Electric hatchback inspired by the classic VW Beetle receives a performance boost as GWM prepares to relaunch it under a revised naming lineup.
China’s Great Wall Motor (GWM) is preparing to relaunch its distinctive electric hatchback, the Ora Ballet Cat, with improved performance and a possible new identity.
Recent filings with Chinese regulators reveal that the updated model will receive a significant power increase and may be renamed Ora 6, aligning with the automaker’s evolving branding strategy.
The Ora Ballet Cat first entered the Chinese market in 2022, attracting attention for its retro-inspired design that closely resembles the iconic Volkswagen Beetle.
Featuring rounded body lines, prominent wheel arches, a nearly flat windshield, and a sloping roofline, the hatchback quickly earned the nickname “VW Beetle clone” among automotive enthusiasts.
Originally priced between 193,000 yuan and 223,000 yuan, the vehicle targeted female buyers with a range of unique features.
These included a dedicated “Lady Driving Mode,” which increases following distance for added safety, a built-in selfie camera, and a “Warm Man Mode” that automatically activates heating and air conditioning for enhanced comfort.
Despite its unconventional marketing approach and distinctive styling, the Ballet Cat struggled to gain traction in the competitive Chinese EV market.
Industry data indicates that cumulative deliveries totaled only 8,523 units between July 2022 and June 2026, making it one of the less successful models in GWM’s electric vehicle portfolio.
Nevertheless, GWM appears committed to keeping the model alive. Regulatory documents suggest the updated version could be renamed Ora 6, following the company’s move away from its cat-themed naming convention. The strategy began with the introduction of the Ora 5 and is expected to continue with the upcoming Ora 7 electric wagon.
While the exterior design remains largely unchanged, the biggest upgrade comes under the hood. The new Ora Ballet Cat is equipped with a QT36TZ220001 electric motor producing 150 kW (201 hp), compared with 126 kW (169 hp) in the current model. This 40-horsepower increase also boosts the car’s top speed from 155 km/h to 180 km/h.
The hatchback retains its dimensions of 4,401 mm in length, 1,853 mm in width, and 1,681 mm in height, along with a 2,750 mm wheelbase and 18-inch wheels. Power will continue to come from an LFP battery supplied by Svolt, although battery capacity details have not yet been disclosed.
The power upgrade could help improve the Ballet Cat’s appeal, particularly as demand for stylish electric vehicles with stronger performance continues to grow in China and international markets.