GWM Unveils the Ora 5 with Two Powertrain Options and a Generous Discount

The Ora 5 is the name of the new compact SUV from the Chinese brand Great Wall Motor, which replaces the all-electric Ora 3 and will initially be available as a gasoline-powered and a hybrid model. The all-electric version will not be released until early next year.

Great Wall Motor’s latest SUV is now hitting the market, available with either a conventional 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine or a hybrid powertrain. With a length of 4.47 meters, the Ora 5 is positioned in the highly competitive and high-volume C-segment. A fully electric and a plug-in hybrid variant will follow in early 2027, and the brand has also announced a hatchback and a station wagon for the Ora lineup.

The design of this Chinese SUV is modern and characterized by curves. The front end was likely inspired by some Porsche models, and the round, wide-eyed headlights also bear a resemblance to the VW Beetle. The shoulder line rises dynamically, and the rear end appears slightly playful yet still imposing. Visually, the Ora certainly doesn’t have to hide behind other models in the segment; the cute speaker grilles, which resemble a turbocharger rotor, even possess a certain charm. The interior itself makes a calm and understated impression; a 12-inch display shows all relevant driving data, while a 14.6-inch touchscreen in the center of the dashboard handles most of the controls. Only two toggle switches on the grippy steering wheel and just four shiny chrome-plated switches above the center console provide direct access to seat heating, automatic climate control, hazard lights, and rear window defroster.

The array of driver-assistance features can only be controlled via the screen, which isn’t a good idea while driving, since speed alerts, lane-keeping assist, and cross-traffic alerts are spread across different menus. However, the 360-degree camera is very helpful; it not only looks into the distance but also provides a transparent view of the car’s underside. This makes it possible to spot objects that could potentially cause damage while parking.

The combustion-engine-powered Ora 5 delivers 160 PS (118 kW) and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.3 seconds. Its top speed is 190 km/h, and torque peaks at 270 Newton-meters. According to the WLTP standard, the four-door model—weighing 1,560 kilograms when unloaded—consumes 6.9 liters of gasoline per 100 kilometers, a figure that isn’t particularly economical and earns it an F emission rating. On the other hand, it offers a reasonably spacious trunk ranging from 422 to 1,120 liters, and this version is rated for a towing capacity of 1,200 kilograms with braked trailers.

Fuel consumption drops to 5.1 liters per 100 kilometers in the hybrid model, though the trunk capacity also decreases to 390 to 1,088 liters. The towing capacity also requires some compromises, as it is rather modest at 750 kilograms. The gasoline engine, which also has a displacement of 1.5 liters here, delivers 150 PS (110 kW) and 240 Nm of torque. Its electric counterpart is significantly more powerful, delivering 190 PS (140 kW) and 236 Nm of torque. It is powered by a nickel-cobalt-manganese battery with a capacity of 1.03 kWh. That’s enough to provide solid support during acceleration; with a system output of 223 PS (164 kW) and a peak torque of 476 Nm, the Ora 5 Hybrid completes the standard sprint in just 7.7 seconds and reaches a top speed of 185 km/h.

The interior offers exceptionally generous space, and both versions deliver a highly refined driving experience. Only the internal combustion engine’s seven-speed dual-clutch transmission occasionally acts up when pulling away; mastering the power delivery takes some practice if you want to avoid a sharp jolt at the start. Once underway, however, it delights with a relatively quiet engine and very comfortable suspension. Body roll remains within reasonable limits, and the steering can be adjusted to three different settings to suit individual needs.

The big surprise comes when you look at the price list. Taking into account the 2,000-euro discount that GWM is offering under the “Go with more” promotion through the end of the year, the lavishly equipped “Premium” gasoline version costs a modest 24,990 euros. The “Luxury” trim, which features not only an electrically adjustable driver’s seat but also an electrically adjustable front passenger seat, additionally includes an electric tailgate, faux-leather seat covers, privacy glass in the rear, power-folding and heated mirrors, a heated steering wheel, a charging tray, and ventilated front seats, and costs 27,490 euros with the discount. The hybrid is priced at 26,990 or 29,490 euros, depending on the version. It comes with a warranty covering seven years or 150,000 kilometers; for the hybrid, the warranty is even longer—eight years or 160,000 kilometers.

For 2026, Managing Director Johannen Brandenburger expects 2,000 sales in Germany; the expansion of the model lineup to include several new vehicles by the end of 2027 will lead to a significant increase in sales. Marketing remains traditional, which certainly aligns with the principles of the importer, Emil Frey GmbH in Friedberg. 120 dealers sell GWM vehicles in Germany, and the trend here is also on the rise. However, GWM is not currently considering manufacturing individual models in Europe for the European market. (aum/mk)