand?
GWM Ora is designed and built in China by Great Wall Motors, a major global EV manufacturer. “who makes gwm ora” and “where is gwm ora made” are top research terms as Aussie buyers check for quality and parts. Australian-market Oras are engineered to local specs and supported by a growing dealer network. The brand is quickly expanding into Europe, New Zealand, and the UK.
What colours, trims, and options are available for the GWM Ora?
Popular colours include glacier blue, aurora green, white, black, and some limited edition metallics. Trims include Standard, Extended Range, Ultra, and GT—with each adding more battery, features or design elements. The GT features a panoramic sunroof, sporty wheels, and extra chrome/paint accents. Accessories and customisation run from roof racks and wireless chargers to premium seat covers.
How does the GWM Ora compare to the MG4, BYD Dolphin, or Mini Electric?
Ora’s price undercuts Mini, usually matches or beats Dolphin, and edges MG4 for warranty coverage. Although the Ora has less range or speed than some rivals, it wins on tech features, comfort, and ease of urban use. Interior space and upmarket feel top most EVs in this price band, and ANCAP safety rating reassures buyers. Many reviews note “gwm ora vs mg4” and “vs byd dolphin” cross-shopping among city car buyers.
Is the GWM Ora good for families or just singles?
Most users see the Ora as a second family car—perfect for school drop-offs, sport, and the shops—with a surprisingly refined ride. Families love the easy clean interior, rear child seat fitment, and the five-seat flexibility. Boot is tight for large gear but fine for shopping or weekend bags. It’s best suited as a commuter, light-duty family car, or student/uni city runabout.
How does the battery, range, and charging warranty compare to other EVs?
GWM provides an eight-year, unlimited km battery warranty (subject to Australian usage), better than many rivals. Charging speed (80kW DC, 11kW AC) is competitive at this price, and range matches most compact EVs locally. Public station integration and mobile apps are improving via frequent software updates. Warranty is transferrable and supports second owner resale value.
Are there any known issues or reliability concerns with the GWM Ora?
Most reviewers and owners report few serious problems, with software and infotainment glitches being the main concern. Rotary gear selector can be slow to register; some have noted a need for extra care when parking or reversing quickly. Recalls for specific years/models are rare in Australia. Roadside support and dealer servicing are well-reviewed.
Does GWM Ora support vehicle-to-load (V2L) or other unique features?
Currently, the Ora does not offer V2L output (for camping or e-bike charging), but this may change in future software or hardware updates. Owners enjoy regenerative braking, various drive modes (Eco/Sport), and remote app control with location, charging, and preconditioning. Lane keeping and parking assist systems are also included. Infotainment, voice recognition, and occasional bugs are being actively updated by GWM.
Can you get financing, lease, or novated lease options for the Ora?
Yes, GWM Australia works with major financing partners and lease providers for both private buyers and fleets. Novated lease and salary packaging are increasingly common for electric vehicles like the Ora. Finance rates and offers vary by dealer and season, making “gwm ora finance” and “lease” regular queries. Business buyers can access instant asset write-offs.
What is the best way to maintain and service the GWM Ora for long-term ownership?
Stick to the five-year, capped-price servicing schedule, run regular firmware and app updates, and keep the battery between 10% and 80% for best long-term health. Service intervals are every 12 months or 15,000km, in line with other mainstream hatchbacks. Accessories like floor mats and dashcams are available from dealers. Owners say overall running costs are lower than any similar petrol city car.
Is the GWM Ora eligible for Australian EV rebates, discounts, or incentives?
In most states, the GWM Ora is eligible for registration discounts, stamp duty waivers, or point-of-sale EV rebates. Check your local government site for the latest incentives, as they change frequently. Dealers can advise on eligibility for buyers in Tasmania, SA, VIC, or NSW. These savings may shorten overall payback time for EV buyers.
Does the GWM Ora support Android Auto & Apple CarPlay?
Apple CarPlay is standard on all models, while Android Auto may require an update (check with your dealer for the latest compatibility and USB wiring). Some reviewers note connection quality varies by phone model, but most users are satisfied. Software updates keep compatibility improving. Always verify your phone before purchase for hassle-free use.
How long does it take to charge at home, and is it worth installing a EV?
A dedicated home EV (7–11kW) can recharge a Standard Range Ora in 6–7 hours or fill an Extended/GT in 8–9 hours; a normal plug is much slower (16–24 hours for full). Almost all city buyers consider a EV essential for convenience and cost savings. Public DC charging is best saved for road trips or emergencies. Installation advice and quotes are available via local experts.
What real-world running costs should buyers expect with the GWM Ora?
Most city drivers pay less than $10 per week in “fuel,” even with regular driving; off-peak home charging and solar integration can slash this even further. Servicing costs are capped and low, and annual insurance/rego costs are in line with similar-size hatchbacks. The warranty and low depreciation rate help resale; new models are holding value strongly. For full cost breakdown, talk to your local GWM Ora dealer or browse independent EV running cost reviews.
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*Disclaimer: This page includes information, descriptions, and images that may have been created or enhanced with the assistance artificial intelligence, powered by our proprietary Ray-i (AI) technology system. While we do our best to ensure accuracy, specifications and details can vary between models, regions, and over time as manufacturers make updates. Images are for illustrative purposes, and the content is provided for general reference. For the most up-to-date specifications or features, we recommend checking directly with the manufacturer or your local dealer.