Review: 2024 GWM Ora 07 Long Range Ultra - This quirky EV is the alternative you didn't see coming

To be frank, if you're shopping for a sedan EV under RM200k in Malaysia, you might initially think your choices are limited to the BYD Seal and Tesla Model 3. But is that really all there is? Not quite. Enter the GWM Ora 07 Long Range, a compelling alternative that stands out, especially if you want to be different and save an extra RM10k.

Introduced in April alongside its Performance variant, the GWM Ora 07 Long Range comes with a price tag of RM169,800. While some may hesitate at the thought of spending that much on a GWM, the model’s features, build quality, and unique charm more than justify its cost.

A First Encounter

My first encounter with the GWM Ora 07 Long Range was at its preview event. The room buzzed with a mix of skepticism and curiosity. Journalists and auto enthusiasts alike circled the car, jotting down notes and snapping pictures. The Ora 07 sat there, gleaming under the showroom lights, its design a blend of retro and futuristic cues. At first glance, it was hard to place—was it trying too hard, or was it just right?

As I approached, I couldn't help but notice the attention to detail in its design. The smooth lines, the quirky yet elegant headlights and taillights, and the bold front end all combined to create a distinctive look that set it apart from the sea of other EVs. It wasn't just another cookie-cutter sedan; it had personality. Still, i walked away undecided about its looks and even at its launch i was unsure. 

The Design Journey

The GWM Ora 07 Long Range is actually head-turner, good or bad, there's no doubt about it. Initially, during its various previews and launch event, we had mixed feelings about its aesthetics. However, having it for a few days, seeing it up close and in person has a way of changing perceptions.

The Ora 07 Long Range boasts a distinctive look that sets it apart from the usual sedan EVs on the road. Its sleek, modern lines and quirky yet charming design elements make it unique. Many people have commented on how striking it looks, often stopping to ask questions and compliment its appearance. This car proves that unconventional design can be both attractive and functional.

The front end of the Ora 07 boasts a bold, slightly retro design with large, round headlights that impart a distinctive character. Its smooth, flowing body lines exude elegance, while the rear end presents a unique, classic look with rounded angles reminiscent of luxury British cars from the old days. It’s a design that becomes more appealing the longer you look at it, offering a refreshing departure from the conventional, making it a standout on the road.

Under the Hood: Specifications and Performance

Under the hood, or rather the floor, the GWM Ora 07 Long Range is equipped with a single front electric motor that delivers adequate performance. While it might not seem impressive on paper, with figures that don’t quite match up to the Tesla Model 3 or BYD Seal, the driving experience tells a different story. The Ora 07 Long Range offers a smooth and responsive ride, with acceleration that is more than sufficient for daily driving and even some spirited highway runs.

The electric motor in the Ora 07 Long Range produces 204 horsepower and 340 Nm of torque. This allows the car to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in around 7.9 seconds. It’s not a blistering pace, but it’s more than enough for most driving situations. The car feels lively and agile, especially in city driving, where the instant torque from the electric motor provides quick and effortless acceleration.

Battery Size and Range

One of the standout features of the GWM Ora 07 Long Range is its battery size and range. The vehicle comes with a substantial 83.5 kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery pack that offers a generous range, ensuring that you can travel long distances without constantly worrying about recharging. Specifically, the Ora 07 Long Range boasts an impressive range of up to 640 km on a single charge under optimal conditions. Considering its price, this range is more than competitive with other EVs in its class and makes the Ora 07 Long Range a practical choice for both city commutes and longer journeys.

Charging the Ora 07 is incredibly convenient, thanks to its compatibility with fast chargers. With a DC fast charger, you can recharge the battery from 30% to 80% in just 32 minutes, benefiting from 88 kW of DC fast charging. For home charging, an overnight session using a standard AC charger will fully charge the battery, ensuring you're ready to go the next morning. This flexibility in charging options makes the Ora 07 a perfect fit for your daily routine, whether at home or on the road. Plus, with a range of up to 640km, you could easily get away with charging it just once a week!

Safety First

Safety is a crucial aspect of any vehicle, and the GWM Ora 07 Long Range does not disappoint in this regard. The car is equipped with a suite of advanced safety features designed to protect both the driver and passengers. These include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Additionally, the vehicle’s build quality and sturdy construction add an extra layer of security, making it a reliable choice for safety-conscious buyers.

