GWM Ora Test Drive Review: Australia’s Most Affordable EV
Looking for an affordable entry into the electric vehicle (EV) market? Meet the GWM Ora, the most budget-friendly EV currently available in Australia. With prices starting at $39,990 drive-away for the Standard Range and $44,490 drive-away for the Long Range model, it’s making waves as a stylish, value-packed city car. GWM, a leading Chinese automaker, is solidifying its presence in Australia, offering an expanding network of dealerships and service centers to support its growing customer base.
Key Stats and Features
Price:
Standard Range: From $39,990 drive-away
Long Range: From $44,490 drive-away
Model Options: Standard Range and Long Range, both available in multiple grades, including the sporty GT version
Battery and Range:
Standard Range (48kWh battery): Up to 310 km (WLTP)
Long Range (63kWh battery): Up to 410 km (WLTP)
Charging:
Standard Range: 80% charge in ~40 minutes with DC fast charging
Long Range: 80% charge in ~50 minutes with DC fast charging
Powertrain: 126 kW / 250 Nm, front-wheel drive
Safety Rating: 5-star ANCAP
Infotainment: Dual 10.25-inch screens, wireless Apple CarPlay (Android Auto coming soon)
Warranty: 7-year vehicle warranty and 8-year battery warranty
The GWM Ora ticks all the right boxes for urban dwellers, offering a compact and nimble design perfect for navigating tight city streets and squeezing into small parking spots.
Driving Experience: From City Streets to the Dandenong Ranges
We test drove the GWM Ora for a week, exploring Melbourne’s bustling streets and heading out to the scenic Dandenong Ranges. The car’s small footprint made city driving effortless, while its peppy acceleration and smooth handling kept the ride enjoyable. However, on steeper climbs and highway overtakes, the Ora’s performance felt slightly underwhelming.
Likes
Adorable Styling: Designed by an ex-Porsche designer, the Ora’s exterior is chic and distinctive.
Premium Interior: Soft-touch materials and plush seating make for a surprisingly upscale cabin.
Technology: Comes with essential features like Apple CarPlay and a 360-degree camera.
Comfortable Ride: Suspension tuned for comfort ensures a smooth drive even on bumpy roads.
Accurate Range: Both models deliver on their promised range, offering confidence for city and longer drives.
Dislikes
Driver Assistance Issues: Features like adaptive cruise control and lane centering need refinement. We did notice some jerky lane-keeping and frequent false positives on collision warnings.
Infotainment Quirks: The touchscreen occasionally lags, and volume control requires using the steering wheel or navigating menus.
Regenerative Braking: The system isn’t as strong as competitors, and the “Single Pedal Mode” still requires brake input at stops
Who Is the GWM Ora For?
The Ora is perfect for city dwellers who prioritise ease of driving and parking. Its attractive price and premium interior make it a strong contender against rivals like the MG4 and BYD Dolphin.
If you value comfort, stylish design, and an accurate range, the Ora stands out in this competitive segment.
Final Thoughts
At $39,990 drive-away, the GWM Ora offers unbeatable value. Whether you’re new to EVs or simply looking for a cost-effective city car, the Ora provides a well-rounded package of style, comfort, and practicality. And it is just so damn adorable.
Check out our Reel on the Ora here.
