GWM Malaysia has taken another step towards expanding its local hybrid SUV line-up with the first locally assembled unit of the GWM ORA 5 Hi2 HEV rolling off the production line at EP Manufacturing Bhd’s (EPMB) facility in Melaka. The milestone brings the compact hybrid SUV closer to its Malaysian debut, which is scheduled for November 2026.

Bookings have been open nationwide since 5 October, with the model carrying an estimated starting price of below RM115,000. The ORA 5 Hi2 HEV arrives as GWM Malaysia celebrates its fourth anniversary in the country, marking another addition to the brand’s growing locally assembled portfolio.

Under the bonnet, the GWM ORA 5 Hi2 HEV combines a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor, producing a combined output of 223 PS and 476 Nm of torque. Power is channelled through a two-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT), which is designed to deliver responsive performance while maintaining fuel efficiency.

GWM claims fuel consumption can be as low as 4.4 litres per 100 km, while the SUV offers a total driving range of more than 1,100 km. As a conventional hybrid, the ORA 5 Hi2 HEV does not require external charging, making it a potential option for buyers who want some of the efficiency benefits of electrification without depending on charging infrastructure.

Beyond its powertrain, the ORA 5 has also collected several international accolades. It received the Design of the Year award at the 2025 London Design Awards, becoming the first production car to earn the distinction. The model subsequently picked up the Best Interior Design Award (Family Car) at TADA 2026, recognising its cabin design and emphasis on comfort, functionality and everyday practicality.

Its hybrid credentials have also received recognition through a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for the lowest fuel consumption driving to all directly administered municipalities in China by a hybrid electric-powered production SUV. During the 3,004 km journey, the GWM ORA 5 HEV recorded an average fuel consumption of just 3.74 litres per 100 km.

The first locally assembled ORA 5 Hi2 HEV fulfils GWM Malaysia’s localisation commitment announced at the Global Automotive and Technology Expo (GATE) 2026. It joins the locally assembled HAVAL H6 HEV and WEY G9 Hi4 PHEV and HEV, further expanding the manufacturer’s production activities in Malaysia.

GWM has assembled more than 10,000 vehicles locally to date. Its manufacturing operations have also supported regional exports, with over 1,100 Malaysia-assembled WEY G9 units shipped to Thailand and Indonesia. The addition of the ORA 5 Hi2 HEV therefore represents more than just another model entering local production, as it also contributes to Malaysia’s position within GWM’s regional manufacturing network.

According to Stan Li Hao, Managing Director of Commercial Operations at GWM Malaysia, the start of local assembly marks an important milestone ahead of the SUV’s market introduction. He said the combination of performance, efficiency, design and practicality is intended to offer customers more from a compact hybrid SUV.

GWM Malaysia Chief Operating Officer Roslan Abdullah added that local assembly plays an important role in making the brand’s latest technologies more accessible to Malaysian buyers. The company’s localisation strategy is built around four areas: Locally Built, Locally Operated, Locally Cultivated and Supply Chain Integrated.

While the ORA 5 Hi2 HEV takes centre stage, GWM Malaysia is also marking its fourth anniversary with a series of promotions and customer activities under the theme “GROW WITH MALAYSIA: Together We Grow. Together We Go.” One of the highlights is an exclusive grand lucky draw, where customers purchasing any GWM vehicle in November or December 2026 will stand a chance to win an all-new ORA 5 Hi2 HEV. The winner is scheduled to be announced in January 2027.

Separate monthly lucky draws will also take place in November and December, with a combined prize pool worth up to RM100,000 across both months. For customers considering a new GWM model, year-end promotions will include financing rates starting from as low as 0.08%, benefits worth up to RM17,000, insurance and trade-in support, extended warranties and complimentary maintenance. Actual benefits will vary depending on the model.

GWM Malaysia will also organise Open House Weekenders at dealerships nationwide, offering visitors opportunities to experience the vehicles through test drives, activities and additional rewards. The anniversary celebrations will extend to the model range, with special editions of the HAVAL H6 HEV and TANK 500 receiving distinctive black finishes, selected exterior enhancements and additional convenience features through telematics technology. Equipment and connected functions will differ between models.

With local assembly now underway and bookings already open, the GWM ORA 5 Hi2 HEV is shaping up to be one of the brand’s key additions for the Malaysian market towards the end of 2026. Its estimated price of below RM115,000, combined output of 223 PS and claimed fuel consumption of 4.4 litres per 100 km, could make it an interesting proposition in the increasingly competitive hybrid SUV segment.

However, prospective buyers will have to wait until the official November launch for confirmation of its final pricing, Malaysian-market specifications and ownership packages. For now, the first locally assembled unit signals GWM Malaysia’s continued efforts to expand its product offering while increasing its manufacturing presence in the country.