If you have a budget of around RM150,000 for an electric vehicle (EV), the Malaysian market offers plenty of options. The BYD Seal, Tesla Model 3, and GWM Ora 07 all sit within this price bracket.
However, pitting these two specific cars against each other is interesting not because of which has more range or quicker acceleration, but because they represent two completely different car-buying philosophies.
On one hand, the GWM Ora 07 features a rounded, retro silhouette that looks like a time-traveller from the 1960s. On the other, the Tesla Model 3 is so minimalist that it is almost devoid of character lines, with every curve designed solely to reduce aerodynamic drag.
One is guaranteed to turn heads on the road, while the other blends in so easily you might forget what it looks like once parked. Choosing between them is, essentially, choosing a lifestyle.
The GWM Ora 07 is offered in two variants in Malaysia. The Long Range Ultra is priced at RM169,800, while the Performance AWD goes for RM189,800. Both variants share the same 83.5 kWh battery pack.
The Tesla Model 3 is available in four variants locally.
The entry-level Standard RWD is priced at RM149,000 (up by RM1,400 from RM147,600 following a global price adjustment in July 2026). The Premium RWD is priced at RM171,000, the Premium Long Range RWD at RM187,000, and the range-topping Performance AWD at RM232,000.
Comparing their entry-level variants, the Ora 07 Long Range Ultra is RM20,800 pricier than the Model 3 Standard RWD. That price difference is enough to buy a base-spec Perodua Axia with some change to spare.
Pitting the two cars side-by-side, the visual contrast is far more telling than any spec sheet.
The designers of the Ora 07 clearly drew heavy inspiration from classic vintage cars. It features oval LED headlights and taillights, curvaceous body lines, and a sweeping fastback silhouette. Flush pop-out door handles and frameless doors further enhance its sleek profile, contributing to a drag coefficient of just 0.22 Cd.
In terms of dimensions, it measures 4,871 mm long, 1,862 mm wide, and 1,500 mm tall, with a 2,870 mm wheelbase. While it looks like a retro concept car from the 1960s on the outside, stepping inside reveals a cabin fully loaded with modern screens and tech.
It does not sell tech for tech's sake; it sells a unique aesthetic.
The Tesla Model 3 represents the polar opposite. Devoid of any retro touches, it is so minimalist that it barely has any character lines. It features a grille-less front fascia, flush door handles, and a body as smooth as a pebble.
Its design language serves a singular purpose: to cut through the air and maximise efficiency.
The Model 3 is slightly smaller, measuring 4,720 mm long, 2,089 mm wide, and 1,441 mm tall. Visually, it looks more compact and lower-slung than the Ora 07. It is designed less to be admired and more as a functional tool.
The Ora 07 Long Range Ultra is powered by a front-mounted single motor producing 204 PS (201 hp) and 340 Nm of torque, completing the 0-100 km/h sprint in 7.9 seconds with a top speed of 170 km/h. It claims an NEDC-rated range of 640 km.
Stepping up to the Performance AWD variant gets you a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup pushing out 408 PS and 680 Nm, slashing the 0-100 km/h time to just 4.3 seconds.
The Tesla Model 3 Standard RWD features a rear-mounted single motor making 279 hp and 420 Nm of torque. It does 0-100 km/h in 6.2 seconds and tops out at 201 km/h, with a WLTP-rated range of 534 km.
That is 204 PS (201 hp) against 279 hp – a 78 hp deficit. In terms of acceleration, the Model 3 is 1.7 seconds quicker to 100 km/h (6.2 seconds vs 7.9 seconds). On paper, the Model 3 is clearly the punchier drive.
However, range is a different story. The Ora 07's NEDC-rated 640 km range is 106 km more than the Model 3's WLTP-rated 534 km. While NEDC is generally more optimistic than the real-world-accurate WLTP cycle, the Ora 07's larger 83.5 kWh battery pack still gives it an upper hand in raw capacity.
This is one of the areas where the difference between the two cars is most obvious.
The Model 3 boasts a boot capacity of 594 litres, whereas the Ora 07 only offers 333 litres. That 261-litre deficit is equivalent to about four carry-on bags.
Furthermore, the Model 3's rear seats fold in a 40:20:40 split for better cargo flexibility. An airport run in the Model 3 is stress-free, easily swallowing four large suitcases and hand luggage. An Ora 07 owner, on the other hand, will have to play Tetris to fit everything in.
However, the Ora 07 claws back some ground when it comes to cabin comfort.
