The Ora 07 will be the second model launched by GWM Malaysia under the Ora brand after the Good Cat. It is planned to be launched in the coming weeks and GWM Malaysia has just organized a preview of its upcoming flagship.

Two variants are announced to be arriving in Malaysia with bookings now open at all authorized GWM Malaysia showrooms. Early buyers will enjoy a 5-year free maintenance package (including parts and labour).

Prices will only be announced during the launch but both variants will be juiced up by an 83.5-kWh battery.

The base Ora 07 variant is powered by a single front-wheel driven motor that makes 204 PS and 340 Nm. Called the Long Range variant, it has a claimed 640 km driving range.

The next variant is called Performance and it has two motors on both axles (all-wheel drive). Combined, it has an output of 408 PS and 680 Nm with a claimed range of 550 km.

Meanwhile, 0-100 km/h in the Performance is possible in 4.3 seconds. GWM Malaysia remarked that Chinese media have reported the Performance variant is able to complete the century sprint from standstill in 4 seconds.

No doubt we will be up for the challenge when we get our hands on one for our review, so stay tuned.

Still, the units that were previewed for the media seemed to be the Long Range variant. These were noted by the all-black interior and 18-inch wheels which were standard on its Thai-spec equivalent.

Based on what we see in Thailand, the Malaysian-spec Performance variant could be equipped with 19-inch wheels as well as an optional brown interior.

Also read: Ora 07 launched in Thailand with price equivalent of RM 173k-200k, up to 408 PS/680 Nm & 600 km range

Aside from these, both the Long Range and Performance variants are well-specced. It might look like a shrunken Porsche Panamera at first glance, but the Ora 07 has its own unique personality.

The combination of retro and modern design might put some people off but if the Good Cat has shown, it seems that it will generate plenty of stares.

Also read: One week with the 2023 Ora Good Cat - Is Malaysia ready for the funkiest EV on sale?

The Ora 07 has a drag coefficient of 0.22 Cd which is aided by electronically-retractable door handles and an electric rear spoiler that can be deployed automatically at 70 km/h or set at rest.

Dimensionally, the Ora 07 measures similarly to a D-segment sedan like the Toyota Camry but its chief rival would definitely be the BYD Seal and Tesla Model 3.

If looks are the main factor, the Ora 07 could be the winner among the trio of electric sedans with its eye-catching retro looks and a dome glass panoramic roof that stretches all the way to the rear.

Inside, the Ora 07 shows a premium maturity standard compared to the Good Cat. Toggles and knobs are placed in the T-shaped centre console with individual controls for the air-conditioning including fan speed and temperature as well as drive mode.

With all the knobs placed in the middle, switching gears is now done via a stalk on the right side a la Mercedes-Benz. Compared to the exterior, the interior is not as eccentric nor is it as gimmicky as the Good Cat.

Sitting in the middle is a 12.3-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto while the driver display is a 10.25-inch unit that is divided into 3 small sections like a conventional car.

Despite the hatchback design, the Ora 07 has a conventional sedan trunk that is not connected to the rear glass which a part of the panoramic glass roof. The rear seats are fairly contoured for support and there is rear air-conditioning, a necessary feature for our climate.

The units previewed in Malaysia come equipped with an 11-speaker Infinity audio system. Three colours are offered – white, grey, and purple.

As for safety, the Ora 07 underwent rigorous testing including China’s first intense EV Rollover Challenge and Intersection Collision Challenge. Supported by a 360-degree camera and 12 ultrasonic sensors, the Ora 07 comes with a myriad of advanced safety features including AEB, intelligent ACC with stop and go, and Wisdom Dodge System (WDS).

Based on Thai variants, perhaps the Performance variant could feature self-parking assistance including Integration Intelligence Parking (IIP) and Automatic Reversing Assist.

While prices for the Ora 07 have yet to be announced, how much do you think it should cost? In Thailand, it starts from THB 1,299,000 (~RM 173k) which is slightly lower than the BYD Seal’s starting price of THB 1,325,000 (~RM 175k).

The BYD Seal which was launched in Malaysia starts from RM 179,800, so could the Ora 07 be slightly lower?

@wapcar_zamil Pencabar kepada BYD Seal dan Tesla Model 3 akan tiba tidak lama lagi!! #fypmalaysia #carmalaysia #carsoftiktok #learnontiktok #malaysia #reviewkereta #keretabaru #ora07 #gwmmalaysia #ev #elektrik #gwm #wapcar #kereta ♬ Beast Mode - ROKKA