Chinese auto giant GWM has confirmed that its newest crossover SUV, the Ora 5, is scheduled to land on South African shores next month.
It made its first public appearance at the local branch of GWM’s annual awards ceremony in March, ahead of its official launch in July.
The arrival of the Ora 5 represents the expansion of the Ora range in South Africa, which currently comprises the Ora 03 hatchback, a model that has been around since 2023.
While pricing is not yet known, the Ora 5 is expected to arrive with three powertrain choices – a conventional internal combustion engine (ICE), a hybrid option (HEV) and a fully electric (BEV) variant.
GWM says its introduction forms part of the brand’s continued expansion within a highly competitive compact SUV segment.
It added that its multiple powertrain choices within a single model reflect the growing local demand for flexibility as customers navigate changing mobility needs and technologies.
“The ORA 5 represents an important next step for the GWM brand in South Africa,” says Floyd Ramabulana, Head of Marketing at GWM South Africa.
“It gives customers the freedom to choose the vehicle configuration that best suits their lifestyle, while still enjoying the technology, design and practicality expected from a GWM compact SUV.”
Local Ora 5 specifications, model pricing, and retail availability details are still under wraps, and will only be announced at the official South African launch next month.
What to expect
In terms of styling, the Ora 5 follows similar styling cues to its smaller, hatchback sibling, upscaled slightly, as it is a compact SUV.
Chinese models are 4471mm long and 1833mm wide, featuring a 2720mm wheelbase, which is likely what we will see in our own market as well.
The Ora 5 features rounded design elements and a slightly raised stance, as well as a wide selection of exterior colour options that allow for greater versatility depending on preference.
GWM says the result is a vehicle designed to appeal to customers seeking something different from more traditional offerings within the segment.
While no details have yet been shared regarding the interior, the Ora 5 is expected to feature a suite of connectivity and entertainment features, all controlled by GWM’s latest Coffee OS infotainment platform.
The SUV will also be fitted with advanced driver assistance and safety technologies designed to enhance driver awareness, confidence and everyday usability across a variety of driving environments.
Built on a platform that enables multiple powertrain technologies, the Ora 5 will offer multiple powertrain options.
The ICE trims in that market feature a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine producing 105kW and 210Nm, coupled with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission sending power to the front wheels.
The hybrid models make use of a similar 1.5-litre turbo engine, coupled with a single electric motor to combine for 164kW and 476Nm, which is also sent to the front wheels.
As a BEV option, the Ora 5 is fitted with a single electric motor producing 150kW and 260Nm, and is fitted with a battery that allows a range of up to 520km.
Further specifications like fuel consumption and battery sizes are not yet known and will only be confirmed at the SUV’s official launch.
Prices for the Ora 5 are also yet to be confirmed, but with the Ora 3 retailing for between R686,950 and R835,950, lower-spec and entry-level trimlines for the Ora 5 may overlap in price with the hatchback.
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