GWM Ora 07: Test and impressions of the electric sport Ssdan

The GWM Ora 07 marks a significant step forward for Great Wall Motor in its push for a stronger European presence. Formerly known as the Ora Funky Cat, this electric sport sedan brings sleek design, powerful performance, and an eco-friendly powertrain, aimed at competing with models like the Hyundai Ioniq 6, Tesla Model 3, and Nio ET5.

Powertrain and performance

The GWM Ora 07 comes in several variants, but our test focused on the GT version with all-wheel drive. This top-tier model offers a combined system power of 300 kW (408 PS) and 680 Nm of torque, allowing the vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds. The 86 kWh battery enables a range of up to 520 km according to the WLTP cycle, although real-world driving conditions may vary slightly.

Despite its impressive acceleration and sporty handling, the top speed is limited to 180 km/h. This may seem conservative compared to some competitors, but the focus here is on balanced performance and efficient energy use.

Design: Blending retro and modern elements

The Ora 07 features a design inspired by European styling, with flowing lines, frameless doors, and distinctive round LED headlights. The adaptive electric rear wing (available from the Pro version onwards) adds to the car’s sporty appeal, automatically extending at speeds above 70 km/h.

Inside, the cabin is luxurious yet compact, with premium materials and an ergonomic layout. The panoramic roof enhances the sense of space, while the ambient lighting system adapts to driving conditions or personal preferences.

Driving modes and features

Drivers can choose from five driving modes: Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Individual. The GT variant also includes a Sport+ mode, delivering an extra boost for urban driving. While the car excels in city environments, it can feel less dynamic on highways, despite its powerful output.

Advanced driving aids include Level 2 Plus autonomous driving, a lane-keeping assistant, and intelligent cruise control, although some features, such as the traffic sign recognition and cross-traffic alert, showed inconsistent performance during testing.

Charging and efficiency

The GWM Ora 07 has a peak DC charging rate of 88 kW, which allows it to charge from 10% to 80% in 43 minutes for the larger battery. However, this charging rate is slower than competitors like the Tesla Model 3 or Hyundai Ioniq 6, potentially leading to longer stops on long-distance trips.

For home charging, the Ora 07 supports AC charging at 11 kW, taking just over 8 hours to fully recharge the larger battery overnight. With an energy consumption rate of around 17.5 kWh per 100 km, the Ora 07 is efficient, though slightly higher than the official WLTP estimates.

Interior comfort and tech

The interior is packed with modern tech, including a 12.3-inch touchscreen, integrated voice assistant, and head-up display. The system allows for easy customization, but during our test, the voice assistant was inconsistent, sometimes failing to respond or interrupting phone calls unnecessarily.

Passenger comfort is good, although taller individuals may find the front cabin a bit tight. The rear seating space is adequate for short trips, but limited headroom and a modest 333-liter trunk might make longer journeys with multiple passengers less comfortable.

Final verdict

The GWM Ora 07 GT offers strong performance, an attractive design, and solid efficiency, making it a compelling option for those seeking a stylish electric sedan. However, its slower charging speeds and software glitches could deter buyers who prioritize seamless tech experiences or long-distance travel.

For drivers looking for an affordable yet premium-feeling electric vehicle with a focus on daily commuting and eco-friendly performance, the Ora 07 delivers. However, it still has room for improvement, especially in the areas of software and charging infrastructure.