The new GWM Ora 5 will soon be available in South Africa with a choice of 3 powertrains: petrol, hybrid and fully electric. Here’s what we know so far…
- New GWM Ora 5 set to launch locally in June 2026
- Crossover to be offered in 3 powertrain flavours
- Hybrid derivative to make 164 kW and 476 Nm
Chinese automaker GWM South Africa has confirmed that the new Ora 5 crossover – which is scheduled to launch locally at some point in June 2026 – will be available with a choice of 3 distinct powertrains in Mzansi.
As a reminder, GWM SA launched the fully electric Ora 03 hatchback back in November 2023, though sales proved slow. Conrad Groenewald, Chief Operating Officer of GWM SA, then told Cars.co.za in 2025 the firm had plans to “aggressively” relaunch the sub-brand.
That reboot will start with the new Ora 5, which the company has now officially confirmed will be available in turbopetrol, traditional hybrid and fully electric flavours. From what we can tell, the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain detailed for some other markets is not currently on the menu for Mzansi.
The petrol derivative will employ a version of the Chinese automaker’s turbocharged 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine, here delivering 105 kW and 210 Nm to the front wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Meanwhile, thanks to the addition of a small battery pack (seemingly a 1.09 kWh unit) and an electric motor, the traditional hybrid variant will offer peak outputs of 164 kW and 476 Nm.
Finally, the fully electric Ora 5 – likewise offered exclusively in front-wheel-drive form – will generate maximum outputs of 150 kW and 260 Nm, with GWM SA claiming a single-charge range of “up to 520 km” (though it’s not clear on which testing cycle). Based on the Ora 5 already detailed overseas, this electric model will feature a 58.3 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack.
For the record, the Ora 5 crossover measures 4 471 mm from snout to rump, while offering a wheelbase of 2 720 mm. That makes it a single millimetre longer than the Haval Jolion Pro (and just a millimetre shorter than the standard Jolion), with an additional 20 mm between its axles, too.
What does the impending arrival of the petrol-powered Ora 5 mean for the slow-selling Ora 03? Well, while this battery-powered hatchback – which is known as the “Good Cat” in some markets – is still listed on GWM SA’s website, it’s our understanding this EV may soon fall away completely.
Look out for more details regarding local specifications and pricing for the new GWM Ora 5 in the coming weeks…
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: When will the GWM Ora 5 launch in South Africa and what powertrains will be available?
A: The GWM Ora 5 crossover is scheduled to launch locally in June 2026. As part of a strategic reboot for the Ora sub-brand, it will be offered with three distinct powertrain options: a traditional turbopetrol, a petrol-electric hybrid (HEV) and a fully electric (BEV) variant. The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) offered internationally will not be part of the initial local line-up.
Q: What are the performance and battery specifications for the different Ora 5 models?
A: The entry-level turbopetrol uses a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder engine delivering 105 kW and 210 Nm via a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The traditional hybrid ups performance to 164 kW and 476 Nm. The fully electric model generates 150 kW and 260 Nm, utilising a 58.3 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery to deliver a claimed single-charge range of up to 520 km.
Q: How does the GWM Ora 5 compare in size to other Haval and GWM products?
A: The Ora 5 crossover measures 4 471 mm in length with a 2720 mm wheelbase. This places it virtually neck-and-neck with the popular Haval Jolion range, measuring just 1 mm longer than a Jolion Pro and 1 mm shorter than the standard Jolion, while offering an extra 20 mm of space between the axles for improved cabin room.
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