5 EV

Driving Experience

Haven't driven it yet. GWM claims the hybrid is fun to drive with strong torque, but I'll reserve judgment until I get proper seat time.

Pros

• 175mm ground clearance is a real improvement
• Rear wiper finally included
• Mature, grown-up design over the Good Cat
• Hybrid option for those not ready for full EV
• 14.6-inch screen with smooth Coffee OS 3.0
• Panoramic sunroof with electric shade
• Welcome seat feature is a nice touch
• V2L capability on the EV version
• DC fast charging up to 120 kW on the EV

Cons

• No rear centre armrest on the back seat
• Rear seats don't fold completely flat
• Haven't been able to test ride or handling yet
• Hard to distinguish hybrid from EV visually
• Rear seat legroom adequate but not class-leading
• Rearview mirror is only average sized

Value for Money

You get a solid equipment list across both powertrains including 360-degree cameras, adaptive cruise with stop and go, lane keeping, and a full suite of airbags. The hybrid option gives buyers flexibility that the old Good Cat never offered.

Verdict

The ORA 5 is a convincing evolution of the Good Cat, addressing real-world complaints like low ground clearance and the missing rear wiper. If you wanted a Good Cat but needed something more practical and grown-up, this is it.

Driving Experience

The ORA 5 drives comfortably on smooth asphalt but gets fidgety on rough concrete surfaces, especially at the rear. The steering feels good weight-wise but has a noticeable dead zone at center that makes highway driving slightly nerve-wracking.

Pros

• Significantly bigger and more spacious than Good Cat
• Energy efficiency is impressive for an SUV
• 14.6-inch infotainment is smooth and responsive
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Cooling system is remarkably quiet
• 360-degree camera with transparent underbody view
• Independent rear suspension replaces old torsion beam
• Good forward visibility with visible hood lines

Cons

• Steering has too much dead zone at center
• Suspension gets bouncy on rough or corrugated roads
• Brake pedal sits too high and bites aggressively
• No rear center armrest
• Test car tires had poor grip under hard acceleration
• Rear passengers feel bumps more than front
• Some body roll during sudden lane changes

Value for Money

You get a well-equipped SUV with a large touchscreen, comprehensive ADAS, wireless connectivity, and V2L capability. Compared to the Good Cat it replaces, the upgrades across the board make this a much more complete package for what you're getting.

Verdict

The ORA 5 is a solid choice for anyone wanting a comfortable, efficient electric SUV with a cute personality. Just go test drive it first to make sure the steering feel and suspension suit your driving style.