The GWM Ora 5 electric SUV has been spotted undergoing testing in Europe, suggesting that it may not be restricted to the Chinese market. This development raises the prospect of the SUV being available in Europe and potentially in Australia as well. First unveiled in September 2025, the Ora 5 is comparable in size to other electric SUVs such as the BYD Atto 3 and the Kia EV3.
While GWM has not confirmed the vehicle’s introduction to the Australian market, John Kett, Chief Operating Officer of GWM Australia, expressed optimism about the new SUV’s local availability. In a statement to CarExpert earlier this year, Kett indicated, “We obviously have Ora sitting in the small car segment. In the small SUV segment, we will certainly have an Ora small SUV next year.” While Kett did not specifically mention the Ora 5, it is the only model that fits his description among GWM’s offerings.
Positioned as a larger alternative to the Ora 3 city hatch, the Ora 5 measures 4,471mm in length, 1,833mm in width, and 1,641mm in height. In Australia, it is expected to be marketed simply as the Ora, while in other regions, it is known as the Funky Cat or Good Cat. Currently, the Ora 3 is the only model available from the Ora brand in Australia.
The Ora 5 will feature a front-wheel-drive system powered by a single electric motor that delivers 150 kW and 260 Nm of torque, utilizing a lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery, although details on battery capacity remain undisclosed. In China, the Lightning Cat sedan, also known as the Ora Sport, offers battery options ranging from 63.87 kWh to 83.49 kWh, providing a driving range of up to 705 km on the Chinese light-duty vehicle test cycle (CLTC).
The Ora 5 is anticipated to offer a driving range starting at 480 km and reaching 580 km in its higher-spec versions, based on the CLTC standards. Inside the vehicle, features will include synthetic leather trim, a 15.6-inch central display powered by GWM’s latest Coffee OS 3, as well as connectivity options like Apple CarPlay and a 360-degree camera.
Safety and convenience are priorities for the Ora 5, with top-spec models incorporating LiDAR technology for enhanced vehicle awareness, although lower grades will rely on cameras and ultrasonic sensors. Additionally, features such as adaptive cruise control, automatic parking, traffic sign recognition, and rear autonomous braking will be available on higher-end variants.
Despite the excitement around the new SUV, GWM has faced challenges in the Australian market, with sales down 41.8% year-on-year, totaling just 688 units sold through November. In the broader context, GWM ranked as the tenth best-selling automotive brand in Australia for 2024, with aspirations to break into the top five by 2027. To achieve this goal, GWM plans to introduce at least seven new models, including the Haval Jolion Max in both plug-in hybrid and electric versions.
The luxury arm of GWM, known as Wey, is also set to launch in Australia with the Wey 80 people mover expected to debut in the first half of 2026. As GWM continues to expand its offerings in the competitive automotive landscape, the potential arrival of the Ora 5 could be a significant step toward reclaiming market share and enhancing brand visibility.