The adaptive cruise control system is particularly impressive, maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle ahead and adjusting the speed as necessary. The lane-keeping assist gently steers the car back into its lane if it starts to drift, while the blind-spot monitoring system alerts you to any vehicles lurking in your blind spots. These features work together to provide a reassuring level of safety, making every journey in the Ora 07 that much more enjoyable.

If you find the lane-keeping assist too intrusive, as it can sometimes push you back to the center of the lane when changing lanes without signaling, you can easily adjust its settings. You have the option to either switch it off completely or set it to a reduced mode, making it less noticeable and more comfortable for your driving style.

Behind the Wheel: Driving Experience

Driving the GWM Ora 07 Long Range is a pleasant experience, albeit with a few caveats. The ride quality can be a bit bumpy, particularly on uneven road surfaces, which might be a downside for some. However, this is balanced by the vehicle’s excellent handling. The EV feels nimble and responsive, making it a joy to drive in various conditions. The steering is precise, and the car’s low center of gravity, thanks to the battery placement, ensures stable and confident cornering.

On winding roads, the Ora 07 handles well considering its weight. The suspension setup, while a bit firm, provides excellent control and minimizes body roll. The regenerative braking system also adds to the driving experience, allowing for smooth deceleration and even helping to recharge the battery.

It takes a bit of getting used to, but once you do, it adds a new dimension to driving an electric vehicle. But, if you're not keen on that regen feeling, you can always switch it to Wellness driving mode, as that allows the car to cruise normally like any conventional car when you're off the accelerator pedal.

Interior Comfort and Features

Step inside the GWM Ora 07 Long Range, and you'll be welcomed by a stylish, well-designed interior. The cabin features modern aesthetics and high-quality materials throughout.

One of the standout features is the panoramic glass roof, which extends from the middle of the roof to the back, creating an airy and open feel for rear passengers. This large glass panel not only enhances the interior ambiance but also offers a unique view of the sky, adding to the car’s charm. However, it's worth noting that the rear seating area, while visually appealing, may feel a bit tight compared to the car's exterior size.

The seats are both comfortable and supportive, offering ample adjustments to help you find the perfect driving position. The 12.3-inch infotainment display, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, may not be the most intuitive initially, but it is packed with features such as navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, and a premium sound system. With a bit of use, navigating the system becomes straightforward.

The climate control system effectively keeps the cabin at a comfortable temperature, regardless of the weather outside. One of the standout yet occasionally frustrating features is the air vents. They can oscillate side to side or up and down, but adjusting the air direction to a specific area requires using the infotainment screen, as there are no physical buttons or sliders for this function. While many EVs offer similar features, sometimes nothing beats the simplicity of a quick air flow adjustment via traditional sliders.

Boot Space

Boot space in the GWM Ora 07 Long Range is somewhat limited, but still adequate for most needs.

The trunk offers enough room for daily essentials and the occasional shopping trip, though it might fall short if you’re planning a long trip with lots of luggage. However, the practicality of the boot space shouldn’t deter potential buyers, as the overall package offered by the Ora 07 Long Range is compelling.

The rear seats can be folded down to increase cargo space, providing additional flexibility when you need to carry larger items. There are also several storage compartments throughout the cabin, including a spacious glovebox and door pockets, ensuring that you have plenty of places to store your belongings.

A Final Verdict

In conclusion, if you’re not keen on driving a “vanilla” looking car and prefer something with character and classic looks, the GWM Ora 07 Long Range is a fantastic option. It combines unique design, adequate performance, impressive range, and a suite of safety features in a package that stands out in the EV market. While it has a few minor drawbacks, such as the bumpy ride and limited boot space, these are outweighed by its numerous strengths.

The GWM Ora 07 Long Range proves that you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a stylish, well-equipped, and capable electric sedan. It’s a car that challenges preconceptions and offers a refreshing alternative to more conventional choices like the Tesla Model 3 and BYD Seal. So, if you’re in the market for an EV under RM200k in Malaysia, the GWM Ora 07 Long Range deserves serious consideration. It’s a vehicle that promises not just transportation, but a unique and enjoyable driving experience.

GWM Ora 07 Long Range Specifications

• Drivetrain: Single motor FWD
• Power output: 204 PS
• Torque: 340 Nm
• 0-100 km/h: 7.9 seconds
• Battery:83.5 kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) 
• Range (NEDC): 640 km
• AC charging rate: 11 kW
• DC charging rate: 88 kW
• DC charging speed: 30-80% SoC in 32 minutes
• Price: RM 169,800