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BMW i3s vs GWM ORA ORA 03 (2022-2024)
Selected trim120Ah · 2018-22177 mi · 42.2 kWh · £37,670
Selected trimFunky Cat First Edition · 2022-24Change trim193 mi · 48 kWh · £30,495
At a glance
In this comparison, BMW i3s leads on city driving, while the GWM ORA ORA 03 leads on value for money, motorway range and running costs.
Which should you choose?
Choose the BMW i3s if...
- you drive in the city - it's compact with an excellent turning circle
Choose the GWM ORA ORA 03 (2022-2024) if...
- you want the most for your money - best overall spec per pound
- you do long motorway journeys - it has the best estimated real-world range at speed
- you want the lowest running costs - from just 2.1p per mile on off-peak electricity
How we reached the recommendation
Verdict
Our take
The GWM ORA ORA 03 leads in the most categories, but each car here has its strengths.
ValueGWM ORA
BMW
2.9
GWM ORA
4.9
Motorway RangeGWM ORA
BMW
2.1
GWM ORA
3.5
Family
BMW
4.9
GWM ORA
5
Too close to call
Cost Per MileGWM ORA
BMW
3.4
GWM ORA
4.8
City DrivingBMW
BMW
8.1
GWM ORA
6.5
What each car does better
See the specification differences behind the verdict, with supporting figures for each advantage.
Key specifications
Compare the key specifications for your selected trims.
| Measure | BMW i3s120Ah | GWM ORA ORA 03Funky Cat First Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £37,670 | £30,495 (better) |
| Official range | 177 miles | 193 miles (better) |
| Boot space | 260 L (better) | 228 L |
| 10-80% rapid charge | 42 min (better) | 43 min |
| 0-62 mph | 6.9 sec (better) | 13.4 sec |
Size Comparison
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BMW i3s
GWM ORA ORA 03
Length
BMW i3s4,006mm-229mm
GWM ORA ORA 034,235mm
Width
BMW i3s1,791mm-34mm
GWM ORA ORA 031,825mm
Height
BMW i3s1,590mm-13mm
GWM ORA ORA 031,603mm
Space, size & parking
Parking & manoeuvring
Compare exterior dimensions to assess how each car fits UK parking spaces.
| Measure | BMW i3s120Ah | GWM ORA ORA 03Funky Cat First Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 4,006 mm | 4,235 mm |
| Width (mirrors folded) | 1,791 mm (better) | 1,825 mm |
| Width with mirrors out | 2,028 mm | Not available |
| Height | 1,590 mm | 1,603 mm |
| Turning circle | 9.9 m (better) | 11.2 m |
| Clearance in a standard bayA standard UK parking bay is 2,400 mm wide. | 609 mm spare (better) | 575 mm spare |
People & luggage
Compare seating, child-seat mounting points, boot space and towing capacity.
| Measure | BMW i3s120Ah | GWM ORA ORA 03Funky Cat First Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 4 | 5 (better) |
| ISOFIX child-seat points | 2 | 2 |
| Boot space (seats up) | 260 L (better) | 228 L |
| Boot space (seats down) | 1100 L (better) | 858 L |
| Towing capacity (braked) | Not available | 0 kg |
Full specifications
| Specification |  BMW i3s 120Ah |  GWM ORA ORA 03 Funky Cat First Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4.01m | 4.24m+229mm |
| Width | 1.79m | 1.82m+34mm |
| Width (mirrors) | 2.03m | Not available |
| Height | 1.59m | 1.60m+13mm |
| Wheelbase | 2.57m | 2.65m+80mm |
| Ground Clearance | 154mm | Not available |
| Capacity | ||
| Boot (seats up) | 260L (better) | 228L |
| Boot (seats down) | 1100L (better) | 858L |
| Seats | 4 | 5 (better) |
| Practicality | ||
| Turning Circle | 9.9m (better) | 11.2m |
| Kerb Weight | 1,340kg (better) | 1,540kg |
| Electric | ||
| Battery | 42.2kWh | 48kWh (better) |
| Range (WLTP) | 177 mi | 193 mi (better) |
| Max DC Charge | 50kW | 64kW (better) |
| Pricing | ||
| UK MSRP | £37,670 | £30,495 (better) |
| Details | ||
| Body Style | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Available | 2018–2022 | 2022–2024 |
Range & charging
Range, charging & battery
Check official and estimated driving range alongside charging speeds, efficiency and battery technology.
