5 EV

Driving Experience

Haven't driven it yet — GWM claims it's more fun than the Good Cat, and with those torque figures I'm inclined to believe them, but I'll reserve judgment until I actually get seat time.

Pros

• Higher ground clearance suits Thai roads much better
• Hybrid option is a genuine alternative for EV-hesitant buyers
• Rear wiper finally included — fixed a real Good Cat annoyance
• Larger 14.6-inch center screen with smooth Coffee OS 3.0
• Fast DC charging at 120kW on the EV version
• V2L support up to 6kW on the EV
• Welcome seat function makes entry and exit easier
• Rear seat cushion improved versus the Good Cat

Cons

• No rear armrest on back seats
• Haven't tested real-world fuel economy or range yet
• Interior feels like an evolution, not a revolution
• Rear seatback doesn't fold fully flat
• Pricing unknown at time of review
• Only front-wheel drive across the lineup

Value for Money

If the price lands competitively when revealed at the Motor Show, the hybrid powertrain option makes this a genuinely unique proposition in Thailand's EV-heavy compact SUV segment. You're essentially getting a bigger, more practical Good Cat with the option to skip range anxiety entirely.

Verdict

The ORA 5 is the Good Cat for people who found the original too small or too low for Thai roads — it's a clear improvement in almost every practical area. If you wanted a Good Cat but felt it wasn't quite grown-up enough, this is the one to watch.

Driving Experience

The ORA 5 feels composed on smooth tarmac, but hit cement roads or rough surfaces and you get small but noticeable high-frequency bouncing throughout the cabin. The steering center slack is way too loose — sudden lane changes feel nervous and twitchy, like it wants to hunt around on you.

Pros

• Significantly larger than GoodCat inside and out
• Real-world range at 80km/h nearly matches NEDC claim
• New 14.6-inch screen is fast, smooth, and looks great
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on all trims
• Full independent suspension on all four corners
• Cooling system runs near-silent even in hot weather
• Strong ADAS suite on all trim levels
• V2L support up to 6kW

Cons

• Suspension jiggles noticeably on rough or cement roads
• Steering has almost zero center dead zone — feels unsettled at speed
• Brake pedal sits too high, easy to over-brake by mistake
• No rear center armrest on any trim
• Test car tires had poor grip and wheelspin under hard acceleration
• Rear passengers feel more road noise than front
• Hybrid version costs significantly more due to excise tax structure
• Fast charge real-world performance still unverified

Value for Money

At 629,000 THB for the base EV trim, you get a genuinely roomy SUV with great tech and decent range — that's competitive in this segment. If you can live with the ride quirks, it stacks up well against similarly priced rivals.

Verdict

If you want a stylish, tech-loaded EV SUV with real-world range that doesn't embarrass itself, the ORA 5 makes a strong case. Hardcore drivers or anyone sensitive to suspension tuning should test drive it first before committing.