Updated GWM Ora sourced from Thailand

THE former production facility of the Holden Colorado and Trailblazer in Rayong, Thailand, is now the home of the GWM Ora.

The shift in production makes the MY26 GWM Ora the first Chinese vehicle to be produced in Thailand for the Australian market and introduces changes to the model that include a new 57.7kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, developed by GWM subsidiary SVOLT.

The larger battery replaces the 48kWh lithium-ion and 62kWh ternary lithium batteries offered previously with no change in price at the entry end of the range.

The GWM Ora electric hatch remains available from $35,990 driveaway, and remains available in three trim grades: Lux, Ultra, and GT.

Importantly, the Lux grade now offers an improved driving range of 400km (WLTP), up from 310km in the outgoing Ora Standard Range. That figure is 20km behind that of of the former Extended Range variant, the new battery and related components adding 130kg to the vehicle’s overall weight, slowing the benchmark 0-100km/h acceleration time by 0.8 seconds (now 9.1 seconds).

A 126kW/250Nm front electric motor driving the front wheels continues to feature in all Ora variants.

Elsewhere, range-wide changes include GWM Connected Services telematics with scheduled charging support, a heat pump air-conditioning system, USB-C charging port, vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality, and revised tyres.

GWM will launch the new Ora model range with a limited run of 30 Aurora Green Ultra variants with a contrasting black roof. Priced from $37,990 driveaway, the variant will further add automated parking, driver’s seat memory functionality, an electric tailgate, front parking sensors, heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a panoramic sunroof.

For the Ora Lux we find standard features including 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and daytime running lights, faux-leather upholstery, a six-way power adjustable driver’s seat, a four-way power adjustable front passenger seat, self-dimming rear-view mirror, 360-degree camera system, rear parking sensors, dual 10.25-inch instrument and infotainment screens, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and a wireless smartphone charging pad.

Safety inclusions run to seven airbags, adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, driver monitoring, lane departure warning, lane follow and keep assistants, rear cross-traffic alert, and traffic sign recognition.

Moving up to the Ultra grade (from $37,990 d/a) and we note automatic parking, auto-fold wing mirrors, a heated steering wheel, heated, ventilated, and massage function seats, driver’s seat memory function, front parking sensors, hands free electric tailgate, and a panoramic sunroof.

Finally, for the flagship GT (from $38,990 d/a) we note model-specific 18-inch alloy wheels and bumpers, red brake callipers, and a launch control function.

Lux and GT grades are available in single-tone Hamilton White paint as a no-cost option, the Lux grade also available with Mars Red paint and a contrasting black roof as a surcharge-free alternative. Premium hues ($595) include Sun Black, Aurora Green, and Chalk Grey.

The MY26 GWM Ora is expected to arrive in Australian showrooms within weeks.

2026 GWM Ora pricing*:

*National driveaway price.