| Measure | BMW i3s120Ah | GWM ORA ORA 03Funky Cat First Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Official range (WLTP) | 177 miles | 193 miles (better) |
| Estimated motorway rangeEVcarsguide estimate at sustained motorway speed. | 118 miles | 160 miles (better) |
| 10-80% rapid charge time | 42 min (better) | 43 min |
| Max rapid charge rate | 50 kW | 64 kW (better) |
| Home AC charging | 11 kW (better) | 6.6 kW |
| Energy consumption | 166 Wh/km | Not available |
| Usable battery capacity | 37.9 kWh | 48 kWh (better) |
| Battery chemistry | NMC | LFP |
| Battery architecture | 400V | Not available |
| Heat pump | Not standard | Not standard |
Driving & everyday use
Performance & drivetrain
Compare acceleration, power and drivetrain specifications for the selected trims.
| Measure | BMW i3s120Ah | GWM ORA ORA 03Funky Cat First Edition |
|---|---|---|
| 0-62 mph | 6.9 sec (better) | 13.4 sec |
| Power | 135 kW (better) | 126 kW |
| Torque | 270 Nm (better) | 250 Nm |
| Drivetrain | RWD | FWD |
Watch the reviews
Watch selected video reviews here, or visit each model page for the full collection.
Reviews and videos discuss each model overall; the specifications above apply to your selected trims.
Prices & deals
New and used prices
Current pricing and recent used-market behaviour.
| Measure | BMW i3s120Ah | GWM ORA ORA 03Funky Cat First Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Used market price from | £12,260 | £9,535 |
| Average used price | £15,600 | £10,340 |
Used prices are indicative figures gathered from independent UK dealer listings and change frequently.
Calculate your real costs
For a useful running-cost comparison, factor in your mileage, charging access and current petrol or diesel car alongside the EV estimate.
Compare with petrol or diesel
Compare purchase price, energy, road tax and maintenance with a petrol or diesel alternative.
Calculate company-car tax
Work out monthly Benefit-in-Kind using current and future HMRC rates.
Cost per mile
Compare EV charging costs per mile with petrol and diesel using your charging options.
Check a lease quote
Assess the effective monthly cost alongside the list price and expected depreciation.
Safety & ownership confidence
Euro NCAP - BMW i3s 120Ah
Tested 2013
Adult Occupant86%
Child Occupant82%
Vulnerable Road Users57%
Safety Assist55%
Full result on euroncap.com (opens in new tab)
Euro NCAP - GWM ORA ORA 03 Funky Cat First Edition
Tested 2022
Full result on euroncap.com (opens in new tab)
Warranty
Check the published battery warranty cover for each selected trim.
| Measure | BMW i3s120Ah | GWM ORA ORA 03Funky Cat First Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Battery warranty | 8 years | 8 years |
| Battery warranty distance | 160,934 km | 160,934 km |
What owners say
Aggregated from UK owner forums and communities - the things you only learn after living with the car.
Shared watch-outs for both cars
Owners of every car here flag real-world range. Worth checking on a test drive whichever you choose.
BMW i3s
120Ah
Owners love
- Excellent handling and engaging driving dynamics with quick steering response and instant torque, making it fun and responsive around town
- Outstanding reliability on 2019+ models, with many owners reporting 60k-100k+ miles with no major faults
- Impressive acceleration performance despite modest power output, competitive with much larger vehicles from 0-40 mph
Watch out for
- Real-world range significantly lags advertised figures, particularly in winter (100-120 miles realistic versus 150+ claimed), limiting journey flexibility
- Limited battery capacity on older models restricts longer journeys and requires careful trip planning
- Range Extender adds substantial weight, reduces EV range, and produces loud engine noise with modest fuel efficiency (34 mpg)
Owner tips
- Target 2019+ models with 42 kWh battery for better reliability and range; avoid pre-2015 models and early Range Extender variants
- Install a dedicated home fast charger rather than relying on standard sockets—essential for convenient daily charging and cost savings
GWM ORA ORA 03
Funky Cat First Edition
Owners love
- Owners like the interior, which feels well put together.
- The range estimate is accurate down to the last few per cent.
- It is comfortable at 70 mph.
Watch out for
- Real range on the 48 kWh car is about 110 to 150 miles, less on the motorway and in winter.
- Several owners have had the charging-port locking pin stick, which stops the car charging or releasing the cable.
- One owner reported repeated loss-of-drive faults the dealer could not find.
