GWM ORA vs MINI Cooper
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Hatchbacks 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 starts from $31,990 before on-road costs, while the MINI Cooper opens at $41,990. That makes the GWM ORA the more affordable entry point by $10,000.
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 $35,189 and $46,189 respectively.
The GWM ORA 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 and MINI Cooper hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 92% for the GWM ORA and 89% for the MINI Cooper.
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 6 in the MINI Cooper.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the GWM ORA and 9 in the MINI Cooper. The GWM ORA adds a 360-degree camera that the MINI Cooper misses.
Feature Showdown
The GWM ORA features a 10.3-inch touchscreen, while the MINI Cooper gets a 9.4-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The MINI Cooper counters with head-up display, wireless charging and ambient lighting 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 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 has the clear power advantage at 126kW vs 115kW. In the real-world sprint, the MINI Cooper is 1.9s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The GWM ORA measures 4,235mm long on a 2,650mm wheelbase, 359mm longer than the MINI Cooper at 3,876mm (2,495mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the GWM ORA generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 270L in the GWM ORA and 210L in the MINI Cooper, giving the GWM ORA a 60L advantage. The GWM ORA seats 5 vs 4.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.7m 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 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) vs 5 years / 999,999km (MINI Cooper). 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 MINI Cooper if: You or prefer MINI's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The GWM ORA takes 4 of 6 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 MINI Cooper?
The GWM ORA is the cheapest at $31,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the MINI Cooper by $10,000.
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 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 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 MINI Cooper is quickest to 100km/h in 7.9s.
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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