GWM Ora 5 vs Renault Koleos

What's the difference?

GWM’s second attempt at launching the Ora brand in Australia seems much better planned than the first.

While the electric Ora hatchback wasn’t expensive, divisive styling and some messy ergonomics plagued what felt like an undercooked model both in terms of dynamics and packaging.

So this, the 2026 GWM Ora 5 SUV, is ‘take two’.

It arrives with similar pricing but updated tech, more features and an Australian ride and handling tune.

Can this ensure GWM’s cutesy electric car brand is taken seriously and help it catch up to its cousins Haval, Tank and Cannon?

We drove a Flamingo Pink example from inner-Melbourne out into the scenic Yarra Valley for its Australian launch to find out.

There’s no shortage of models to choose from if you’re after a family-friendly medium SUV. The problem is, it might take a while to get your hands on one, with lengthy wait times for some of the best sellers due to current delays caused by a global parts shortage and supply chain dramas.

But there are a handful of models with healthy stock in dealerships right now and available for immediate delivery. One of them is the Renault Koleos. 

It's coming to the end of its life cycle and lacks the shine of some of its fresher rivals, but it’s a lot of car for the money. 

We spent a week with the limited edition Koleos Black Edition to see if it is worth a trip to your Renault dealer, or if you should sit tight and wait for one of its newer rivals.