Owner tips
- Learn where the emergency release cable for the charging port is.
- Check the 12V battery first if the car throws intermittent faults.
Buying options
Get a quote
BMW i3s
Used on AutoTraderLease deals
GWM ORA ORA 03
Used on AutoTraderLease deals
Frequently asked questions
Is the BMW i3s worth the extra £7,175 over the GWM ORA ORA 03?
The BMW i3s costs £7,175 more than the GWM ORA ORA 03. For that premium it adds a 6.5s quicker 0-62mph time. The GWM ORA ORA 03 is not just cheaper - it also offers 1 more seat (5 versus 4). On EVcarsguide's combined category scores, the GWM ORA ORA 03 comes out ahead overall.
Which is cheaper to own over 5 years, the BMW i3s or the GWM ORA ORA 03?
The GWM ORA ORA 03 is £7,175 cheaper to buy. Running costs are almost identical - about £168 a year either way, at 8,000 miles on an off-peak home tariff. Add 5 years of charging and the GWM ORA ORA 03 comes out roughly £7,255 cheaper overall. These figures cover list price and home charging only - insurance, servicing, tyres and depreciation will move the real total.
What are the BMW i3s and GWM ORA ORA 03 like on a long motorway trip?
EVcarsguide estimates a real-world motorway range of about 118 miles for the BMW i3s and 160 miles for the GWM ORA ORA 03 - both below their WLTP figures, because sustained high speed is the hardest case for an EV. The GWM ORA ORA 03 goes roughly 42 miles further between charging stops. Both rapid-charge to 80% in a similar time, around 42-43 minutes.
Which is easier to park and drive in town, the BMW i3s or the GWM ORA ORA 03?
The BMW i3s is the easier car for tight UK car parks: it is 34 mm narrower than the GWM ORA ORA 03. In a standard 2,400 mm bay that leaves about 609 mm of total clearance for the BMW i3s and about 575 mm of total clearance for the GWM ORA ORA 03. The BMW i3s also turns in a 1.3 m tighter circle, which helps with U-turns and multi-storey ramps.
Which battery will hold up better as a used buy, the BMW i3s or the GWM ORA ORA 03?
Over a 8-year ownership window EVcarsguide's degradation model projects roughly 84% battery health for the BMW i3s and 90% for the GWM ORA ORA 03. That gives the GWM ORA ORA 03 a modest edge in retained real-world range. The GWM ORA ORA 03's LFP-type pack tolerates daily 100% charging, while the BMW i3s's NMC-type pack lasts longest kept to about 80% for everyday use. Both batteries carry a 8-year manufacturer warranty.
Go deeper on each car
Visit the full model pages for owner feedback, expert reviews, used prices and battery-health information.
Compare against other rivals
Compare similarly sized and priced electric cars before finalising your shortlist.
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See both cars in our rankings
EVcarsguide scores every verified EV on price, range, family use and running costs. Here is where this pair appears.
Where the BMW i3s and GWM ORA ORA 03 rank among EVs under £40,000Where the BMW i3s and GWM ORA ORA 03 rank among the best motorway EVsWhere the BMW i3s and GWM ORA ORA 03 rank among the best city EVsWhere the BMW i3s and GWM ORA ORA 03 rank among the cheapest EVs to runWhere the BMW i3s and GWM ORA ORA 03 rank among EVs with the biggest bootsWhere the BMW i3s and GWM ORA ORA 03 rank among Best Used Electric Cars Under £10,000 (UK)
If neither is quite right
Explore other verified electric cars that may better suit the priorities this pair does not meet.
Further reading
Explore buying and ownership guides to help you choose between these electric cars.
GuideBuying a Used BMW i3 (2013-2022): 60Ah vs 94Ah vs 120Ah, REx, Warranty & What to Check
A used BMW i3 buyer’s guide: the three battery sizes, i3 vs i3s, the range extender explained, battery warranty left, the motor electronics fault to ask about, real-world range, what to pay and a printable checklist.
GuideBuying a Used GWM ORA 03 or Funky Cat (2022 on): Versions, Charging Faults & What to Pay
A used GWM ORA 03 and Funky Cat buyer’s guide: 48 or 63 kWh, the 2024 rename and 2025 price cut, the 3-pin cable recall, charging-port faults, real-world range, what to pay and a printable checklist.
Data accuracy
Specs are sourced from manufacturer websites and manually reviewed. These figures were last verified .