GWM Ora 5 HEV Test Drive in Thailand - 223 PS, 4.4L/100km

The GWM ORA 5 HEV is a B-segment hybrid crossover produced by Great Wall Motor (GWM), tested by Malaysian automotive media in Thailand. It combines a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor to deliver a combined system output of 223 PS (220 hp) and 476 Nm of torque. GWM Malaysia has confirmed the model will be locally assembled (CKD) for the Malaysian market, targeting a launch in 2026 with a projected price under RM120,000.

The vehicle addresses the needs of Malaysian drivers who want the responsive acceleration and low-speed refinement of an electric vehicle without the range anxiety or charging infrastructure dependency associated with full EVs. With a claimed fuel consumption of 4.4 litres per 100 km and a total driving range of up to 1,100 km, it positions itself as a practical option for both urban commuting in Kuala Lumpur and long-distance travel across Peninsular Malaysia. The hybrid system, called GWM Hi2 Technology, automatically manages six driving modes without requiring driver input.

Key Facts

This section provides the verified technical specifications and market data for the GWM ORA 5 HEV as presented during the Thailand test drive and subsequent Malaysian announcements.

How Does the GWM Hi2 Hybrid System Work?

The GWM Hi2 system is a hybrid powertrain technology that combines a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine with an electric motor and a 1.09 kWh battery, managed by an Intelligent 2-speed DHT transmission. It automatically selects between six operating modes without driver intervention. The battery functions as an energy buffer, storing regenerative braking energy for later use by the electric motor. It is not designed for extended electric-only driving.

The system operates as follows:

• EV Mode: Used when starting from rest, with the electric motor driving the wheels.
• Series Mode: Active in city driving between 10–50 km/h, where the petrol engine generates electricity for the motor.
• Efficient Parallel Mode: Used between 50–70 km/h, combining engine and motor operation.
• Direct Drive Mode: Engaged above 70 km/h for efficient highway cruising with the engine powering the wheels directly.
• Powerful Parallel Mode: Activated for acceleration, overtaking, or climbing hills with both power sources working together.
• Regenerative Braking: Captures kinetic energy during deceleration and downhill driving to recharge the battery.

During the media test drive in Thailand, covering Bangkok, Chonburi, and Pattaya across city traffic, highways, and hilly terrain, the system delivered a recorded fuel consumption of 4.7 litres per 100 km without eco-focused driving techniques.

What Is the Real-World Fuel Consumption and Performance?

In real-world testing across approximately 1,100 km of mixed driving conditions in Thailand, the GWM ORA 5 HEV recorded 4.7 litres per 100 km (21.2 km/litre), compared to the official claimed figure of 4.4 litres per 100 km. The vehicle accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.7 seconds, with the electric motor providing immediate response and the petrol engine engaging smoothly and almost imperceptibly during the test drive.

The test route was designed to replicate typical usage patterns:

• Bangkok city congestion
• Highway cruising
• Undulating and hilly sections

GWM states the official cabin noise level at city speeds is 37.2 dB, which aligns with the vehicle's reliance on the electric motor during low-speed operation. The engine becomes audible under hard acceleration but remains controlled and refined. The suspension uses a multi-link rear setup that provides controlled comfort rather than a soft, sofa-like ride, and the steering is described as natural and predictable for daily driving.

“Our test drive figure of 4.7 litres per 100 km shows that GWM’s official claims are not too far from what can be achieved in real-world conditions.”

— Careta, Malaysian automotive publication, GWM ORA 5 HEV Thailand test drive report

The 476 Nm of combined torque provides sufficient power for overtaking and lane changes, positioning the ORA 5 HEV as a family-oriented crossover with credible acceleration rather than a performance vehicle.

How Does the ORA 5 HEV Compare to the ORA Good Cat for Malaysian Buyers?

Compared to the fully electric ORA Good Cat, the ORA 5 HEV is 236 mm longer with a 70 mm longer wheelbase, resulting in increased cabin space, particularly rear legroom. However, the rear floor is higher and the rear seat cushions are shorter, which may reduce thigh support for adult passengers on long journeys. The Good Cat is a pure EV, while the ORA 5 HEV uses a hybrid system requiring no external charging.

Key dimension comparisons from the source data:

• ORA 5 HEV length: 4,471 mm
• ORA 5 HEV wheelbase: 2,720 mm
• Good Cat comparison: +236 mm length, +70 mm wheelbase

For Malaysian families, the ORA 5 HEV offers a more practical body style with crossover ground clearance and taller stance. The rear cabin is practical for urban use or carrying children, but four or five adults on a long journey may find rear comfort less convincing. The boot and cabin design present an appearance of a more expensive vehicle than its class, though some hard plastics remain on the rear door tops.

Unlike the Good Cat, which requires home charging infrastructure, the ORA 5 HEV eliminates range anxiety by operating as a conventional petrol vehicle that does not need to be plugged in, making it suitable for condominium dwellers without dedicated EV charging points.

