China's GWM is creating an electric vehicle that resembles the Beetle, and it somehow appears more appealing.
The Volkswagen Beetle may no longer be available, but one of its most apparent spiritual successors is not ready to fade away just yet. Chinese manufacturer Great Wall Motor (GWM) is set to reintroduce the Ora Ballet Cat, its retro-designed electric hatchback that has often been likened to the classic Beetle. This time around, the company hopes that enhanced performance and a new identity will achieve what clever marketing could not.
A report from Car News China indicates that recent regulatory filings in China show the Ora Ballet Cat is getting a more powerful electric motor, a higher maximum speed, and might even change its cat-inspired name. This update comes as competition in China’s electric vehicle market intensifies, compelling manufacturers to reconsider products that previously stood out only for their aesthetic appeal.
While GWM is primarily recognized internationally for brands like Haval, Tank, and Ora, it has quietly established itself as a key player in the global electrification scene. The company also runs Spotlight Automotive, a 50:50 joint venture with BMW Group, which manufactures the latest MINI Cooper Electric and MINI Aceman models in China, providing GWM with valuable experience in producing premium electric vehicles for international markets.
According to the regulatory documents reported by CarNewsChina, the updated Ballet Cat preserves all the features that make it easily recognizable. Characteristics such as rounded LED headlights integrated into the front fenders, prominent wheel arches, ample chrome detailing, a gently sloped roofline, and a nearly upright windshield continue to evoke the classic Volkswagen Beetle profile. The filings also indicate various customization options, including different bumper finishes, body trim pieces, wheel designs, and exterior badges.
The most significant enhancement is found beneath the exterior. The revised model replaces its 126kW (169hp) electric motor with a new 150kW (201hp) unit, increasing the output by approximately 40 horsepower. The top speed is boosted from 155km/h to 180km/h, making the quirky hatchback substantially more capable in terms of performance. It still rides on 18-inch wheels and measures 4,401mm in length, 1,853mm in width, and 1,681mm in height, with a 2,750mm wheelbase, utilizing an LFP battery from GWM's subsidiary SVOLT, though the battery capacity remains unspecified.
Regulatory documents also hint that GWM might rename the model to Ora 6, moving away from its longstanding cat-themed naming convention. This change would align it with newer models like the Ora 5 and the forthcoming Ora 7.
A bold venture receives another chance
The launch of the Ora Ballet Cat in 2022 was not just another electric hatchback introduction. GWM marketed it as a lifestyle-oriented EV targeted mainly at female consumers, equipping it with features not commonly found in other vehicles in the industry. Among these were the Lady Driving Mode, which automatically adjusts the distance from other cars to reduce driving stress; a built-in selfie camera; and the much-discussed Warm Man Mode, which activated cabin heating and cooling with a single tap for enhanced comfort during menstruation. Whether regarded as considerate or contentious, these features contributed to the Ballet Cat's status as one of the most talked-about EVs in China.
Regrettably for GWM, this attention did not translate into sales. According to China EV DataTracker, total deliveries were only 8,523 units between July 2022 and June 2026, making the Ballet Cat one of Ora’s lowest-selling models.
Upon its release in China in 2022, the Ora Ballet Cat was priced between 193,000 yuan and 223,000 yuan (approximately $28,480 to $32,905), positioning it as a reasonably priced option for a feature-rich electric vehicle. It combined its retro Volkswagen Beetle-like design—with rounded wheel arches, an upright windshield, and a gently sloping roofline—with an extensive list of comfort and safety features aimed at differentiating itself in China's competitive EV market.
The competitive pricing was complemented by well-rounded specifications. Buyers could select between 401km and 500km CLTC driving ranges, and even the base model came equipped with Level 2 driver assistance (ORA-Pilot), making the Ballet Cat quite well-equipped for its price upon launching in 2022.
Instead of abandoning the project, GWM seems to be adopting a more pragmatic approach. The revised Ballet Cat retains the nostalgic styling that made it distinctive while addressing one of its primary drawbacks: performance. With the combination of a refreshed brand image and the company’s advancing expertise in EV production, this update indicates GWM still sees potential for a retro-inspired electric hatchback in a crowding marketplace.
The refreshed Ora Ballet Cat is anticipated to debut in China later this year after securing regulatory approval. Whether the added horsepower will finally convert curiosity into sales remains uncertain, but GWM is clearly betting that nostalgia still holds plenty of appeal.
China's GWM is creating an electric vehicle that resembles the Beetle, and it somehow appears more appealing.
GWM has enhanced its Beetle-inspired Ora Ballet Cat by equipping it with a more powerful electric motor, increasing its top speed, and potentially giving it a new name in anticipation of the EV's relaunch.