In the rapidly evolving landscape of electric vehicles (EVs), the GWM Ora 03 400 GT emerges as a compelling contender, offering a glimpse into the future of affordable electro-mobility for South Africans. With its sleek design, advanced features, and eco-friendly performance, the Ora 400 GT represents Great Wall Motors’ (GWM) ambitious foray into the fledgling local electric car market.
At first glance, the GWM Ora 03 400 GT Ultra Luxury captivates with its modern and aerodynamic design. The sleek lines, bold contours, and futuristic styling cues give the car a distinctive presence on the road. From the striking LED headlights to the sculpted body panels, every aspect of the exterior design exudes sophistication and elegance.
The attention to detail is evident in the quality of materials and craftsmanship, with premium finishes and refined touches throughout. Whether cruising through city streets or embarking on long highway journeys, the Ora 400 GT’s Porsche-esque looks command attention and admiration wherever it goes.
INTERIOR COMFORT AND TECHNOLOGY
Step inside the GWM Ora 400 GT, and you’re greeted by a spacious and luxurious interior that combines comfort with cutting-edge technology. The cabin is thoughtfully designed, with ample legroom, supportive seats, and high-quality materials that create a premium driving experience.
The centrepiece of the interior is the state-of-the-art infotainment system, which features a large touchscreen display, smartphone integration, and voice recognition capabilities. Whether navigating through traffic or enjoying your favourite music on the open road, the intuitive interface ensures seamless connectivity and entertainment for passengers.
In addition to its entertainment features, the Ora 400 GT comes equipped with a host of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) that enhance safety and convenience. From adaptive cruise control to lane-keeping assist and automatic emergency braking, these technologies provide peace of mind and confidence behind the wheel.
PERFORMANCE AND EFFICIENCY
Under the hood, the Ora 400 GT boasts a 126 kW all-electric powertrain that delivers 250 Nm of torque, comparing favourably with its few segment rivals, including the MINI Hatch SE (135 kW and 270 Nm). Powered by a high-capacity battery pack, the Ora accelerates smoothly and silently, with instant torque from its responsive throttle.
The electric motor provided ample power for city driving and highway cruising during our mostly urban-based test drive. With its regenerative braking system working moderately well to maximise range and efficiency, the Ora managed a respectable 355 km range from its 63 kWh Ternary Lithium battery. Although we achieved less than GWM’s stated 400 km expected range in real-world driving conditions, the Ora still has more range than its MINI competitor.
Regular at-home charging – or occasional charging at a high-capacity public charger – should address any range-anxiety concerns for most buyers.
DRIVING EXPERIENCE
Behind the wheel, the GWM Ora 03 400 GT offers a refined and enjoyable driving experience that balances comfort with agility. The electric power steering is precise and responsive, making it easy to manoeuvre through tight city streets.
The suspension system is tuned for comfort, soaking up bumps and imperfections in the road surface to ensure a smooth and stable ride. Whether tackling urban traffic or embarking on long-distance journeys, the Ora 400 GT delivers a confident and composed performance that belies its compact car status.
LAST WORD
The Ora 03 400 GT represents a significant milestone for electric vehicle proliferation in South Africa, combining cutting-edge technology with stylish design and eco-friendly performance. The only remaining question is whether the Ora, as an early entrant to the compact EV space, will keep GWM ahead of its Chinese competitors such as Chery and OMODA&JAECOO as these carmakers gear up to introduce their electric vehicle ranges in the near future.
Report by BERNIE HELLBERG JR | Images © RYAN ABBOTT