Why Choose HEV Over EV in Malaysia?

Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) address practical limitations of fully electric vehicles (EVs) in the Malaysian context, including lack of home charging access and long-distance travel requirements. The ORA 5 HEV offers the low-speed refinement of an EV with the convenience of refuelling at any petrol station. EVs remain attractive for users who prioritise silent driving and have home charging facilities, according to the test drive analysis.

Factors supporting HEV choice in Malaysia include:

• No dependency on home charging equipment
• Ability to drive long distances without route planning around charging stations
• Immediate refuelling at existing petrol stations nationwide
• Elimination of charging time waiting periods

GWM Malaysia has confirmed the ORA 5 HEV will be CKD-assembled locally, which is expected to support the target pricing of under RM120,000. The model was displayed at the Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show (KLIMS) and the Global Automotive and Technology Expo (GATE) 2026, where GWM also showcased the HAVAL H7 Hi4 PHEV.

If GWM Malaysia achieves its under-RM120,000 price target for the CKD-assembled ORA 5 HEV, the model presents a compelling value proposition for Malaysian buyers seeking a hybrid crossover with distinctive design, strong torque output, and low running costs.

What Are the Cabin Features and Interior Quality?

The Thailand-specification ORA 5 HEV test unit featured a 10.25-inch digital instrument display and a 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and wireless charging. Standard ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) functions include Adaptive Cruise Control, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Keeping Assist, and Traffic Sign Recognition, with higher variants receiving additional features.

Interior observations from the test drive include:

• Design and layout presented a more premium appearance than the vehicle's class position
• Not all surfaces use soft materials; rear door top panels are hard plastic
• Seat cushions are notably soft, which may suit some users but could cause a feeling of sinking into the seat for others
• Premium feel derives more from design execution than premium materials throughout

Full Malaysian specifications have not been announced by GWM Malaysia, and final equipment levels may vary by variant and market.

The cabin of the GWM ORA 5 HEV presents a modern design with a large 14.6-inch infotainment screen, but uses hard plastics on some surfaces and soft seat cushions that may not suit all passengers.

Who Is This For in Malaysia?

The GWM ORA 5 HEV targets Malaysian buyers seeking a B-segment family crossover with the running cost benefits of a hybrid system, without the complexity of EV ownership. The target price of under RM120,000 positions it competitively, and the CKD status provides local assembly advantages. It suits drivers who regularly travel between states, such as Kuala Lumpur to Penang or Johor Bahru, where refuelling convenience is essential.

The ideal Malaysian buyer profile includes:

• Families living in condominiums or apartments without private EV charging facilities
• Drivers covering 20,000 km or more annually with highway usage
• Users who prefer the responsive acceleration of electric motors for city driving
• Buyers wanting distinctive design versus conventional rival crossovers

The vehicle operates on standard 240V electrical systems for auxiliary functions, consistent with Malaysian power standards, though no external charging is required. The hybrid battery is automatically managed without driver intervention.

For Malaysian urban families residing in stratified properties where EV charging installation is impractical, the ORA 5 HEV delivers fuel consumption figures comparable to the official claim, requiring only petrol station stops.

Common Questions

Does the GWM ORA 5 HEV need to be charged like an EV?

No. The ORA 5 HEV uses a 1.09 kWh battery that is charged automatically through regenerative braking and the petrol engine. The vehicle does not require external charging, which eliminates the need for home charging equipment or charging station access.

What is the actual fuel consumption in real-world driving?

During the Thailand media test drive, the ORA 5 HEV recorded 4.7 litres per 100 km (21.2 km/litre), close to the official claim of 4.4 litres per 100 km. This was achieved without eco-focused driving techniques, including highway speeds and hills.

When will the ORA 5 HEV launch in Malaysia and what will it cost?

GWM Malaysia plans to introduce the CKD-assembled ORA 5 HEV in 2026, with a target price under RM120,000. Final pricing and specifications have not been announced as of the test drive report date.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on a single primary source: the Careta test drive report of the GWM ORA 5 HEV in Thailand, written by Qalif Latif and published on 22 September 2026. The full source article is available at https://careta.my/article/pandu-uji-gwm-ora-5-hev-di-thailand-223-ps-476-nm-dan-penggunaan-petrol-44-liter100-km.

The original source was published in Bahasa Malaysia and has been translated into English (British spelling) for this article. All technical specifications, test drive observations, quoted statements, and market information are attributed directly to the Careta report. The test drive was conducted by media representatives in Thailand on routes from Bangkok to Chonburi and Pattaya.

Currency figures reflect Malaysian Ringgit (RM) as stated in the source. Power outputs are presented as both PS and horsepower as sourced. GWM Malaysia's announcements regarding CKD assembly, the 2026 launch timeline, and the under-RM120,000 price target are as reported by Careta. The source notes these details were previously presented at the Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show (KLIMS) and Global Automotive and Technology Expo (GATE) 2026.

This article was last updated in September 2026. Information specific to Malaysia was verified against the Careta source publication.