Key Points
- GWM will introduce the Ora 5 Plus EV in Australia in the first quarter of 2027, expanding its electric SUV lineup.
- The larger SUV offers a 150kW front motor, 58.3kWh battery and up to 520km of claimed NEDC range.
- With a 495 litre boot and potential pricing below $40,000 driveaway, it could challenge affordable electric SUVs from Geely, Leapmotor and other brands.
GWM is preparing to expand its electric vehicle lineup in Australia with the upcoming Ora 5 Plus EV, a larger electric SUV expected to arrive in the first quarter of 2027. The new model will give Australian buyers another option in the increasingly competitive mid size electric SUV market, taking on popular offerings from Tesla, BYD and other Chinese manufacturers.
The Ora 5 Plus EV will join the recently confirmed Haval Jolion Max EV, giving GWM a two model strategy in a segment where it currently lacks a direct rival to the Tesla Model Y and BYD Sealion 7.
Although Australian pricing and final specifications are yet to be announced, overseas specifications point to a 58.3kWh battery, a 150kW electric motor and up to 520km of claimed NEDC range.
The extended body also brings a larger boot, making the Ora 5 Plus potentially more appealing to Australian families looking for an affordable electric SUV with additional practicality.
GWM Ora 5 Plus EV: Size and Design Updates
GWM Australia has confirmed the Ora 5 Plus EV for a local launch during the first quarter of 2027, although official Australian specifications and images are still to come.
The model appears to be an export version of the Ora 5 Touring, which was first detailed in Chinese government filings in August 2026. In Thailand, the vehicle is marketed as the Ora 5 Plus and is available with both fully electric and petrol electric hybrid powertrains.
For Australia, however, the current expectation is that the Ora 5 range will remain electric only, with no immediate plans for the hybrid versions.
One of the biggest differences between the standard Ora 5 and the Plus version is its extended rear section. The additional length provides more luggage space without increasing the vehicle's width or wheelbase.
Overseas specifications list the following dimensions:
- Length: 4758mm
- Width: 1833mm
- Height: 1630mm
- Wheelbase: 2720mm
- Boot capacity: 495 litres
Compared with the standard Ora 5, the Plus is almost 300mm longer overall while retaining the same width and wheelbase.
The extra length appears to be concentrated in the rear overhang, creating a more practical luggage area. Its 495 litre boot is considerably larger than the standard Australian Ora 5 EV's 362 litre cargo capacity.
This could make a meaningful difference for families, particularly those who regularly carry shopping, luggage or other everyday items.
Battery, Performance and Driving Range
The Thai market Ora 5 Plus EV provides a useful indication of what Australian buyers could expect when the vehicle arrives.
Its electric powertrain uses a front mounted motor producing 150kW and 260Nm, paired with a 58.3kWh battery.
Interestingly, this is the same motor and battery capacity confirmed for the upcoming GWM Haval Jolion Max EV.
The Thai specification sheet describes the battery as lithium ion, while the Australian market Ora 5 EV uses lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery chemistry. The final Australian specification for the Plus will need to be confirmed by GWM.
The overseas model is advertised with up to 520km of NEDC driving range. However, this figure should not be confused with WLTP range, which is generally a more useful comparison for Australian EV buyers.
Based on the available powertrain information, a WLTP figure in the region of 400km to 450km could be a more realistic expectation, although official local figures are yet to be announced.
GWM Ora 5 Plus EV Specs
The following table is based on available Thai market specifications and reported powertrain details. Australian specifications may differ.
GWM Ora 5 Plus EV specifications
Specification | Ora 5 Plus EV | Details |
Vehicle type | Electric SUV | Mid size segment |
Length | 4758mm | Extended rear body |
Width | 1833mm | Same as standard Ora 5 |
Height | 1630mm | Overseas specification |
Wheelbase | 2720mm | Same as standard Ora 5 |
Boot capacity | 495 litres | Thai specification |
Electric motor | Single motor | Front mounted |
Power output | 150kW | Maximum power |
Torque | 260Nm | Maximum torque |
Battery capacity | 58.3kWh | Overseas EV specification |
Battery chemistry | Lithium ion | Thai specification |
Claimed range | Up to 520km | NEDC cycle |
Expected WLTP range | Around 400km to 450km | Indicative estimate, not confirmed |
Pricing Expectations and Key Rivals
GWM has yet to announce Australian pricing for the Ora 5 Plus EV, with final details expected closer to its local arrival in early 2027.
However, the existing Ora 5 provides a useful starting point for estimating where the larger model could sit.
The current Australian Ora 5 EV range starts at:
- Ora 5 Lux: $33,990 driveaway.
- Ora 5 Ultra: $36,990 driveaway.
If GWM adds a premium of a few thousand dollars for the longer body and additional luggage capacity, the Ora 5 Plus EV could potentially start below $40,000 driveaway.
That would make it one of the more affordable mid size electric SUVs available in Australia, provided the brand maintains its recent competitive pricing approach.
The new model will also arrive in a market with several established competitors.
These include the Tesla Model Y and BYD Sealion 7, alongside more budget focused alternatives such as the Geely EX5 and Leapmotor C10.
GWM currently does not have a direct electric SUV competitor to these models, making the Ora 5 Plus an important addition to its local range.
The company is also preparing the Haval Jolion Max, which will be offered with both plug in hybrid and fully electric powertrains.
Together, these two vehicles will give GWM a broader presence in Australia's mid size SUV market.
What This Means for Australia
The arrival of the GWM Ora 5 Plus EV could give Australian buyers another compelling option as competition in the affordable electric SUV segment continues to grow.
Its biggest selling points are likely to be its extended body, larger 495 litre boot and familiar 150kW electric powertrain.
For buyers who like the idea of an electric SUV but find smaller models restrictive for family use, the additional luggage capacity could make the Plus version worth considering.
Pricing will be particularly important. A starting price below $40,000 driveaway would put it in a strong position against several established electric SUVs and potentially attract buyers moving from petrol powered family vehicles.
The Ora 5 Plus EV is expected to arrive in Australia between January and March 2027, with local pricing, equipment and final driving range details still to be confirmed.
Its success will ultimately depend on how GWM balances price, practicality and driving range, but the model could become an important addition to Australia's increasingly competitive EV market.
