GWM Ora reveals Lightning Cat executive saloon

Chinese manufacturer Great Wall Motors has unveiled its second model due for UK drivers, with the Lightning Cat premium saloon due to arrive in 2024.

Although the name is yet to be confirmed, the Lightning Cat badge is used in China, and would link to the Funky Cat hatchback, which was launched in the UK last year.

Ora is an electric-only sub-brand of one of China’s largest automotive manufacturers, GWM, and with the VW ID.3 rivalling Funky Cat already available to lease, the new saloon is expected to challenge the likes of the Hyundai Ioniq 6 and Tesla Model 3 when it arrives.

The interior is very different to the more accessible Funky Cat, with a projecting centre console below a large central touchscreen system. The driver’s instruments sit in three round pods - one of many design touches that are inspired by Porsche products - and the steering wheel is a three-spoke design, rather than the Funky Cat’s two spokes, all shifting the model up-market.

The all-important range and charging information are not confirmed for Europe yet, though in China the Lightning Cat achieves a range of more than 400 miles on a charge thanks to an 83.5 kWh battery and slippery shape. Expect that to be closer to 300 miles over here.

A dual-motor system produces around 400hp, for a 0-62mph time of less than five seconds, although a single-motor model is expected over here too, which will help reduce the leasing rental price. We’ll get you further details closer to the car’s launch.