The new ‘5’ is a fresh direction of sorts for GWM’s style-driven budget brand.

UPSIZING has occurred for GMW’s Ora brand pitch, with the sub-marque’s previous entry being usurped by a larger product carrying the same regular retail pricing once born by the old baby.

The Ora 5, an electric single motor front-drive five-seater crossover with a range of 430 kilometres and 150kW/260Nm, will come on sale next month for $39,990 in Lux and $3000 more for a higher grade Ultra.

That’s the same money asked for the make’s physically smaller Ora hatch, a budget baby with less performance and range, that established the brand on arrival almost three years ago.

The hatch has now discontinued, with last examples being subject to heavy discount, and is described as being on hiatus for an indefinite period.

Dimensionally close to the Jolion from another GMW brand, Haval, the new product marks the beginning of a new product push and will set the pricing tone for all Ora models, GWM Nw Zealand said in a media statement today.

GWM says additional new models are scheduled to arrive throughout this year and into 2027, but has yet to cite exactly what is in its sights. In addition to electric product, it also has plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) offerings - including a version of the Ora 5.

Ora 5 has a 58.3kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery with cited power consumption is 15.5kWh/100km. The cited range is calibrated to the WLTC scale.

The car supports DC fast charging at up to 120kW, enabling a 30-80 percent recharge in approximately 20 minutes under optimal conditions. AC charging supports overnight replenishment. The model has vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality, delivering up to 6kW of external power.

Underpinning the system is GWM’s 15-in-1 intelligent electric drive architecture, integrating key hardware and software into a single unit to deliver faster response times, improved system efficiency and enhanced energy management. With energy conversion efficiency of up to 95 percent, the Ora 5 SUV reflects a highly optimised, next-generation electric drivetrain, the distributor claims.

Like the previous offer, the model continues with Porsche-esque styling cues, including water drop-inspired LED headlights.

At 4471mm in length, 1833mm width and 1641mm high, it is respectively 236mm longer, 8mm wider and 38mm taller than the Ora hatch. Wheelbase has also grown to 2720mm, an increase of 70mm.

GWM says those increases translate to stronger proportions, improved interior space - though cited boot space of 362 litres remains modest by category standard - and greater road presence.

The cabin uses GWM’s latest Coffee OS intelligent cockpit technology with a 14.6- inch central display serving as the primary interface for vehicle functions, media and navigation. The system supports advanced voice control, over-the-air updates and wireless smartphone connectivity.

Both trims are in artificial leather, Ultra has a six-way adjust powered driver’s seat, single zone climate air conditioning, power windows, wireless Apple Car Play and Android Auto adaptive cruise control with stop/go and intelligent function, 360-degree camera and keyless entry and start..

The Lux adds in a power tailgate, panoramic sunroof, auto up/down on the windows, heated power fold mirrors, dual zone air con, has heated and ventilated front seats, a wireless phone charger and adds electric adjust to the front passenger seat, albeit in four-way.

The safety element runs to seven airbags, full collision mitigation and front collision warning. It has yet to be tested by the national independent crash integrity auditor, Australasian New Car Assessment Programme.

Ora’s enthusiasm for attention-grabbing colours continues. White, green and blue exterior colour options are offered with a black interior, while black and pink exterior paint choices are linked with a cream interior.