GWM Ora 03 Pro 2024 Review: Stylish City EV, Practical Limits

The GWM Ora 03 Pro enters the competitive electric hatchback market with bold styling and premium-feeling interiors, but recent updates fail to fully address fundamental limitations in practicality, driving dynamics, and tech usability. Priced competitively, it aims to challenge established players like the MG4 and Volkswagen ID.3, yet real-world testing reveals a mixed picture.

Eye-Catching Design That Turns Heads

The Ora 03 Pro stands out immediately with its retro-futuristic cat-like face, featuring slim LED headlights and a distinctive front grille area. The body lines blend smooth curves with angular accents, giving it a playful yet premium vibe. Rear taillights form a full-width light bar, and unlocking triggers an animated sequence that adds whimsy. Available in vibrant colors, it appeals to buyers seeking something unconventional in the EV segment.

Build quality appears solid at first glance, with flush panel gaps and a low stance. However, 18-inch alloys on the Pro+ trim fill the arches neatly, enhancing its stance. While the exterior delights, it doesn’t fully translate to everyday usability, as we’ll explore.

Luxurious Cabin Packed with Features

Step inside, and the Ora 03 Pro impresses with high-grade materials like soft-touch plastics, leatherette upholstery, and rubberized finishes that avoid cheapness. Dual 10.25-inch screens dominate the dashboard—one for instruments, one for infotainment—offering crisp graphics and responsive touch controls. Voice commands function reliably for navigation and climate adjustments.

Front seats are supportive with heating, ventilation, and massage functions on the Pro+, paired with a heated steering wheel. Ambient lighting and a panoramic sunroof elevate the mood. Rear space accommodates tall adults comfortably, with good legroom and headroom. Door bins are generously sized, and a fold-out armrest includes cupholders, though no load-through hatch exists.

• Premium leatherette and soft materials throughout
• Twin screens with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto (recently added)
• Massage seats and sunroof on Pro+
• Ample rear legroom for class
• Wireless charging and 360-degree cameras standard

Performance and Range: Adequate but Not Class-Leading

A 169bhp electric motor drives the front wheels, delivering 0-62mph in around 8 seconds. Low-speed acceleration feels leisurely, but it picks up briskly above 30mph without drama. Efficiency hovers around 3-4 miles per kWh in mixed driving, realistic for urban use.

The Pro+ model’s 63kWh battery claims 260 miles WLTP range, while Pure+ offers 193 miles from 48kWh. Real-world figures drop to 200-220 miles for Pro+ in varied conditions. Charging from 15-80% takes 45-48 minutes on 64kW DC rapids, with 7kW AC home charging in 7 hours.

Compared to rivals, the MG4 SE achieves 281 miles cheaper, and ID.3 up to 357 miles. The Pro+ upgrade costs £3,000 extra, justifiable for range alone.

Driving Experience: Fun in Town, Flawed Elsewhere

Urban driving suits the Ora best—light steering, compact dimensions, and cameras aid parking. Suspension absorbs larger bumps decently, but it gets unsettled over potholes or cat’s eyes. Higher speeds reveal wallowy handling and vague feedback, lacking the poise of a MG4 or ID.3.

Safety systems like lane-keeping are intrusive, requiring menu tweaks to dial back. No adjustable regen braking persists across modes, frustrating one-pedal driving fans. Ride comfort is good for passengers, but drivers note fidgetiness on B-roads.

Practicality Letdowns: Boot and Tech Hiccups

Despite rear space, the boot disappoints at 228 liters—smaller than rivals’ 300+ liters. The high floor and odd shape limit versatility; folding seats expand to 1,600 liters but leave a step. No hatch for skis adds inconvenience.

Infotainment shines visually but navigation glitches and menu depth frustrate. Beta software promises fixes, including CarPlay/Android Auto, now rolling out. Physical controls help, but driver displays could be clearer.

Trims, Pricing, and Ownership Costs

Starting at £32,000 for Pure+, £35,000 for Pro+. Both include LED lights, adaptive cruise, and parking aids. Pro+ adds luxury touches. Seven-year/80,000-mile warranty and free servicing beat many. Road tax exempt until 2025, then standard EV rates. Insurance groups 20-25 keep premiums reasonable.

Rivals: MG4 cheaper with better range/dynamics; ID.3 more refined but pricier.

Real-World Ownership Insights

Long-term tests cover 4,000 miles over months, praising comfort and style but noting tech niggles and range anxiety on motorways. Efficiency holds in winter, and home delivery appeals to urban buyers. Updates improve software, but hardware flaws linger.

Pros and Cons at a Glance

• Pros: Stylish design, premium interior, loaded spec, decent urban range
• Cons: Tiny boot, so-so handling, intrusive safety tech, average efficiency

Who Should Buy the Ora 03 Pro?

Ideal for city dwellers prioritizing looks and gadgets over boot space or dynamic drives. Families or motorway users may prefer MG4 or ID.3. As GWM’s first UK EV, it shows promise but needs refinement.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What’s the real-world range of the GWM Ora 03 Pro+?

Expect 200-220 miles in mixed driving, less in cold weather or highways.

Does it have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?

Yes, via recent over-the-air updates on both trims.

How fast does it charge?

15-80% in 48 minutes on 64kW DC; full charge in 7 hours on 7kW AC.

Is the interior spacious?

Front and rear seats offer good space, but boot is limited at 228 liters.

What’s the warranty?

Seven years/80,000 miles, with capped-price servicing.

Verdict: Promising but Not Perfect

The 2024 Ora 03 Pro refines tech and range, making it a quirky, value-packed EV. However, practicality gaps and driving compromises prevent it from toppling rivals. Worth a test for style seekers.