GWM has revealed plans to bolster its Australian SUV lineup with the introduction of the Jolion Max and Ora 5 Plus in the first quarter of 2027, alongside other forthcoming models such as the Ora 5 hatchback, which are currently in development.
Enhancing the mid-size SUV segment
At the Australian launch of the Haval H7, Dennis Tito, product planning specialist for GWM Australia and New Zealand, discussed the brand’s strategy with local media, highlighting the role of new models in expanding the mid-size SUV range.
“The H7 won’t be doing all the heavy lifting alone. That support will come from the upcoming Jolion Max and the Ora 5 Plus, both due to arrive in the first half of 2027, with the SUV range closed out at the current H6 and also the H6 GT that’s already in market,” Tito said.
Tito’s comments show GWM’s efforts to diversify its mid-size SUV offerings, providing customers with a broader range of options.
Technical specifications for the Jolion Max
The Jolion Max and Ora 5 Plus will be offered in both fully electric and plug-in hybrid configurations, catering to a variety of customer preferences.
Dimensions for the Jolion Max, as outlined in local type approval documents, indicate a length of 4590mm, a width of 1877mm, and a height of 1675mm, positioning it between the GWM Haval Jolion and the Haval H6 in terms of size.
In plug-in hybrid form, the Jolion Max features a two-wheel drive powertrain consisting of a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 110kW, a 130kW electric motor, and a two-speed dedicated hybrid transmission.
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The fully electric variant of the Jolion Max, also with two-wheel drive, is equipped with a 150kW electric motor, providing a distinct alternative to the plug-in hybrid model.
Pricing expectations
Based on current pricing for the Haval Jolion and Haval H6, it is anticipated that the Jolion Max will occupy a middle ground in terms of pricing, potentially starting around $40,000 – $44,000 driveaway.
The Ora 5 Plus, essentially a wagon-bodied variant of the Ora 5 SUV, is expected to be positioned above the Ora 5 SUV in terms of pricing, which currently ranges from $33,990 to $36,990 driveaway.
Future Ora 5 variants
Local type approval documents have also revealed details of an Ora 5 hatchback, which is understood to be part of GWM’s plans for the Australian market in 2027.
The Ora 5 Hatch measures 4471mm in length, 1833mm in width, and 1559mm in height, distinguishing it from the Ora 5 SUV and the original Ora hatchback in terms of dimensions.
Like the SUV version, the hatchback features a 150kW electric motor driving the front wheels, with investigations underway into the potential use of a different battery size for this variant.
A full hybrid SUV variant has also been approved for sale locally, featuring a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine and a 140kW traction motor. However, GWM has elected to stick with an electric-only powertrain for the Australian market for this variant.
