GWM Ora Sport on ice, but sleek high-performance EV could still get the tick of approval as a sporty rival to Tesla, BYD

The GWM Ora Sport that was shaping up to be the performance hero of the brand’s local line-up is unlikely to come to Australia any time soon.

The sleek five-door with styling similarities to a Porsche Panamera is instead being put on ice as the fast-growing Chinese giant monitors the evolution of the local EV line-up.

Local executives say the numbers don’t currently add up on the Ora Sport that was expected to sell from about $60,000, popping it squarely in the crosshairs of the hot-selling Tesla Model 3 and its closest rival, the BYD Seal.

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“We haven’t at this stage been able to make the business case stack up,” said Steve Maciver, GWM Australia head of marketing and communications.

While he hasn’t ruled out bringing the Ora Sport down under in future, for now “it remains in the official under study basket”.

One thing that could pop the Ora Sport back on the radar is the imminent introduction of vehicle efficiency standards, which have been introduced to Parliament with the plan of introducing them early in 2025.

While GWM as a brand is among the fastest growing on the Australia market, that growth has predominantly come from petrol and hybrid models, including the H6 mid-sized SUV, Cannon ute and Tank off-roaders.

Sales of the brand’s first electric vehicle – the GWM Ora hatch – have been modest, even prompting discounts on the five-door to spark buyer interest.

That’s made the Ora the most affordable EV on the market in recent months, something that has done little to boost sales.

GWM has hinted it may hold the discounted line on Ora pricing, which woulds then undercut the MG4 as Australia’s cheapest EV based on retail price.

That’s not to say GWM is going cold on EVs. The company says it plans to grow EV sales in coming years from their small base.

GWM Australia managing director Charles Zhao says other models are under consideration – one of which remains the Ora Sport.

“We will consider the EV SUV and the Ora Sport is still under study.”