BMW i4 vs GWM ORA 5

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

We hold no ANCAP data for the GWM ORA 5. With no pair of ratings to compare, the active-safety features in the spec table above are the fairer comparison.

Recalls on our record

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

Charging times

How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to a DC fast charger, estimated from battery size and the car's own maximum charge rates.

Feature Showdown

The BMW i4 features a 14.9-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the GWM ORA 5 gets a 14.6-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The BMW i4 stands out with head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats, power tailgate and Harman Kardon audio — features our data doesn't list for the GWM ORA 5. The GWM ORA 5 counters with V2L. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the BMW i4 gets sensatec synthetic leather upholstery while the GWM ORA 5 offers synthetic leather. Climate control is 2-zone in the BMW i4 and 1-zone in the GWM ORA 5.

Drivetrain

The BMW i4 uses a Electric producing 210kW and 400Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6 seconds.

The GWM ORA 5 responds with a Electric making 150kW and 260Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8 seconds.

The BMW i4 has the clear power advantage at 210kW vs 150kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the BMW i4 is 2.0s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Battery: 67kWh (BMW i4) vs 58.3kWh (GWM ORA 5), giving WLTP ranges of 527km and 435km. DC fast charging peaks at 180kW (BMW i4) vs 120kW (GWM ORA 5).

Space & Comfort

The BMW i4 measures 4,783mm long on a 2,856mm wheelbase, 312mm longer than the GWM ORA 5 at 4,471mm (2,720mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW i4 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 470L in the BMW i4 and 362L in the GWM ORA 5, giving the BMW i4 a 108L advantage.

For towing, the BMW i4 leads with a 1,600kg braked capacity vs 750kg. That 850kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the GWM ORA 5's turning circle is 0.2 m tighter, 10.9 m against 11.1 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, electricity for the BMW i4 costs about $778 a year (16.2 kWh/100km) and electricity for the GWM ORA 5 about $773 a year (16.1 kWh/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. That is $5 a year less for the GWM ORA 5.

Warranty: 5 years / unlimited km (BMW i4) and 7 years / unlimited km (GWM ORA 5).

Where each one leads

The BMW i4: more power (210kW against 150kW), the bigger boot with the seats up (470L against 362L) and the higher braked towing limit (1,600kg against 750kg).

The GWM ORA 5: the longer warranty (7 years against 5) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($773 a year against $778).

The Verdict

BMW i4 scores higher, 73 vs 72

The BMW i4 scores 73 to the GWM ORA 5's 72 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 6 of the 10 spec rows that separate them. The biggest gaps: value (GWM ORA 5 ahead by 23 points), performance (BMW i4 ahead by 23 points), safety (BMW i4 ahead by 15 points). At 15,000 km a year, electricity for the GWM ORA 5 costs about $5 less (16.1 kWh/100km against 16.2 kWh/100km, at 32c a kWh). Boot space with the seats up: 470L in the BMW i4, 362L in the GWM ORA 5. Warranty: 5 years on the BMW i4, 7 on the GWM ORA 5.

Common questions