The EV Revolution Just Got Affordable
If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to jump into electric vehicles without breaking the bank, today’s your lucky day. GWM’s all-new ORA 5 SUV has officially landed in New Zealand, and it’s turning heads for all the right reasons, including the price tag.
Let’s cut straight to it, you’re looking at entry-level pricing from just $36,990 RRP + ORC for the Lux model, with the Ultra variant kicking off at $39,990 RRP + ORC. In a market where EV pricing has historically made buyers wince, that’s genuinely refreshing news.
Why The Timing Is Perfect
Strong demand has been building since the ORA 5’s April unveiling, and now that first shipments have arrived, GWM dealers across the country are preparing to get these vehicles into showrooms within days. Prospective buyers can already book test drives with their local dealer, no more waiting around.
What’s driving this enthusiasm? The ORA 5 brings greater size, capability, and gravitas to the ORA nameplate while reinforcing GWM’s focus on delivering affordable, technology-led electric mobility. It’s the full package: genuine SUV practicality wrapped up in an all-electric package that won’t drain your savings account.
The Real Story Behind GWM’s EV Ambitions
Here’s what really matters, GWM isn’t just throwing another EV at the market and hoping something sticks. According to NZTA data, GWM is already New Zealand’s 3rd biggest PHEV brand and 4th biggest for hybrid. With the ORA 5 leading the charge, the company is positioning itself to become one of the country’s biggest EV brands and strengthen its position as a true leader in the New Energy Vehicle space. As GWM ANZ Chief Operating Officer John Kett explained: “The philosophy at GWM is quite simple, to give more New Zealanders access to smarter, safer and better-equipped vehicles at a price they can afford, and the ORA 5 certainly meets that criteria.”
What This Means For Kiwi Drivers
The ORA 5 arrives at exactly the right time for buyers increasingly looking towards value-led electrified options to help manage rising living costs. It’s not just about environmental credentials anymore, it’s about real-world affordability. GWM’s 20-strong dealer network has been looking forward to this launch for some time, expecting the combination of a fully electric powertrain in a stylish SUV body style to hit the sweet spot for many EV buyers. If pre-launch interest is any indication, they might be onto something.
Tarmac Takeaway
The ORA 5 SUV represents a genuine shift in New Zealand’s EV market. With strong sales momentum expected from launch, this could very well become one of GWM’s core volume models as the company continues to increase market share and build towards its ambition of a Top 5 sales position in the country. If you’ve been on the fence about going electric, this could very well be your moment.
