New GWM ORA saloon packs Tesla performance | GRR
One of the more striking cars to debut in the UK last year was the GWM ORA Funky Cat, an all-electric hatch with cutesy styling befitting its name. It caused quite a stir, with precisely zero opinions on it falling on the fence. Now, it’s got a bigger saloon sibling that, while it’s yet to be named, hasn’t gotten more serious than the Funky Cat. It’s still a curvy, bubbly thing that’s going to get people talking.
Described as a premium saloon, GWM Ora references Tesla, Hyundai and Kia directly in claims about the pricing and specification it anticipates for this new model. What about those looks? Well, it’s not a traditional three-box, that’s for sure. It combines a derivation of the Funky Cat’s face, with a swooping roofline that curves all the way down to the back. Dare we say it, it’s somewhat Panamera-esque, or even reminiscent of the Bugatti 16C Galibier concept of 2009.
The Bugatti Comparisons continue on the inside too, believe it or not. The tanned leather and alloy accents are all very ‘French hyper GT’, as is the minimal oval central stack that’s sort of Chiron, sort of Carrera GT, especially with the instrument binacle being reminiscent of the latter’s too… Obviously, the dash-mounted infotainment screen is a departure from the supercar influences, being a bit more ‘Audi’. Good lord, we can’t even believe ourselves making these comparisons. Obviously, quality and materials won’t be to a six- and seven-figure standard but you have to admit, the design is strangely exotic. What are they playing at here?
In terms of tech specs, it’ll be pretty serious too, with those Tesla, Kia and Hyundai references not going amiss. Range ought to be over 300 miles on the WLTP testing schedule, with 2WD and 4WD versions said to be offered. The 4WD car should produce around 400PS (294kW) and 680Nm (502lb ft), with a 0-62mph time of 4.4 seconds. Multi-colour ambient lighting and a large panoramic glass roof are said to be standard in that strangely exotic cabin, too.
Orders are due to open during the Fully Charged Show, where the car got its physical debut. GWM ORA also plans to offer more versions of the Funky Cat later this year too, with more luxuries and a bigger battery option on the way. So what do you think of this new GWM ORA? We didn’t expect Bugatti-meets-Tesla from the proprietors of the Funky Cat but here we are.