GWM ORA EV: Retro chic meets electric revolution
Crafted by designers with Porsche and BMW experience, the Ora EV has a delightful mix of classic European city car vibes with a futuristic twist. Inside, it offers two-tone Alcantara seats with white faux leather and a panoramic sunroof
Electric vehicles (EVs), particularly the recent ones from China, are recognised through their futuristic and minimal design. However, the GWM ORA EV has taken a completely different route to stand out.
If you've ever wondered what would happen if a Volkswagen Beetle and a Fiat 500 had an electrified lovechild with a pinch of Porsche DNA, well, this is what you get with an ORA EV. Also named the "Good Cat" in some markets, this Chinese EV merges retro aesthetics with modern tech, resulting in a car that's as quirky as it is surprising. For this issue of Wheels, Ace Autos provided us with one to take out for a spin.
Crafted by engineers with Porsche and BMW experience, the Ora EV has a delightful mix of classic European city car vibes with a futuristic twist. The round projection LED headlights and curvy silhouette give off a charming retro feel, while the two-tone paint scheme—ours was green with a white roof—just adds to the old-school cool factor.
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Despite having a retro theme, it is equipped with 18-inch 5-spoke alloys wrapped in 215/50 Giti tires, incorporating a sporty touch. The rear light bar on the other hand, cleverly hidden behind the rear windshield, makes it look like a concept car during day time. While I like how unconventional the rest of the car is, I feel like not having the taillight visible was a bit too ambitious.
Step inside however and the ORA EV throws a curveball. From the outside, one would expect a tiny nonfunctional interior to provide homage to the European hatchbacks. In reality however, what the Ora offers is downright plush. The green Alcantara seats with white faux leather accents feel premium, and the chrome details add a touch of elegance. Honestly, the interior wouldn't look out of place in a posh European car.
At the centre of the dash is a sleek dual-screen setup—one for infotainment and another as the digital instrument cluster. The centre console features only the parking brakes and a regulator like gear knob. It's tactile, but feels a little out of sync with the rest of the car's retro aesthetic.
The rest of the interior however, is top-notch. For instance, the front features power-adjustable memory seats, wireless charging, and USB ports.
Rear passengers get properly bolstered seats, generous legroom, central armrest and headspace, even after a panoramic sunroof as it doesn't extend till the rear. Yet, it perfectly serves its role of illuminating the interior to make it feel roomier than it is.
However, what lacks in spaciousness is the Ora's trunk space. One can barely fit two medium-sized suitcases at best. Thus, while it might not be the best vehicle for a road trip, it could easily contend for the quirkiest commuter on the road.
Inside, the Ora EV packs a 126 kW front-mounted electric motor that can generate up to 250 Nm of torque. Thus, while it will be slightly faster than other mundane commuters, its 0-100 km/h dash of about 8.3 seconds won't blow minds.
When driving the Ora EV, the acceleration felt more than adequate for Dhaka's roads. Like other EVs, the torque delivery is instant but the accelerator requires quite a bit of initial push. Perhaps it's for safety measures.
The lane-keep assist was a bit overenthusiastic, especially for Bangladesh's chaotic roads. On the bright side, the 360-degree camera is brilliant—it pops up automatically whenever you indicate or go into reverse, making tight spots a breeze. Although, for a vehicle of such dimensions and commendable viewing angle, it is little overkill yet good to have.
Braking is solid, though regenerative braking in 'Auto' mode is a tad aggressive—lift off the throttle, and the car slows dramatically. Thankfully, you can choose from Standard, Sport, Eco, and Auto drive modes to tweak the experience.
The locally available Ora EV comes with the global top-spec 63 kWh battery which stretches the Ora's range up to 500 km. With Bangladesh's stop-and-go traffic, it should be lower. Yet, charging is painless—an 11 kW AC charger tops it up in 5-6.5 hours, while an 80 kW DC fast charger can get it from 10% to 80% in around 41-47 minutes.
Priced at Tk50 lakh, the ORA EV isn't catered towards buyers of value-for-money vehicles. Yet, considering Ora's premium feel, it undercuts other pricier EVs. It isn't trying to be a high-performance EV—it's a stylish, well-equipped city car with personality. The blend of retro looks, modern tech, and premium materials makes it stand out in a sea of forgettable electric hatchbacks.
The Ora EV is the only one of its kind and there isn't any other model which directly competes with this in our local market. For anyone buying the Ora EV, Ace Auto promises a 4-year/150,000 km vehicle warranty and an 8-year/150,000 km warranty on the power battery, drive motor, and motor controller.
Specifications
Motor: Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor
Max. Power: 171 bhp
Max. Torque: 250 Nm
Range: 500 km
Price: Tk 50 Lakh
