New GWM Ora saloon is China’s Hyundai Ioniq 6 rival

• 400bhp dual-motor model expected
• Over 300-mile range
• Upmarket interior

GWM Ora’s next car to come to the UK will be an electric saloon to rival the Tesla Model 3, Hyundai Ioniq 6 and Volkswagen ID.7. It will be the second model to be released by the brand in the UK, following the GWM Ora Funky Cat supermini, and is yet to be named.

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The rounded headlights, all-round cutesy look and smooth, aerodynamic shape takes cues from the Ora Funky Cat. However, the rear styling differs from the brand’s first UK model, with a rear light bar replaced by a set of oval tail lights and active aero spoiler reminiscent of the first-generation Porsche Panamera. The electric saloon also gets a panoramic roof that blends seamlessly into the rear window, in a move that should provide rear occupants with plenty of light.

The Ora saloon’s interior looks upmarket in photos, with a 10.3-inch touchscreen sitting atop the centre of the dashboard, however, it’s not as large as the Tesla Model 3’s setup. Instead of a rectangular screen in front of the driver, the instrument cluster is made up of three circular displays mimicking a more traditional analogue setup.

A large floating centre console leading down from the infotainment screen bisects the saloon’s interior – this is wrapped in leather and aluminium, and the plush-looking leather seats get a massage function and heating and cooling up front.

The Chinese brand has not yet revealed powertrain specs for the UK car, but the saloon is already sold in its home country as the ‘Lightning Cat’ where it’s powered by an 83.5kWh battery and 400bhp dual-motor setup, propelling it from 0-62mph in just 5.5 seconds. A more affordable rear-wheel drive single motor version could also be offered in the UK, and the car is expected to have a range of over 300 miles. 

It’s expected to go on sale in Spring 2024, but keen buyers can put in a reservation right now. Pricing is yet to be revealed, but with GWM Ora a relative newcomer to Europe and the UK, the company has hinted that the model will be priced competitively against brands like Tesla, Hyundai and Kia in order to get a greater foothold in the market.

What does it mean for car buyers?

Although we think Ora’s Funky Cat supermini is one of the best small EVs you can buy, Chinese brands often struggle to strike a chord with more conservative UK buyers, and this is somewhat down to strange naming conventions. Ora has been tight-lipped about what its upcoming electric saloon will be called over here, but it’s expected to lose the ‘Lightning Cat’ nameplate in favour of something more tangible. Rumours suggest Ora could adopt a number-based naming system, and call the saloon the ‘Ora 07’, possibly also renaming the Funky Cat the ‘Ora 03’.
 

Want to see how GWM Ora’s first UK car went down with us? Read our in-depth review…