Key Points
- According to a report by journalist Jake Williams of WhichCar, Chinese automaker GWM is expanding its Australian electric vehicle lineup with the introduction of the new Ora 5 Plus medium SUV, slated for arrival in the first quarter of 2027.
- Positioning itself as an affordable family-friendly alternative, the Ora 5 Plus will compete directly against established mid-size electric SUVs such as the Tesla Model Y, BYD Sealion 7, and Geely EX5.
- The larger wagon-style SUV measures 4,758 mm in length, 1,833 mm in width, and 1,630 mm in height—making it almost 300 mm longer than the regular Ora 5 and offering a significantly expanded boot capacity of 495 litres with rear seats upright.
- Internationally revealed in Thailand, the Ora 5 Plus electric variant shares its powertrain with its smaller sibling, utilizing a front-mounted electric motor delivering 150 kW of power and 260 Nm of torque, paired with a 58.3 kWh battery.
- While official Australian pricing remains unconfirmed, industry expectations suggest the Ora 5 Plus could start below $40,000 driveaway, undercutting most rivals, given that the regular Ora 5 ranges from $33,990 to $36,990 driveaway.
- Further local specifications, exact launch timelines, and definitive pricing are expected to be announced by GWM closer to its Q1 2027 market debut.
SYDNEY (Australian News Today) November 12, 2026 — The Australian electric vehicle market is bracing for a fresh wave of budget-conscious competition following confirmation from Great Wall Motor (GWM) regarding its upcoming medium-sized SUV. As reported by journalist Jake Williams of WhichCar, the new GWM Ora 5 Plus is officially locked in for Australian showrooms in early 2027. Designed to sit directly above the standard Ora 5 hatch, the wagon-like utility vehicle aims to capture family buyers seeking spacious proportions without the steep price tags traditionally associated with mid-size electric crossovers.
What Are the Dimensions and Specifications of the GWM Ora 5 Plus?
While local Australian specifications are still being finalised by the manufacturer, details emerging from international markets—such as Thailand, where the vehicle has already debuted—provide a clear picture of its physical footprint. As reported by journalist Jake Williams of WhichCar, the Ora 5 Plus measures 4,758 mm long, 1,833 mm wide, and 1,630 mm tall.
This makes the Plus variant nearly 300 mm longer than the regular Ora 5, with the vast majority of that added length dedicated to cargo capacity. The boot space expands by 133 litres, offering a total of 495 litres of storage with the rear seats upright.
Underneath the skin, the electric variant inherits its mechanical setup from its smaller sibling. As detailed in the WhichCar report by Jake Williams, the vehicle relies on a single front-mounted electric motor generating 150 kW of power and 260 Nm of torque. Energy is supplied by a 58.3 kWh battery, which yields a claimed driving range of up to 520 km under generous NEDC testing cycles—though official WLTP figures for the Australian market are yet to be certified. In overseas regions like Thailand, the model is also configured with alternative hybrid powertrains, though GWM’s exact mix for local showrooms remains under wraps.
How Much Will the Ora 5 Plus Cost and Who Are Its Competitors?
Pricing strategy is expected to be the vehicle’s primary weapon in the highly contested Australian EV sector. As reported by journalist Jake Williams of WhichCar, official pricing remains unannounced, but industry analysts anticipate aggressive positioning.
Given that the smaller regular Ora 5 is priced competitively from $33,990 driveaway for the entry-level Lux and climbs to $36,990 driveaway for the flagship Ultra, automotive experts project that the Ora 5 Plus could kick off from below $40,000 driveaway. If realised, this pricing would substantially undercut dominant category benchmarks.
In the Australian market, the Ora 5 Plus will enter the medium SUV segment to challenge established and emerging high-volume competitors. As outlined in reporting by journalist Jake Williams of WhichCar, primary rivals will include:
- Tesla Model Y: The current market leader in electric family transport.
- BYD Sealion 7: A prominent Chinese competitor gaining rapid market share.
- Geely EX5: Another newcomer expanding the footprint of accessible global EVs in Australia.
Additionally, the Ora 5 Plus will arrive alongside other upcoming additions to GWM’s broader showroom footprint, such as the Haval Jolion Max, which is anticipated to offer both electric and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) configurations. Comprehensive local pricing, model grade breakdowns, and exact release dates are expected to be released by GWM closer to its scheduled first-quarter launch in 2027.
Background of the Particular Development
Over the past three years, the Australian passenger vehicle market has witnessed a profound transformation driven by the rapid adoption of new-energy vehicles (NEVs) originating from China. While early EV adoption in Australia was concentrated in premium sedans and compact hatchbacks, consumer demand has aggressively shifted toward practical, family-sized medium SUVs. However, high acquisition costs have remained a primary barrier to entry for mainstream households, with popular models frequently exceeding mid-tier budgets. Recognising this affordability gap, Chinese manufacturers such as GWM and BYD have leveraged their integrated supply chains to introduce spacious, long-range utility vehicles at price points previously reserved for smaller petrol-powered cars. The introduction of the Ora 5 Plus represents a strategic escalation in this price-disruption model, directly targeting the volume-selling family segment.
Prediction and Impact on the Particular Audience
For Australian families, budget-conscious car buyers, and rideshare operators seeking spacious electric transport, the arrival of the GWM Ora 5 Plus in early 2027 will significantly lower the financial barrier to owning a practical medium-sized SUV. In the short term, the anticipated sub-$40,000 pricing bracket is likely to trigger competitive counter-offers, discounts, or spec adjustments from legacy manufacturers and rival EV brands defending their market share. For established segment leaders like the Tesla Model Y and BYD Sealion 7, GWM’s aggressive pricing pressure will force a greater emphasis on value-driven tiering across the sub-$50,000 electric vehicle category throughout 2027.
