ORA 5 EV

First Impressions

Standing in front of the ORA 5 for the first time, I immediately see the Good Cat DNA, but everything feels more substantial. The longer bonnet, the slightly wider stance, and that crucial bump in ground clearance to 175mm give it a presence the Good Cat never quite had. If the Good Cat was a cute kid, the ORA 5 is that same kid who just hit adulthood and started looking sharp.

Design and Exterior

The round headlights are still there but they're more elongated now, with intelligent auto-leveling and LED daytime running lights tracing the edges. The overall silhouette reminds me of the jump from a MINI Hatch to a Countryman — same family, just bigger and more capable.

One thing I appreciate is that GWM hasn't tried to make the hybrid and EV look wildly different. Same wheels (225/60 R18), same body panels, same front end. The only giveaway is a small HV or EV badge at the rear and the fuel filler or charge port location. The hybrid fills up on the rear left; the EV charges from the front right.

Interior and Tech

Inside, the cabin feels like a genuine step up. The 14.6-inch central screen running Coffee OS 3.0 is responsive and smooth. Apple CarPlay works wirelessly, and the Huawei-powered navigation is built right in. The 10.25-inch driver display is clear and fully supports Thai language.

There are thoughtful touches everywhere: wireless phone charging, a pull-out drink holder in the rear with an air vent underneath for cooling, ambient lighting along the doors and dashboard, and a vanity mirror with a proper light that's genuinely flattering. The welcome seat that slides back when you open the door is a small luxury that makes getting in and out effortless.

The rear seats are decent. At 172cm tall, I found the cushion nicely sculpted and the recline angle generous. However, there's no rear centre armrest, which feels like an odd omission. The seats fold but not completely flat, something to keep in mind if you're planning cargo runs. Boot space sits at 377 litres.

Powertrain Options

The hybrid pairs a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor for a combined 223 horsepower and a hefty 476 Nm of torque. That torque figure is genuinely impressive for this segment, and the claimed 0-100 km/h time of 7.7 seconds backs it up. The 55-litre fuel tank paired with a claimed efficiency of around 23 km per litre suggests serious range potential, though I'll wait for real-world numbers.

The EV packs a single 204 horsepower motor with 260 Nm, running off a 58.3 kWh LFP battery. DC charging now maxes out at 120 kW, meaning 30 to 80 percent in roughly 20 minutes. V2L is included too, outputting up to 6 kW, which is genuinely useful for outdoor activities or emergencies.

Safety and Features

Both versions come loaded with safety kit: ABS, EBD, traction control, adaptive cruise with stop and go, lane keeping assist, intelligent cornering assistance, 360-degree cameras, tyre pressure monitoring, and front plus side plus curtain airbags. Sensors are four front, four rear. There's also an emergency tyre repair kit. For an EV or hybrid in this class, that's a comprehensive package.

What I Haven't Tested Yet

I haven't driven it yet, so I can't speak to how the suspension feels over real roads or whether that hybrid powertrain delivers on GWM's promise of being more fun than the Good Cat. A test drive is coming soon, and I'm particularly curious about the multi-link rear suspension and whether the higher ride height has affected handling dynamics.

Final Verdict

The ORA 5 addresses nearly every complaint people had about the Good Cat. The ground clearance anxiety over speed bumps and steep ramps is gone. The missing rear wiper that drove people crazy in the rainy season is finally here. The cabin is more spacious, more refined, and the tech is genuinely good. Adding a hybrid powertrain as an alternative is a smart move that opens the car up to buyers who aren't ready to go fully electric. This feels like the car the Good Cat always should have been.