Key Points
- GWM will launch nine new models in Australia over the next six months, its biggest ever local product expansion
- The ORA 5 Hatch shares its body with the ORA 5 SUV but rides lower with a smaller expected battery, while a stretched ORA 5 Touring is tipped to be GWM's new mid-size electric SUV
- A Cannon Hi4-T Plug-in Hybrid Ute arrives in September, joining the Cannon Alpha Hi4-T for GWM's broadest electrified ute range
GWM has confirmed plans to launch nine new models in Australia over the next six months, marking the brand's biggest product expansion locally to date. The announcement was made at the Australian launch of the all-new ORA 5 SUV, GWM's newest electric vehicle.
The rollout spans petrol, diesel, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric powertrains. On the electrified side, GWM has confirmed a new ORA 5 Hatch, an all-new ORA mid-size SUV, a Cannon Hi4-T Plug-in Hybrid Ute, and Hi4 Plug-in Hybrid variants of the incoming Haval H7 and Jolion Max.
More EVs join the ORA range
The ORA 5 SUV has launched in Australia as a battery electric vehicle, and GWM says it delivered record June sales for the model. It is the second model in GWM's Ora electric lineup, following the smaller Ora hatchback.
GWM ORA 5 SUV pricing and specs (Australia)
Variant | Price (driveaway) |
ORA 5 Lux | $33,990 |
ORA 5 Ultra | $36,990 |
Motor / battery | 150kW/260Nm, 58.3kWh LFP |
Range (WLTC) | Up to 430km |
DC fast charging | Up to 120kW |
GWM will expand the ORA lineup further in 2026 with a new ORA 5 Hatch and an all-new ORA mid-size SUV. GWM has not released pricing, specifications or exact launch timing for either model.
GWM has confirmed the ORA 5 Hatch shares much of its design and underpinnings with the ORA 5 SUV, but sits lower with a sportier stance. It drops the SUV's roof rails, while keeping the same round headlight design and overall look. GWM says the Hatch uses the same 58kWh battery, with a claimed driving range of 435km on the WLTP cycle. GWM has not released pricing or an on-sale date.
The all-new ORA mid-size SUV appears to be a stretched ORA 5 Touring variant, taking on a more wagon-like shape and positioned as a mid-size SUV rather than a small one. Details are limited, but the Touring is expected to be fitted with a larger 71.1kWh battery, up from the 58.3kWh unit in the regular ORA 5. GWM has not confirmed pricing, official specifications or an on-sale date.
Cannon Hi4-T Plug-in Hybrid Ute arrives in September
GWM will launch the Cannon Hi4-T Plug-in Hybrid Ute in September. Combined with the existing Cannon Alpha Hi4-T, GWM says this will give it Australia's broadest electrified ute range. The Cannon Hi4-T is expected to compete directly with the BYD Shark and Ford Ranger Hybrid. For context, the existing Cannon Alpha Hi4-T uses a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a 37.1kWh battery, with a claimed EV-only range of 115km on the NEDC test cycle.
GWM has not released pricing or specifications for the Cannon Hi4-T. Further details are expected closer to launch.
Haval H7 and Jolion Max add more electrified choice
GWM will introduce two new mid-size SUVs under the Haval name from the fourth quarter of 2026: the all-new Haval H7 and Haval Jolion Max. Together with the existing H6 and H6GT range, this gives GWM three separate SUV nameplates in the segment.
The Haval H7 launches first, with a choice of Hybrid Electric (HEV) and Hi4 Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) powertrains. GWM says flagship variants will get front and rear differential locks, a feature it says is rare in the mid-size SUV segment. It replaces the current H7, which only launched in mid-2025, with a completely new model featuring a boxier body, more upright styling and an updated interior.
The Haval Jolion Max arrives later in the year, positioned between the Jolion and H6 in GWM's range. It will be offered in both Hi4 Plug-in Hybrid and Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) guises. GWM has not confirmed pricing or specifications for either model.
GWM electric and PHEV models confirmed for Australia in 2026
Model | Powertrain | Timing |
ORA 5 SUV | BEV | On sale now |
ORA 5 Hatch | BEV, 58kWh | Later in 2026 |
ORA 5 Touring | BEV (~71.1kWh expected) | Later in 2026 |
Cannon Hi4-T | PHEV | September 2026 |
Haval H7 | HEV / PHEV | Q4 2026 |
Haval Jolion Max | PHEV / BEV | Late 2026 |
GWM's broader 2026 push
The EV and PHEV additions sit inside a much larger rollout. GWM's nine new models by year end also include a new turbo-diesel engine for the Cannon Alpha and Tank 500, the off-road focused Cannon Alpha XSR, and the introduction of GWM's premium WEY brand. GWM has not confirmed which WEY models will come to Australia, though the brand's Chinese lineup is built mostly around PHEV and electric SUVs and people movers, including the recently revealed V9X. GWM has also flagged interest in future diesel-hybrid and diesel-PHEV powertrains from 2027, alongside a new V8 engine, though neither is confirmed for Australia yet.
GWM Australia managing director Andrew Gao said Australia is now one of the GWM Group's top three international markets, and that the company will keep investing its best products and technology into the region.
Chief operating officer John Kett said the expanded range is designed to give customers a choice of powertrain rather than push a single technology, and that GWM is targeting more than 60,000 Australian sales in 2026, with a goal of reaching the top five brands by the end of 2027.
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About the author
Danny is a consultant and entrepreneur working at the cutting edge of the electric vehicle and energy transition. He is passionate about educating and helping consumers make better decisions through data.
