Great Wall Motors’ (GWM) ORA has revealed a 400PS premium electric vehicle (EV) saloon car destined for UK car showrooms.
Set to go on sale in Q1 2024, the IM Group-imported brand is taking its time in naming the follow-up to the Ora Funky Cat, however, with the new zero-emissions model yet to receive an official moniker.
Although its UK specification is also yet to be confirmed, a statement issued by GWM Ora said that it was “likely” that it would be capable of delivering an electric range of over 300 miles (WLTP) and offer both 2WD and 4WD powertrain options.
Performance projections for the range-topping versions suggest a 400PS output – alongside 680NM of torque – that will result in a claimed 0-62mph time of just over 4.4 seconds.
GWM ORA UK managing director Toby Marshall said: “The reveal of our next premium electric vehicle in the UK is a really momentous occasion for the brand.
“It signals the high level of commitment and investment from GWM ORA to establish itself as a leader in multiple segments across the UK.”
He added: “We always knew our first model, ORA Funky Cat, was just the start. There are lots more exciting things to come.”
Last month AM published a GWM Ora brand profile interview with Marshall in which he detailed the brand’s ambitions for the UK market.
Following its early appointment of AM100 car retail businesses including Chorley Group, Lookers, Peter Vardy and Wessex Garages as partners, Marshall said it hoped to reach 16 locations by the end of this year as sales of its electric vehicles (EVs) begin to gain ground.
While there is no official pricing or specification for GWM Ora’s next model yet, the premium EV saloon is already on sale in China and has been since late 2022.
As part of a promotional initiative to launch the new vehicle, GWM Ora has said that the first 10 customers to place reservations will receive limited edition concept art of the new model and a bottle of champagne in a branded display box upon handover of their new vehicle.
A pre-production show vehicle displayed at Fully Charged Live will now be used to conduct localised tests ahead of its launch later this year, it said.
The vice-president of GWM ORA Europe, Mr Yao, said: “I am delighted we are making such good progress in the UK market with the ORA Funky Cat and the GWM ORA brand.
“The reveal of our next premium EV showcases that we are serious about our role in the UK market, offering customers fantastic quality products with high levels of specification.”