New GWM Ora 5 SUV Crossover Leaked by China MIIT

 

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes


Key Takeaways

  • The GWM Ora brand is launching the Ora Cat (also known as Ora 5 or Ora i5), a new SUV crossover model, breaking a two-year silence since the Ora 07.
  • The Ora Cat, though visually similar to the Ora Good Cat, is a significantly larger and entirely new SUV platform, not just a facelift.
  • Unveiled through China MIIT documents, the Ora Cat boasts increased dimensions, a 201 hp electric motor, LFP battery, and practical features like roof rails.
  • Its launch signifies GWM's strategic move to cater to the growing global demand for compact electric SUVs, offering a compelling blend of distinctive design and enhanced utility.
  • While the Ora Good Cat also received a facelift in China, the Ora Cat (Ora 5) represents a new direction for the brand, with its official market debut anticipated soon.

Table of Contents


Has the Beloved Ora Good Cat Undergone a Radical Transformation?

In the fast-paced, ever-evolving landscape of electric vehicles, a two-year hiatus without a new model can feel like an eternity. For fans of Great Wall Motor's (GWM) Ora EV sub-brand, this silence has been particularly noticeable since the sleek Ora 07 (Lightning Cat) debuted in 2022. While the Chinese EV market typically buzzes with annual updates and new iterations, Ora's quiet period left many wondering about its next move. But the wait, it seems, is finally over, and with a significant twist that could redefine its market presence. We're here to explore exclusive details of the GWM Ora 5 SUV crossover, spotted in China MIIT documents. Is this the Good Cat variant you've awaited?


Today, we delve into official documents filed with China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) that reveal GWM's latest electric marvel: the Ora Cat. Known potentially as the Ora 5 or Ora i5 in international markets, this new model is poised to make a significant splash. But don't let its familiar feline moniker fool you; this isn't merely a facelift or a slightly tweaked version of the popular Ora Good Cat (also known as Ora Funky Cat or Ora 03). Instead, GWM is introducing a truly distinct crossover or SUV, signaling a bold new direction for the brand. This article will dissect the intriguing design cues, surprising dimensions, and the strategic implications of GWM's latest electric offering, providing you with data-driven insights and a clear understanding of what makes the Ora Cat a game-changer.


Ora's Curious Silence and Strategic Resurgence

For an electric vehicle brand operating in China, where innovation cycles are breathtakingly short, two years without a new model is practically an anomaly. This long pause for GWM's Ora brand, after the initial excitement surrounding the Ora 07, prompted speculation. Was GWM recalibrating? Or was something truly significant in the pipeline? The MIIT filings confirm the latter. This strategic re-emergence with the Ora Cat isn't just about launching a new car; it's about GWM solidifying its position in the booming crossover and SUV segments, a move highly anticipated by market analysts tracking global EV trends. The focus keyword, explore exclusive details of the GWM Ora 5 SUV crossover, spotted in China MIIT documents. Is this the Good Cat variant you've awaited?, perfectly encapsulates the intrigue surrounding this long-awaited reveal.


From Hatchback Darling to Crossover Contender: The Ora Cat Emerges

The Ora Good Cat charmed the world with its retro-futuristic design and compact hatchback practicality. Now, its new sibling, the Ora Cat, is stepping onto the scene, retaining much of that beloved aesthetic but with a crucial difference: it's built as a crossover/SUV. This evolution addresses a growing market demand for more spacious, versatile electric vehicles. For our readers who appreciate the Ora Good Cat's distinctive look but yearned for greater utility, this could be the perfect fusion. This shift from a pure hatchback to a crossover reflects GWM's keen understanding of evolving consumer preferences, particularly the global lean towards higher-riding, more robust vehicles.


Spot the Difference: Ora Cat vs. Ora Good Cat Design Cues

At first glance, the Ora Cat's design is unmistakably Ora. It gracefully maintains the "cute", Porsche 911-esque styling that defined the Good Cat, complete with its iconic round headlights and the distinctive twin vertical air vents on the front bumper. The horizontal LED light strip across the rear glass panel also makes a welcome return. However, a closer look at the MIIT documents reveals subtle, yet significant, distinctions. These include a slightly altered cut-out for the rear license plate and a revised lower bumper, now resembling a diffuser. But the most telling differentiator for the keen eye, and a tell-tale sign of its SUV identity, will be the presence of roof rails – an element synonymous with crossover vehicles. Additionally, the Ora Cat features conventional door handles (deviating from the Good Cat's pop-up style), a charging port neatly integrated into the front right fender, stylish 18-inch two-tone rims, and the intriguing option of LiDAR sensors for advanced driver-assistance systems. These details help us to further explore exclusive details of the GWM Ora 5 SUV crossover, spotted in China MIIT documents. Is this the Good Cat variant you've awaited? when discerning its true nature.


