GWM ORA 5 vs MINI Cooper
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The GWM ORA 5 starts from $33,990 before on-road costs, while the MINI Cooper opens at $41,990. That makes the GWM ORA 5 the more affordable entry point by $8,000.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $37,389 and $46,189 respectively.
The GWM ORA 5 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The MINI Cooper, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
Both the GWM ORA 5 and MINI Cooper hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 92% for the GWM ORA 5 and 89% for the MINI Cooper.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 6 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the GWM ORA 5 and 9 in the MINI Cooper.
Feature Showdown
The GWM ORA 5 features a 14.6-inch touchscreen, while the MINI Cooper gets a 9.4-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The GWM ORA 5 stands out with V2L that you will not find on the MINI Cooper. The MINI Cooper counters with head-up display, wireless charging and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the GWM ORA 5 gets leatherette upholstery while the MINI Cooper offers synthetic leather / cloth.
Drivetrain
The GWM ORA 5 uses a Electric producing 150kW and 260Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout.
The MINI Cooper responds with a Petrol Turbo making 115kW and 230Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.9 seconds.
The GWM ORA 5 has the clear power advantage at 150kW vs 115kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The GWM ORA 5 measures 4,471mm long on a 2,720mm wheelbase, 595mm longer than the MINI Cooper at 3,876mm (2,495mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the GWM ORA 5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 362L in the GWM ORA 5 and 210L in the MINI Cooper, giving the GWM ORA 5 a 152L advantage. The GWM ORA 5 seats 5 vs 4.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.7m diameter
Good
Based on 10.7m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (GWM ORA 5) vs 5 years / 999,999km (MINI Cooper). The GWM ORA 5 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the GWM ORA 5 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer GWM's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the MINI Cooper if: You or prefer MINI's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The GWM ORA 5 takes 5 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the GWM ORA 5 has a clear edge. The GWM ORA 5 adds peace of mind with a longer 7-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, GWM ORA 5 and MINI Cooper?
The GWM ORA 5 is the cheapest at $33,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the MINI Cooper by $8,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The MINI Cooper uses the least fuel at 6.2L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — GWM ORA 5 and MINI Cooper all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The GWM ORA 5 has the largest boot at 362L.
Which has the best warranty?
The GWM ORA 5 has the longest warranty at 7 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The GWM ORA 5 makes the most power at 150kW.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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