Gridly
Overview
The GWM Ora is one of the most visually distinctive small EVs sold in Australia. Its deliberately retro-styled body - rounded headlights, arched roofline, and proportions that evoke European city cars of earlier decades - creates an identity that is immediately recognisable in any parking area. In a segment where most competitors look broadly similar, the Ora’s design choice is a genuine differentiator.
The Lux is the better-specified of the two Ora variants in Australia. It adds styling and technology features over the standard variant while retaining the same urban-focused 57.7kWh LFP battery and drivetrain. Updated specifications show the Lux with 400km WLTP range - a meaningful improvement over earlier quoted figures and a testament to ongoing GWM software and calibration refinement.
The car’s limitations are aligned with its design intent: 400km WLTP, 80kW DC charging, and a compact body that seats five but is most comfortable with two adults in the rear. Buyers who approach it as an urban appliance with a personality will find it delivers exactly that.
Pricing & Variants
| Variant | Battery | WLTP Range | DC Charging | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GWM Ora Lux | 57.7kWh | 400km | 80kW | $35,990 |
| GWM Ora GT | 57.7kWh | 380km | 80kW | $38,990 |
| MG4 Excite 51 | 51kWh | 350km | 87kW | $37,990 |
The Lux is $3,000 less than the Ora GT for the same drivetrain with the Lux’s rounder body. Against the MG4, it is slightly cheaper with more range, though the MG4 offers marginally faster DC charging and a 7-year warranty versus the Ora’s 5-year cover.
Performance
105kW and 155Nm from the front motor produces a 0–100 km/h time of approximately 8.0 seconds. In urban conditions, the Ora feels nimble and engaging - the compact body and instant EV torque create a driving character well suited to its context. The retro-styled steering wheel and minimal controls contribute to an interior that feels deliberate and considered rather than merely simple.
Top speed is governed to 140 km/h, appropriate for a car whose design intent is urban rather than highway.
Range and Charging
The 57.7kWh LFP battery delivers 400km of WLTP range. Real-world urban driving will return approximately 320–360km; highway driving at 110 km/h reduces this to approximately 280–310km. LFP chemistry is well-suited to the frequent daily charging that urban car ownership involves - it tolerates 100% state-of-charge charging without the degradation risk that affects NMC cells.
DC fast charging is capped at 80kW, bringing the battery from 10–80% in approximately 40 minutes at a compatible CCS2 charger. AC home charging at 7.2kW takes approximately 9 hours from flat. The 80kW DC cap is below the class average - most current compact EVs offer 100kW or above - and this matters for road trip planning more than urban use.
Interior and Technology
The Ora’s interior reflects the same retro aesthetic as the exterior: round air vents, contrasting colour options, and trim details that reference the overall design language. A 10.25-inch touchscreen handles infotainment; a separate 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster sits ahead of the driver. Physical climate controls are retained alongside the touchscreen interface.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on the Lux. Heated front seats, a wireless phone charging pad, and a panoramic sunroof are among the comfort features. GWM’s connected vehicle app enables remote pre-conditioning, charging monitoring, and location tracking.
Practicality
Five seats are available, with two adults comfortable in the rear for urban trips. The compact dimensions - roughly 4.2 metres long - make parking and manoeuvring in dense urban environments straightforward. Boot volume is 228L, which handles daily errands but limits holiday luggage capacity. No frunk is available.
There is no towing capability and no V2L or V2H. The Ora Lux is designed as a personal urban transport vehicle, not a utility tool.
Safety
The Ora Lux is equipped with autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a reversing camera. A 360-degree camera system is standard on the Lux specification. Refer to ANCAP Australia for the current crash test star rating on this generation.
Running Costs and Ownership
Running cost at $0.30/kWh: (57.7 ÷ 400) × 100 × $0.30 = approximately $4.33/100km. This is one of the lowest running costs of any vehicle available in Australia and reflects both the efficient LFP battery and the moderate real-world range.
Warranty: 5 years/150,000km vehicle, 8 years/160,000km battery. The 5-year vehicle warranty is shorter than the 7-year cover offered by Kia and MG in this segment - a notable disadvantage for buyers planning to keep the car for five or more years. GWM dealer coverage is available in all capital cities and major regional centres.
Verdict
The GWM Ora Lux is a city EV that succeeds on character and value rather than raw specifications. The 400km LFP battery delivers real-world range that covers most weekly urban driving patterns without intermediate charging; the $35,990 price positions it below most equivalent-sized EV alternatives. For buyers who live in dense urban areas, charge at home, and are drawn to the Ora’s visual identity, the 400km range and 80kW charging are constraints that rarely bite.
For anyone who needs frequent highway touring or faster DC charging, the MG4, Kia EV3, or BYD Atto 3 offer better road trip capability. The Ora Lux is the right car for the right buyer - one who has decided that city driving is their primary use and finds the design appealing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the range of the GWM Ora Lux?
The GWM Ora Lux has a WLTP-rated range of 400km on its 57.7kWh LFP battery. Real-world urban driving typically returns 320–360km; highway driving at 110 km/h reduces this to approximately 280–310km. The LFP battery can be safely charged to 100% daily without accelerating degradation.
How does the GWM Ora Lux compare to the MG4?
Both are compact electric hatchbacks at similar price points. The Ora Lux ($35,990) has a slightly longer WLTP range than the MG4 Excite 51 ($37,990, 350km). The MG4 is slightly faster to DC charge (87kW vs 80kW), offers a rear-wheel-drive layout, and carries a 7-year warranty versus the Ora’s 5 years. Design is a matter of taste - the Ora is retro and round; the MG4 is more conventional and sporty.
Is the GWM Ora Lux suitable for a family?
The Ora Lux seats five and is comfortable for two adults in the rear on urban trips. Boot volume (228L) is modest and limits extended family travel. For regular family use involving luggage, car seats, and stroller storage, a larger vehicle - such as the BYD Atto 3 or Kia EV3 - would be more appropriate.