Dimensions That Tell a Story: A True SUV Evolution

While design similarities might suggest a mere variant, the dimensions revealed in the MIIT documents paint a clear picture of a truly new, larger vehicle. The Ora Cat measures an impressive 4,471 mm in length, 1,883 mm in width, and 1,641 mm in height. Comparing this to the Good Cat, the Ora Cat is a substantial 236 mm longer, 58 mm wider, and 45 mm taller. Furthermore, its wheelbase extends to 2,720 mm, an increase of 70 mm. These significant increases confirm that the Ora Cat is not just a Good Cat that has been modified into an SUV; it is a purpose-built model designed from the ground up to offer more space, presence, and practicality. With approach and departure angles noted at 17 and 25 degrees respectively, and an estimated curb weight ranging from 1,630 to 1,655 kg, the Ora Cat is engineered to be a capable and robust electric crossover.


Under the Hood: Power, Battery, and Market Readiness

Beyond its charming exterior and expanded dimensions, the Ora Cat is equipped with a capable electric powertrain. It will be driven by a single electric motor producing 201 hp (150 kW), developed by GWM's subsidiary, Hycet. Powering this motor is an LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery pack supplied by SVOLT, another entity within the GWM ecosystem. This combination promises a reliable and efficient performance, well-suited for both urban commutes and longer journeys. The disclosure of these specifications through MIIT documents strongly indicates that the Ora Cat is production-ready, and its official launch in China is expected to occur in the very near future. This readiness underscores GWM's commitment to rapidly expanding its EV portfolio with compelling new models.


What This Means for EV Enthusiasts and the Global Market

The introduction of the Ora Cat (Ora 5) is a pivotal moment for GWM and the wider EV market. For consumers, it means a new, stylish, and practical option in the increasingly popular electric crossover segment. For GWM, it represents a strategic expansion beyond the hatchback segment, tapping into a broader demographic looking for more versatile and spacious electric vehicles. While the Ora Good Cat has received a facelift in China this year, and a sportier GT version might be a more realistic global offering for now, the Ora Cat signals GWM's long-term vision. This new model is likely to attract significant attention in international markets where there's a growing appetite for distinctive, yet functional, electric SUVs. It's an exciting time to explore exclusive details of the GWM Ora 5 SUV crossover, spotted in China MIIT documents. Is this the Good Cat variant you've awaited? as it directly influences future global EV availability and trends. As we await its official launch, the Ora Cat stands as a testament to GWM's innovative spirit and commitment to the future of electric mobility. For a deeper dive into GWM's existing EV lineup and technological advancements, explore our related articles on the Ora 03 and Ora 07.


Summary of Key Insights

The MIIT leak confirms that the GWM Ora Cat (Ora 5) is a new, larger SUV crossover, not merely a Good Cat variant. It retains the signature cute design while offering significantly increased dimensions and practical features like roof rails. Powered by a 201 hp electric motor and LFP battery, it's poised for an imminent launch in China, signaling GWM's strategic entry into the booming electric SUV market. This development promises a more versatile and spacious option for EV enthusiasts globally.


Embrace the Future of Electric Driving

What are your initial thoughts on the new GWM Ora Cat (Ora 5)? Do you think this SUV crossover truly answers the call for a more versatile electric vehicle in GWM's lineup? Share your predictions for its global market impact and what features excite you most in the comments below! We'd love to hear if this is the electric SUV you've been waiting for. Stay tuned to our blog for real-time updates, official launch details, and comprehensive reviews as soon as they drop!


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the GWM Ora Cat / Ora 5?

The GWM Ora Cat, also known as Ora 5 or Ora i5 in some markets, is GWM's latest electric vehicle. It has been revealed through China MIIT documents as a new SUV crossover model, distinct from its hatchback sibling, the Ora Good Cat.


How is the Ora Cat different from the Ora Good Cat?

While the Ora Cat shares a similar "cute" design language with the Ora Good Cat, it is a significantly larger vehicle built on an entirely new SUV platform. It is 236 mm longer, 58 mm wider, and 45 mm taller, with a longer wheelbase. Key differentiators include roof rails, conventional door handles, and different bumper designs, confirming it's not just a facelift but a new model.


When will the Ora 5 be available?

According to the MIIT documents, the Ora Cat (Ora 5) appears production-ready, and its launch in China is expected to occur in the very near future. Global availability will likely follow, though specific timelines have not yet been announced.


What are the key specifications of the Ora Cat?

The Ora Cat will be powered by a single electric motor delivering 201 hp (150 kW), supplied by GWM's subsidiary Hycet. It will utilize an LFP battery pack from SVOLT. Its dimensions are 4,471 mm (L), 1,883 mm (W), 1,641 mm (H), with a wheelbase of 2,720 mm and a curb weight between 1,630-1,655 kg.


Will the Ora Cat / Ora 5 be offered in my country?

GWM plans to market the Ora Cat (Ora 5/i5) in several international markets, though specific countries have not yet been confirmed. Given the global demand for electric crossovers, it is highly anticipated to be available in key EV markets worldwide. Stay tuned for official announcements from GWM regarding international launches.

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