KUALA LUMPUR:  It’s not often that a manufacturer has the courage to showcase their electric vehicle on the Sepang International Circuit. Most EVs are designed for regular roads, serving as practical transport for families and daily commutes. However, GWM Malaysia is confident in their product, which is why they invited the media to test out the GWM Ora 07 Performance variant at one of the world's most renowned racing circuits, famous for hosting Formula 1 cars.

Just a quick recap: the Ora 07 Performance variant was launched in April alongside the Long Range (LR) variant. Priced at RM189,800, about RM20k more than the Long Range variant, the Performance model includes several enhancements. It features two electric motors instead of one, providing all-wheel drive, a more premium tan interior, larger 19" alloy wheels (compared to the LR's 18"), and grippier Michelin Pilot Sport EV tyres instead of Hankook Ventus S1 EVO 3. Additionally, the Performance variant sports red calipers for a sportier appearance.

The most significant upgrade in the Performance variant is its power and all-wheel-drive system. It boasts double the power of the LR variant, with 408PS and 680Nm of torque compared to the LR's 204PS and 340Nm. According to GWM Malaysia's representative, the suspension too has also been tuned for a sportier drive, enhancing performance and cornering ability.

The larger wheels and grippier tyres further contribute to its sporty feel. The battery pack remains the same as the LR variant, with an 83.5 kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery. The trade-off for the extra performance is a reduction in driving range, with the LR variant offering 640km and the Performance variant providing 550km.

To assess the Performance variant’s capabilities, GWM Malaysia organized three activities for the media at the Sepang International Circuit: a slalom test, a 0-100km/h acceleration test, and a stop-and-brake maneuver test to simulate emergency braking scenarios. Also One of the main differences between the LR and Performance variants is a round knob on the steering wheel that activates Sport+ mode, which helps boost the car's performance.

During the slalom test, engaging Sport+ mode transformed the vehicle's handling from typical EV characteristics—fast acceleration but heavy and sluggish—to sharper and more responsive dynamics. It does make you want to drive the car harder, compared to when it was in normal mode as everything is dialed up.

The Performance variant also features launch control, absent in the LR variant and accessed through that sport round knob at the steering wheel . Engaging launch control is straightforward: press the Sport+ button, turn off the ESC on the main center screen, press the brake and accelerator pedals, and a notification on the meter cluster confirms that launch control is engaged. The Ora 07 Performance variant has a claimed 0-100km/h time of 4.3 seconds, and our tests confirmed this, with average times around 4.4 seconds.

In the brake maneuver and stop activity, the car demonstrated excellent traction control and braking capabilities, handling emergency maneuvers quite well. The test was set up on a straight section of the circuit with a series of cones arranged to simulate an obstacle that drivers might need to avoid in an emergency situation. The objective was to accelerate to a specified speed, in this case around 100 km/h, and then execute a sudden brake and swerve maneuver to avoid the cones, followed by an immediate hard left turn.

Since the GWM Ora 07 is not a thoroughbred race car, this activity was more about experiencing the fun factor of driving it on a high-performance track rather than achieving record lap times. The main focus was on how the car handles under spirited driving conditions, particularly how its traction control and handling characteristics come into play.

The car's traction control system proved to be highly effective, ensuring that the EV never got out of control, even during aggressive driving. This system continuously monitored and adjusted the power delivery to the wheels, preventing wheel slip and maintaining stability. As a result, the Ora 07 handled long, fast corners very well, giving drivers confidence in its capabilities.

However, as with any non-performance brake setup, there were some limitations. After a few laps, the brakes began to show signs of fade. Brake fade is a common issue in many cars when subjected to the intense, repeated braking that occurs on a race track. This happens because the brakes overheat and lose some of their effectiveness. Despite this, for the first couple of laps, the braking performance was solid, allowing drivers to enjoy the experience of navigating an ex Formula 1 certified track.

Deliveries of the Performance variant for those who have purchased the vehicle are set to start anytime now. For those who have booked it, rest assured that you won't be disappointed. The experience at the GWM event showed us just how fun this car can be. Whether you're driving it for daily commutes or taking it out for a spirited drive, the Performance variant offers a blend of excitement and practicality.

Even the Long Range (LR) variant of the Ora 07 is a car that brings joy to its drivers. With its impressive range and comfortable features, it’s designed to make every journey pleasant. You can read more about our detailed experiences with the LR variant in the road test section on our website coming soon. The LR variant provides a great driving experience, and we like how that it has quirky looks.

The GWM Ora 07, in both its Performance and Long Range variants, continues to surprise us with its capabilities and features. It has gradually won our hearts, thanks to its advanced technology, comfortable interiors, and overall driving dynamics. However, it’s important to note that the car’s aesthetics can be polarizing. Some people love its unique look, while others may not find it as appealing. But for us, the standout features, quirky looks and enjoyable driving experience far outweigh any concerns about its appearance.

If you’re looking to save a bit of money and stand out from the crowd, the GWM Ora 07 is definitely worth considering. It offers a unique combination of style, performance, and value that sets it apart from other vehicles in its class. Whether you choose the Performance or Long Range variant, you're getting a vehicle that is not only fun to drive but also packed with the latest technology and features.

Also Read:  GWM ORA 07 Performance Variant arriving end of June