2023 GWM Ora price and specs: Mini electric hatch alternative gets price cut

The affordable GWM Ora electric hatch features the same front-wheel drive electric motor with identical power outputs across the line-up.

The base Standard Range uses the longer-lasting, cobalt-free lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) cathode with up to 310km claimed WLTP range.

Meanwhile, the bigger Extended Range pack on all other variants adopt the more energy dense nickel-manganese cobalt (NMC) type with up to 420km claimed range. It is also naturally slower off the line due to the added weight.

View the full specs

The GWM Ora EV is offered in four variants in Australia. The base Ora Standard Range is now $4000 less than before, while the Extended Range and GT prices have been cut by $2000.

The Chinese automaker attributes the discount to lower raw material prices for battery packs, "along with other factors" – with the introduction of the sub-$39,000 BYD Dolphin and MG 4 rivals a likely contributor.

Meanwhile, the new Ultra model has been added in response to "strong initial customer demand and positive dealer feedback". It brings some comfort and convenience features from the GT for less than the $50,000 mark.

GWM is also offering a free Level 2 wall-mounted home charging station for buyers who take delivery of a new Ora Extended Range, Ultra or GT before September 30 or while stocks last. This includes current customer orders.

It is capable of single-phase 7kW AC charging speeds and is usually worth $1690. However, note that installation fees aren't included.

Ora Standard Range price: $39,990 before on-road costs

The base GWM Ora Standard Range is priced from $39,990 before on-road costs and incentives. It includes most features as standard, including a 10.25-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto, leatherette seats, and a suite of active safety assistance systems.

Standard Range features:

Ora Extended Range price: $45,990 before on-road costs

Additionally, for $5000 more, the Extended Range gains a larger NMC-based battery with longer driving range. There are no additional features, though.

Extended Range adds:

Ora Ultra price: $48,990 before on-road costs

Costing another $3000 than the Extended Range, the Ultra adds comfort and convenience features, such as a hands-free electric tailgate, heated, ventilated and massaging front seats, and a panoramic sunroof.

Ultra adds:

Ora GT price: $51,990 before on-road costs

Finally, the GWM Ora GT is a $3000 extra spend compared to the Ultra. It features a sportier exterior and interior design, a launch control function, and has front-cross traffic alert and braking.

GT adds:

GWM Ora EV Options

• Standard paint – no cost: Hamilton White
• Metallic paint – $595: Aurora Green*; Glacier Blue; Mars Red; Sum Black

Note: All exterior colours come with a two-tone black roof and wing mirrors, except Sum Black which features a unique white two-tone combination.

*Only the Aurora Green exterior colour comes with a two-tone turquoise interior; all other colours have a black interior.

The GWM Ora EV is covered by a seven-year, unlimited kilometre vehicle warranty and an eight-year battery warranty.

The Chinese car brand also offers five-years roadside assistance and capped-price scheduled servicing for the first five visits.

It requires servicing every 12 months/15,000km and can be maintained at GWM's nationwide network of 84 dealers.

GWM Ora EV servicing schedule and costs:

Standard Range

The base GWM Ora Standard Range is comparable to the BYD Dolphin and MG 4 on paper. A key advantage is the ability to charge off three-phase 11kW AC power and it's more powerful than the affordable BYD electric car.

However, it has a lower peak DC fast charging rate than the MG EV, lower claimed WLTP driving range, and a smaller boot capacity.

Extended Range

The GWM Ora Extended Range has the advantage of a three-phase onboard AC charger, but the BYD Dolphin and MG 4 affordable electric hatches still provide longer claimed driving range and better performance.