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Flamingo Pink paint might be the first thing you notice about this GWM ORA 5 SUV, but there’s considerably more to it than a bold colour choice.

We’ve driven several examples now, including spending a month and approximately 1000 kilometres with this pink one.
That’s given us time to get familiar with everything from its Australian suspension tuning to the little interior details you only notice through everyday use.

With prices starting at $33,990, or $36,990 for the range-topping example driven here, the GWM ORA 5 SUV makes a strong case on value.
Its cabin, equipment and driving manners have all left an impression.

A design with personality

There’s nothing particularly conservative about the GWM ORA 5 SUV’s appearance.

The rounded front end, distinctive daytime running lights and high-mounted rear light bar give it a character of its own.
The colour choices add to that, with alternatives including blue, green and matte grey for those who aren’t ready to commit to Flamingo Pink.

After spending more time with it, the rear styling has grown on us.
The front and back take noticeably different approaches, but the result stands out in a car park.

At approximately 4.47 metres long, the GWM ORA 5 SUV is a manageable size for everyday driving.
Its excellent 360-degree camera makes parking straightforward, providing a clear view of what’s around the car.

The cabin is one of the strongest reasons to take a closer look at the GWM ORA 5 SUV.

Soft-touch materials, attractive trim and a quiet interior give it a more expensive feel than the price might suggest.
Our vehicle’s light-coloured upholstery adds to the effect, while a black interior is also available.

Equipment highlights in our range-topping example include:

• Heated and ventilated front seats
• A heated steering wheel
• A panoramic sunroof
• A powered tailgate
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• A cooled wireless phone charger

Some of the smaller details have been equally appreciated.
The wireless charger’s cooling outlet helps keep a phone’s temperature under control while charging.

There’s plenty of storage, including large door bins, space beneath the centre console and a generous compartment under the padded centre armrest.

The sound system has been another highlight, delivering an enjoyable listening experience that’s particularly impressive at this price.

GWM’s Coffee OS infotainment system has worked well throughout our time with the ORA 5 SUV.

The touchscreen responds quickly, the graphics are clear, and wireless smartphone connectivity makes connecting a phone straightforward.

Climate controls remain readily accessible on the display.
While we’d appreciate additional physical controls, the interface makes everyday adjustments relatively easy.

The digital instrument display is customisable, with the ability to show mapping in front of the driver.

There are a few details we’d change.
A dedicated physical control for the sunroof shade would be welcome, while the absence of an auto-dimming rear-view mirror feels unusual alongside the otherwise generous equipment list.

The front seats could also benefit from additional under-thigh and lumbar support.
Their heating and ventilation are appreciated, but greater adjustability would improve comfort over longer distances.

The GWM ORA 5 SUV offers a quoted 362 litres of boot space.

That figure isn’t enormous, but the boot has proved useful in practice.
An adjustable floor provides flexibility, while folding the rear seats opens up more room for larger items.

A spare wheel sits beneath the boot floor, which is a welcome inclusion for Australian driving.

One minor frustration is the cargo cover.
It can remain upright after you’ve accessed the boot, meaning you need to reposition it before closing the powered tailgate.

Rear-seat space is adequate, with reasonable headroom, although legroom isn’t a standout.

The panoramic sunroof helps make the back feel airy, while rear passengers get an air vent, a USB-C charging port and seatback pockets.
A folding centre armrest would be a useful addition.

The GWM ORA 5 SUV uses a single front-mounted electric motor producing 150kW and 260Nm.

Performance is comfortably sufficient for everyday driving.
Acceleration remains useful beyond suburban speeds, and switching between the drive modes noticeably changes the motor’s response.

The chassis is a particular strength.

A multi-link rear suspension arrangement provides the foundation, with Australian development input from former Holden chassis engineer Rob Trubiani helping shape how the GWM ORA 5 SUV drives.

On our test roads, it has felt composed over bumps, settling quickly after larger imperfections.
There’s a pleasing balance between ride comfort and body control, making it an enjoyable companion around town and on winding roads.

The factory tyres are the main area we’d like to see improved.
They can struggle for traction under acceleration, and their grip becomes the limiting factor during more enthusiastic cornering.

Better rubber would help make the most of a capable underlying chassis.

Over a longer loan, the way a car’s driver assistance systems behave becomes particularly noticeable.

In the GWM ORA 5 SUV, we haven’t felt the need to routinely switch them off.

The alerts have been relatively unobtrusive in our driving, while the adaptive cruise control and lane-centring functions have worked well on freeway journeys.

That makes a meaningful difference to everyday usability, particularly when you’re covering plenty of kilometres.

Across approximately 500 kilometres of recorded driving, the GWM ORA 5 SUV’s trip computer displayed average consumption of 15.8kWh/100km.

That included a roughly even split between urban and highway driving, with estimated real-world range of around 370 kilometres, compared with the quoted 420-kilometre claim.

Key figures include:

• Motor output: 150kW and 260Nm
• Driven wheels: Front
• Claimed range: 420km
• Observed consumption: 15.8kWh/100km
• Estimated range in our driving: Around 370km
• Maximum AC charging: 6.6kW
• Maximum DC charging: 120kW

Actual range and charging speeds will vary with driving conditions, temperature and charger availability.

After a month and approximately 1000 kilometres, the GWM ORA 5 SUV has given us plenty to appreciate beyond its distinctive appearance.

The cabin feels premium, the equipment list is generous, and the Australian suspension tuning delivers a composed driving experience.
Its easygoing driver assistance systems have also been a welcome part of daily use.

There’s room for improvement, particularly with the tyres, seat support and a few interior controls.

However, the overall package remains compelling for the money.
For buyers considering an affordable electric SUV, the GWM ORA 5 SUV gives them plenty of reasons to take a closer look.

Interested in a GWM ORA 5 SUV?
CarSauce Buy can help negotiate your next new car purchase, with novated leasing options also available.

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