GWM ORA vs Abarth 500e
Two electric Hatchbacks go head to head. Which EV is the better buy for Australian drivers in 2026?
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 starts from $31,990 before on-road costs, while the Abarth 500e opens at $60,500. That makes the GWM ORA the more affordable entry point by $28,510.
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 $35,189 and $66,550 respectively.
Both models qualify for Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) exemption, which is a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases. Depending on your tax bracket, this can save $5,000-$15,000+ per year compared to an equivalent ICE vehicle.
Safety Rundown
The GWM ORA holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Abarth 500e.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The GWM ORA packs more ADAS features with 7 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 1 in the Abarth 500e.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the GWM ORA and 6 in the Abarth 500e. The GWM ORA adds a 360-degree camera that the Abarth 500e misses.
Feature Showdown
The GWM ORA features a 10.3-inch touchscreen, while the Abarth 500e gets a 10.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Abarth 500e counters with wireless charging and JBL audio that the GWM ORA does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The GWM ORA uses a Electric producing 126kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.8 seconds.
The Abarth 500e responds with a Electric making 113kW and 235Nm, paired to a single-speed automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7 seconds.
The GWM ORA has the clear power advantage at 126kW vs 113kW. In the real-world sprint, the Abarth 500e is 2.8s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 57.7kWh (GWM ORA) vs 42kWh (Abarth 500e), giving WLTP ranges of 347km and 253km. DC fast charging peaks at 80kW (GWM ORA) vs 85kW (Abarth 500e).
Space & Comfort
The GWM ORA measures 4,235mm long on a 2,650mm wheelbase, 562mm longer than the Abarth 500e at 3,673mm (2,322mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the GWM ORA generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 270L in the GWM ORA and 185L in the Abarth 500e, giving the GWM ORA a 85L advantage. The GWM ORA seats 5 vs 4.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.4m to 12.0m
Based on 12.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 9.4m 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) vs 3 years / 150,000km (Abarth 500e). The GWM ORA has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the GWM ORA 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 Abarth 500e if: You or prefer Abarth's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The GWM ORA takes 7 of 9 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the GWM ORA has a clear edge. The GWM ORA 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 and Abarth 500e?
The GWM ORA is the cheapest at $31,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Abarth 500e by $28,510.
Which has the longest driving range?
The GWM ORA has the most range at 430km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Abarth 500e accepts the highest DC charging at up to 85kW.
Which is safest?
The GWM ORA has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars.
Which has the most boot space?
The GWM ORA has the largest boot at 270L.
Which has the best warranty?
The GWM ORA has the longest warranty at 7 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The GWM ORA makes the most power at 126kW. The Abarth 500e is quickest to 100km/h in 7s.
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
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!
