GWM to triple EV lineup with Ora 5 Touring and Jolion Max SUV

GWM is set to significantly expand its battery-electric vehicle lineup in New Zealand, confirming the Ora 5 Touring and Haval Jolion Max EV are both destined for local showrooms.

Days after announcing plans to launch eight new models this year, the brand has shared new details about its expanding lineup.

The two new battery-electric models will join the recently launched Ora 5 SUV, expanding GWM's EV lineup in New Zealand from one to three models as part of a broader product offensive.

Speaking at the New Zealand launch of the Ora 5, GWM head of go-to-market and product planning Samuel Milkins said the company is in the final stages of getting the larger Ora 5 Touring here.

"I'm hoping to get the Ora 5 Touring to New Zealand very soon," said Mr Milkins.

"Maybe early 2027."

While the Ora 5 is billed as a small SUV, the Ora 5 Touring moves up in dimensions to the mid-size SUV class. The final production version is expected to measure 4758mm long, 1833mm wide, and 1630mm tall, making it similar in size to New Zealand's best-selling EV, the Tesla Model Y.

The Touring will also feature a larger 71.7kWh battery pack, compared with the Ora 5's 58.3kWh unit.

Mr Milkins also revealed GWM is evaluating a plug-in hybrid version of the Touring alongside the battery-electric model.

The second new EV will be the Haval Jolion Max EV, which will slot between the existing Jolion and H6 SUVs in the local lineup.

GWM Australia and New Zealand general manager of marketing and communications Steve Maciver has previously confirmed the Jolion Max will be offered across the Tasman with both battery-electric and hybrid powertrains.

"The Haval Jolion Max increases the size over the current Jolion, and we'll offer BEV and hybrid within that particular model as well," said Mr Maciver.

Measuring 4590mm long, 1877mm wide, and riding on a 2710mm wheelbase, the Jolion Max is slightly larger than its petrol and hybrid namesake currently on sale in New Zealand.

The battery-electric Jolion Max is expected to share much of its drivetrain with the Ora 5, pairing a 58.3kWh battery with a front-mounted electric motor producing 150kW of power and 375Nm of torque.

GWM Australia has already confirmed the Jolion Max will launch during the fourth quarter of 2026, suggesting a New Zealand arrival is likely around the same time.

Final pricing and specifications for both models are expected to be announced this quarter, ahead of their arrival between the fourth quarter of 2026 and early 2027.