The GWM Ora 03 300 Super Luxury marks a significant milestone in the South African electric vehicle (EV) market. As the entry-level model in the Ora range and the most affordable EV in the country, priced at R686 950, it offers a blend of affordability, design, and advanced technology aimed at making electric mobility accessible to a broader audience.

The GWM Ora 03 300 Super Luxury stands out with its unique design, blending old-world charisma with modern aesthetics. The exterior features distinctive round headlights, a teardrop shape, and a streamlined side profile, which together create an eye-catching look. The tailgate design adds a unique touch, setting it apart from other EVs on the road.

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Inside, the cabin is impressively spacious despite the car’s compact dimensions, comfortably accommodating five occupants. The use of high-quality, vegan-friendly materials and meticulous attention to detail is evident. The interior boasts two 10.25-inch touchscreens integrated into the front panel, providing an intuitive and modern interface for all vehicle functions. Standard features include a rotary-style gear selector, Apple CarPlay (with Android Auto compatibility coming soon), a wireless phone charger, and leatherette seats.

Performance and Driving Experience

Powered by a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor, the GWM Ora 03 300 Super Luxury delivers 126 kW and 250 Nm of peak torque to the front wheels. This setup enables the vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in a claimed 8.4 seconds, providing a brisk and responsive driving experience ideal for urban commuting.

However, the real-world driving range falls short of the claimed figures. While GWM states a range of up to 310 km (WLTP cycle) for the 48kWh lithium-ion phosphate battery, real-world usage suggests a more modest range of around 250 km. This discrepancy could be a concern for potential buyers prioritizing range.

Charging the Ora 03 300 Super Luxury is convenient with the availability of home charging solutions through the GWM connectiveCARE program. A 7kW home charging wallbox solution is offered by GWM’s 20 dedicated ORA dealers across the country. Recharging from 10% to 89% using a 64kW DC charger takes approximately 50 minutes, while a complete recharge with an 11kW AC charger takes around 5.5 hours.

In terms of cost efficiency, the Ora 03 proves to be economical. With an electricity rate of R3.50 per kWh for AC home charging, the cost to fully charge the vehicle ranges from R170 to R250. This results in a cost-per-kilometre of approximately R0.40, significantly lower than that of petrol and diesel cars.

Safety and Technology

The GWM Ora 03 300 Super Luxury excels in safety, achieving a five-star rating from the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP). It boasts comprehensive safety features, including multiple airbags, ABS, EBD, Traction Control, Electronic Stability Control, and advanced driver-assistance systems like Traffic-Sign Recognition, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Lane-Keeping Assist.

The GWM Ora 03 300 Super Luxury offers an attractive entry point into the EV market with its affordable pricing, stylish design, and a suite of modern technologies. While its real-world range may be a bit disappointing compared to the claimed figures, it remains a compelling option for those looking to make the shift to electric mobility in South Africa. Its cost efficiency, safety, and design make it a noteworthy contender in the affordable EV segment.