GWM ORA 5 vs Volkswagen T-Cross

The GWM ORA 5 starts from $30,900 before on-road costs, while the Volkswagen T-Cross opens at $34,990. That makes the GWM ORA 5 the more affordable entry point by $4,090.

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 $33,990 and $38,489 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 Volkswagen T-Cross, as a petrol model, does not qualify.

ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.

How long each takes to charge — from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC — estimated from battery size and max charge rates.

The GWM ORA 5 features a 14.6-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Volkswagen T-Cross gets a 8-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The GWM ORA 5 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and V2L that you will not find on the Volkswagen T-Cross. The Volkswagen T-Cross counters with Apple CarPlay and wireless charging. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the GWM ORA 5 gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Volkswagen T-Cross offers cloth.

The GWM ORA 5 uses a Electric producing 150kW and 260Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8 seconds.

The Volkswagen T-Cross responds with a Petrol making 85kW and 200Nm, paired to a auto driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.2 seconds.

The GWM ORA 5 has the clear power advantage at 150kW vs 85kW. In the real-world sprint, the GWM ORA 5 is 2.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The GWM ORA 5 measures 4,471mm long on a 2,720mm wheelbase, 363mm longer than the Volkswagen T-Cross at 4,108mm (2,563mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the GWM ORA 5 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 362L in the GWM ORA 5 and 385L in the Volkswagen T-Cross, giving the Volkswagen T-Cross a 23L advantage.

For towing, the Volkswagen T-Cross leads with a 1,100kg braked capacity vs 750kg. That 350kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

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 (Volkswagen T-Cross). The GWM ORA 5 has longer coverage.