Image: Great Wall MotorGreat Wall has been active in Europe for several years, but its performance in the region has so far been disappointing. Even the rebranding in late 2023, which consolidated the Ora and Wey brands (the latter for hybrid SUVs) under GWM as the main brand, failed to deliver the anticipated boost. Extensive discount campaigns for the battery-electric compact car Ora 3 only marginally improved sales figures.In response, Great Wall unveiled a new expansion strategy last October. This strategy will see GWM expand its offerings to include not only battery-electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids but also internal combustion engines and full hybrids – as well as the introduction of the pure SUV brand Haval to Europe.For electric cars, however, the Ora sub-brand remains. In November, Ora introduced its first new model in two years: the GWM Ora 5 (initially also referred to as the Ora 05). A European launch is now confirmed: the 4.47-metre-long compact SUV will debut in the European and German markets this summer, as announced by the German distribution company. Additional body styles, including hatchback and estate models, are set to follow. Great Wall stated that this approach aims to address diverse usage scenarios and customer needs.This strategy extends to the powertrain lineup, as the Ora 5 will differ significantly from the purely battery-electric Ora 3. Alongside the BEV version, which features a 58.3 kWh battery for a WLTP range of 435 kilometres, the SUV will also be available as a full hybrid and a pure internal combustion engine vehicle.To compete in the highly competitive compact SUV segment, the Ora 5 will offer ‘high interior comfort, optimised noise insulation, an extended warranty, advanced safety systems, and materials selected for sustainability and a pleasant tactile experience’ for the European market. While GWM’s announcement does not provide further details about the electric powertrain, it highlights features such as the distinctive design plus the GWM operating system, Coffee OS.Pricing for the Ora 5 – as an internal combustion engine, hybrid, or electric vehicle – has yet to be disclosed for Europe. However, the company emphasises the model’s ‘durability and reliability’. “The powertrain is covered by a 7-year or 150,000-kilometre warranty. The battery comes with an 8-year or 160,000-kilometre warranty,” Great Wall states.gwm-motor.de (DE)