The Ora rubber 5 Electric SUV has been spotted testing in Europe, providing the strongest indication that it won’t just be a China model, however – Europe and possibly Australia are on the export list.
Unveiled in China in September 2025, the Ora 5 is similar in size to the BYD Atto 3 and Kia EV3 electric SUVs.
Although it is not yet officially approved for Australia, GWM Australia chief operating officer John Kett said Daily Sparkz Earlier this year, the new SUV became a draw for local dealers.
“We have obviously placed Ora in the small car segment. In the small SUV segment, we will certainly have a small Ora SUV next year,” said Mr Kett, without specifically naming the Ora 5.
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Still, there’s no other small Ora SUV that fits the local GWM boss’s description, which could also be joined by the Ora 7 – again, a larger EV SUV – that could take on the Tesla Model Y and Zeekr 7X.
Measuring 4471mm long, 1833mm wide and 1641mm high, the Ora 5 will be positioned above the Ora 3 city hatch in terms of size and price, sold simply as the Ora in Australia and known as the Funky Cat and Good Cat in other markets.
The Ora 3 is the only model GWM offers here from its Ora brand, but the 5 adopts the same design features, such as round headlights, window frame shape and curvy silhouette.
All Chinese-spec Ora 5s use a single 150kW/260Nm electric motor driving the front wheels and a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery. However, the battery capacity is yet to be revealed.
The Lightning Cat sedan (also known as Ora Sport) sold in China offers LFP and ternary lithium batteries between 63.87 kWh and 83.49 kWh with a CLTC range of up to 705 km, which could also be used in the Ora 5.
Across five model grades in China, the Ora 5’s claimed range starts at 480km on the milder CLTC cycle, with two higher-spec versions offering a CLTC range of 580km.
Inside, there are leatherette upholstery, a 15.6-inch center screen with GWM’s latest Coffee OS 3 operating system, Apple CarPlay and a 360-degree camera.
Two higher-end models use LiDAR – a technology Volvo recently dropped after a dispute with a supplier, although the automaker claims it reduces accidents – while lower-end Ora 5 models use only cameras and ultrasonic sensors.
The top versions also have adaptive cruise control, automatic parking, traffic sign recognition and autonomous rear braking.
GWM Ora sales in Australia are down 41.8 per cent year-on-year to the end of November, with the 688 sales only ahead of the recently launched Haval H7 SUV among GWM models sold here.
With 42,782 sales, GWM was the tenth best-selling car brand in Australia in 2024.
The company wants to become one of the top 5 brands by 2027, which, according to the latest figures for the current year, would mean annual sales of around 78,000 units.
That’s the number of vehicles currently fifth-placed Hyundai will sell in Australia in all of 2025.
GWM has announced that its top five push will include at least seven new models being added to its local offering, including the Haval Jolion Max in both plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and electric vehicle (EV) versions.
The Wey brand – GWM’s luxury arm and rival to BYD’s Denza – will also arrive here in 2026, with the Wey 80 people mover due to arrive in the first half of the year.
MORE: Explore the GWM showroom
