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Electric
2026 GWM Ora 5: price, specs and release date in Australia
RACV
April 10, 2026
The new GWM Ora 5 electric small SUV has landed in Australia, undercutting the BYD Atto 2 and Jaecoo J5 EV with pricing from $33,990 drive-away. Here’s a full guide to one of the cheapest EVs you can buy.
GWM has moved to capitalise on strong demand for cheap new electric cars in Australia, launching the all-new 2026 GWM Ora 5 small SUV with a headline price of just $33,990 drive-away.
Taking the fight up to popular price-leading EVs such as the BYD Atto 2 and Jaecoo J5 small SUVs, the GWM Ora 5 has emerged with an enticing new package that replaces the current Ora hatchback, which is now in runout and will be discontinued in Australia for an indefinite period.
More EVs are coming under the Ora brand, but for now the all-new GWM Ora 5 is impossible to ignore with its mix of sharp pricing, high features list, practical layout, useful driving range and more. If you’re thinking about buying a new affordable EV, here’s a comprehensive guide to the Ora 5.
The GWM Ora 5 is poised to attract a lot of attention among EV buyers who are looking for a bargain.
When does the GWM Ora 5 go on sale in Australia?
The 2026 GWM Ora 5 was launched at the Melbourne Motor Show in April and is scheduled to arrive in Australian dealerships in June 2026. Dealers are now taking pre-orders with the release of pricing for the all-new small SUV.
How much does the 2026 GWM Ora 5 cost?
The 2026 GWM Ora 5 is launching with a super-competitive starting price of $33,990 drive-away for the GWM Ora 5 Lux. A top-spec GWM Ora 5 Ultra is also available, from $36,990 drive-away.
If that sounds familiar, these are identical prices to the outgoing GWM Ora hatchback (Lux and GT respectively), giving buyers the chance to move into a new-generation SUV from the brand for no cost penalty.
It also places the GWM Ora 5 among the cheapest EVs on the market, including battery-electric small SUVs such as the BYD Atto 2 (from 31,990 plus on-road costs, or $35,499.35 drive-away for Victorian private buyers) and the Jaecoo J5 EV (from $36,990 drive-away).
The 2026 GWM Ora 5 has a claimed driving range of up to 430km.
Round headlights are a key design cue for the GWM Ora brand.
Aero elements are found at the front end and wheels of the GWM Ora 5.
The 5 on the badge will be replaced by other numbers as new Ora EVs arrive.
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GWM Ora 5 exterior styling and dimensions
The 2026 GWM Ora 5 is clearly from the same family as the Ora hatch, with a retro-inspired curvy silhouette and ‘waterdrop’ circular headlights. GWM says the overall result is one that balances “visual softness with aerodynamic intent”.
The front bumper has a large air intake and side air ducts are also prominent, both contributing to aero efficiency while also aiming to add a bit of assertiveness to the SUV’s appearance. The standard 18-inch alloy wheels have a four-leaf clover design.
The Ora 5 measures 4471mm long, 1833mm wide and 1641mm high, resting on a 2720mm wheelbase. That makes it slightly bigger all-round compared to the BYD Atto 2, including in wheelbase length which should give the GWM an advantage in terms of cabin accommodation and packaging.
Five exterior colours are offered on the Ora 5. White is standard, while black, green, duck-egg blue and a vibrant pink paint option add $595.
The GWM Ora 5 Ultra has heated and ventilated front seats.
Faux leather trim is fitted standard on all GWM Ora 5 variants.
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GWM Ora 5 interior design, space and technology
The 2026 GWM Ora 5 has a typically minimalist cabin design with a high emphasis on tech, headlined by a 14.6-inch centre touchscreen with the Chinese carmaker’s latest ‘Coffee’ operating system.
GWM says key functions are “intuitively positioned” to reduce complexity and support driver focus. Voice control is included, while the broader tech suite extends to wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, digital radio and multiple USB charging points up front (1 x USB-A and 1 x USB-C) and in the rear seat compartment (1 x USB-C).
The driver faces a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and is handed a fully adjustable, multifunction steering wheel. Faux leather upholstery is used across the cabin and electric seat adjustment is provided for the driver, with increased functionality (and power adjustment for the front passenger’s seat) offered on the Ora 5 Ultra.
The interior trim is available in black or a lighter cream finish, depending on the chosen exterior colour.
GWM says the boot area has a 362-litre capacity, which can be extended using the 60/40-split folding rear seats. The Lux has a manually operated tailgate, while the Ultra model has convenient electric control.
Vehicle to Load (V2L) capability up to 6kW discharge is provided, allowing occupants to use the high-voltage battery to charge and run electrical appliances.
GWM Ora 5 will have local suspension tuning, but the first cars to reach dealers are likely to miss out.
What is the power and EV range of the GWM Ora 5?
The 2026 GWM Ora 5 uses a single electric motor that produces 150kW of power and 260Nm of torque. Weighing 1685kg (kerb), the Ora 5 drives the front wheels and draws energy from a 58.3kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery that GWM claims provides a range of up to 430km on the WLTC test cycle. Power consumption is rated at 15.5kWh/100km.
When it comes to charging, the Ora 5 can handle DC power up to 120kW, at which point the battery can be charged from 30 to 80 per cent in 20 minutes, according to GWM. A 10-18% charge at the same rate takes 30 minutes. AC charging times using a home EV charger are still to be provided, with the carmaker saying only that it supports “convenient overnight replenishment”.
The GWM Ora 5 has four selectable driving modes: Standard, Eco, City, Sport and Auto. An active grille shutter helps maximise range, as does an adjustable regenerative braking system.
The suspension layout comprises MacPherson struts up front and a multilink configuration at the rear, but GWM Australia executives have told RACV that the first batch of Ora 5 EVs are not expected to have benefited from its local suspension tuning program. The car is, however, part of the ‘AT1’ program, which will flow into production once finalised.
Towing capacity is restricted to 750kg (braked and unbraked).
There is a hybrid version of the GWM Ora 5 available overseas, but for now it remains off the agenda for launch in Australia.
GWM Ora hatchback review | 🔎 RACV car reviews video
How safe is the GWM Ora 5?
The 2026 GWM Ora 5 has not yet been assessed by ANCAP, or Euro NCAP, but Australian executives are anticipating a maximum five-star rating under the latest testing protocols.
Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with junction assist
Forward collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection
Lane departure warning and lane keep assist
Rear collision warning
Rear cross traffic alert and braking
Blind spot monitoring
Door open/vehicle approach warning
Traffic sign recognition
Traffic jam assist
Driver fatigue monitoring
Child presence detection
There is also a tyre pressure monitoring system, while a space-saver spare wheel is onboard in the event of a flat. Connected services are also offered via a GWM app. These should include automatic collision notification and an emergency call system (eCall).
The information provided is general advice only. Before making any decisions please consider your own circumstances and the Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determinations. For copies, visit racv.com.au. As distributor, RACV Insurance Services Pty Ltd AFS Licence No. 230039 receives commission for each policy sold or renewed. Product(s) issued by Insurance Manufacturers of Australia Pty Ltd ABN 93 004 208 084 AFS Licence No. 227678.
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