2026 GWM Ora 5 SUV Review: Sharply priced newcomer takes the EV fight to BYD Atto 2, Jaecoo J5
The GWM Ora 5 is a lot more than a swoopy new EV for the fast-growing Chinese brand.
Stepping in for the Ora hatch, the Ora 5 spearheads the imminent arrival of more all-electric Ora models.
It also represents an electric car reboot at the entry level for the brand – the company describes the Ora 5 as “the first visible step in a deliberate transformation of GWM” – as it prepares a family of EVs to reinvigorate the Ora sub-brand.
The Ora 5 is also (for now) the most affordable electric SUV on the market – although it’s a fine line between hatch and SUV.
READ MORE: GWM plots Aussie model onslaught as it gets keys to the entire portfolio
READ MORE: GWM Ora 5 SUV lands in Australia
READ MORE: GWM Ora 5 SUV Aussie price and spec confirmed: Electric SUV will be one of the cheapest EVs on-sale, undercutting BYD Atto 2
READ MORE: GWM Tank 400 Hi-4Z brief drive: torque monster to take on Denza B5
Later in 2026 the Ora 5 will be available as a hatchback, with the main visual differentiator being the lack of roof rails and a ride height that is 40mm lower.
Still, the Ora 5 is an important car for GWM – and one that’s not only hoped to boost the brand’s modest EV sales but also provide some electric competition for the hard charging BYD Atto 2 and Jaecoo J5 that have helped reshape the small SUV segment.
2026 GWM Ora 5: Price and equipment
The Ora 5 is bigger than the Ora hatch it replaces – 236mm longer at 4471mm, with a 2720mm wheelbase that’s 70mm longer.
It’s also around 100mm longer than the BYD Atto 2 and Jaecoo J5.
The Ora 5 is available in two variants, the Lux from $33,990 drive-away and the Ultra from $36,990 drive-away.
Standard fare includes a 14.6-inch central touchscreen running GWM’s Coffee operating system.
There’s also a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, faux leather trim and 18-inch alloys.
The $3000 step to the Ultra brings upgraded audio, a panoramic glass roof and wireless phone charging, among other extras.
Both get the same powertrain: a single front-mounted electric motor making 150kW and 260Nm, fed by a 58.3kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery from SVOLT, GWM’s battery division.
Claimed range is 430km on the generous WLTC cycle, with claimed energy use of 15.5kWh/100km.
DC fast charging maxes out at 120kW, enough for a claimed 30-80 per cent top-up in about 20 minutes, while there’s 11kW AC charging for home or destination chargers.
There’s also vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability with up to 6kW of output for powering appliances.
The Ora 5 is covered by a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, with the battery backed for eight years and unlimited kilometres for private buyers.
2026 GWM Ora 5: What we think
Those chasing a traditional SUV look may not be enamoured with the curvaceous lines of the GWM Ora 5.
It’s not remotely boxy or muscular, but is at least distinctive.
The Ora 5 also makes a strong first impression inside.
Space is really good for the class, no doubt helped by those additional millimetres outside.
Boot space, though, is modest at just 362 litres, which trails the Atto 2 (380L) and J5 (480L).
There are some nice finishes, including a soft, almost semi-furry texture across the top of the dash (it feels better than it looks!), and bronze-look highlights that lift the ambience beyond what the price suggests.
On the road, the single motor’s healthy torque can occasionally overwhelm the front tyres.
On a wet road it struggles for traction on the inside front wheel when accelerating out of corners, with wheelspin quickly reined in by the traction control system.
It’s a reminder that 260Nm through the front wheels alone has its limits, although with some modulation of your right foot it’s easy to work around.
GWM has tuned the suspension for Australian conditions and it feels like the engineers have traded some plushness for dynamics.
The Ora 5 is firmer than some rivals and can get a little busy over successive bumps.
The payoff is added sharpness for a crisp driving experience; the Ora 5 feels tidier dynamically than you might expect of a budget EV.
Refinement is mostly good, although there’s a faint whine – almost a whistle – from the electric motor on light throttle when cruising.
There’s also a little tyre noise on coarser surfaces. Again, not excessive, but you notice it.
One quirk: opening the front doors drops the windows a centimetre or two, something usually reserved for frameless-door designs – even though this one has frames. Perhaps it’s to make closing the doors easier with air pressure in the cabin.
2026 GWM Ora 5 Verdict
The Ora 5 nails the brief of affordable electric family transport.
It’s sharply priced, well equipped, roomy and nicely finished inside, with enough range for most buyers.
The firm-ish ride and occasional front-wheel scrabble are the main dynamic caveats, but the trade off is a car that slices through corners with confidence and is generally fun to punt around.
In a segment where value is everything, the Ora 5 makes a compelling case against the BYD Atto 2 and Jaecoo J5 EV.
Perhaps the biggest challenge will be convincing buyers the Ora 5 is an SUV.
Score: 4/5
2026 GWM Ora 5 price and specifications
Price: From $33,990 drive-away
Basics: EV, 5 seats, 5 doors, SUV (just!), FWD
Range: 430km (WLTC)
Battery capacity: 58.3kWh
Battery warranty: 8 years/unlimited km
Energy consumption: 15.5kWh/100km
Motors: 1 front 150kW/260Nm
AC charging: 11kW, Type 2 plug
DC charging: 120kW, CCS combo plug
0-100km/h: 9.0 seconds (claimed)