Its front seats are equipped with ventilation and massage functions, whereas the entry-level Model 3 only gets power-adjustable seats without ventilation. Under our scorching Malaysian sun, seat ventilation is a godsend.
The Ora 07 also trumps the Tesla by offering a panoramic glass roof, an 11-speaker Harman Infinity sound system, and a head-up display (HUD).
The Ora 07 is highly generous with its kit. It comes equipped with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen supporting wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 50W wireless charger, and a 360-degree camera system.
It also features a comprehensive Level 2 ADAS suite, including Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Lane Centring Assist, Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Autonomous Emergency Braking, and GWM's Wisdom Dodge System, which nudges the car slightly within the lane to steer clear of large vehicles.
The Model 3's cabin takes the ultra-minimalist "one screen" approach. A 15.4-inch central touchscreen serves as the command centre for the entire car. There is no instrument cluster or physical buttons; almost every function is operated via the screen.
While it comes standard with adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, and lane keep assist, the entry-level variant misses out on a 360-degree camera, seat ventilation, and a head-up display.
Inside the Ora 07, you feel like everything you need is right there. In the Model 3, you realize how bare the cabin is, yet somehow, it feels like you don't really need much else.
Tesla's Supercharger network in Malaysia is a major advantage, now boasting 20 stations, 88 Superchargers, and 18 Destination Chargers.
The Model 3 Standard RWD supports up to 170 kW DC fast charging. On interstate road trips, Tesla owners can simply use the built-in navigation to view chargers along the route, check real-time bay occupancy, and see estimated charging times.
By comparison, the Ora 07 maxes out at just 88 kW for DC fast charging, taking 32 minutes to get from 30% to 80%. The Model 3 can reclaim about 270 km of range in just 15 minutes. The difference in charging speed is night and day.
Both cars support 11 kW AC charging. The Ora 07 does offer vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability with a 3.3 kW output to power electrical appliances during camping. However, its slower DC charging speed will noticeably impact your interstate road trip experience.
When it comes to road tax, there is a notable difference. The Model 3 Standard RWD's motor output (approx. 208 kW) incurs an annual road tax of around RM280, while the Ora 07 Long Range Ultra's 150 kW motor costs around RM160 annually, saving you RM120 a year.
However, the real differentiator is the manufacturer's warranty.
GWM offers a 6-year or 150,000 km vehicle warranty on the Ora 07, alongside an 8-year or 180,000 km warranty for the high-voltage battery, electric motor, and motor controller. Furthermore, they offer a one-to-one battery replacement if the battery's state of health (SoH) drops below 70% within the warranty period.
The Tesla Model 3, by contrast, only comes with a 4-year or 80,000 km vehicle warranty. GWM's extra two years and 70,000 km of coverage offer significant peace of mind for buyers looking to keep their EVs long-term.
Ultimately, these two cars appeal to two entirely different buying mindsets.
Go for the GWM Ora 07 if you want to stand out.
You are paying for a unique retro look, a fully loaded comfort spec sheet, a longer warranty, and a larger battery. In exchange, you accept slower DC fast charging, a much smaller boot, and uncertain resale value – all for the joy of owning a head-turner.
For RM169,800, you get a 640 km NEDC range, ventilated massage seats, a panoramic glass roof, and a complete ADAS suite – features absent on the base Model 3.
Go for the Tesla Model 3 if you want a seamless EV experience.
You are buying into the Tesla Supercharger ecosystem, seamless OTA software updates, class-leading infotainment, and a globally established EV brand. You accept a barer cabin and a shorter warranty in exchange for faster charging speeds, a massive boot, and a hassle-free interstate touring experience.
At RM149,000, with a 594-litre boot, 11 kW AC charging, and 170 kW DC fast charging, the entry-level Model 3 offers exceptional value in today's Malaysian EV landscape.
The Ora 07 sells style and equipment, while the Model 3 sells efficiency and ecosystem. There is no right or wrong answer here; it all depends on where your priorities lie.
ProtonGWMVolkswagenJAECOOVolvoPeroduaToyotaHondaBYDJetourMazdaMitsubishiCheryTESLALexusMercedes-BenzBMWZeekriCAURNissanIsuzuLeapmotorFordPorscheMGOMODAMINISuzukiWulingSubaruLand RoverGACDongfengXPengHyundaiKiaDenzaAudiFotonCAMsmartPeugeotDaihatsuJMCJACLotusMAXUSAlfa RomeoMaseratiRenaultGolden DragonKaiceneSeresLamborghiniFerrariJeepBentleyRolls-RoyceChevroletJaguarMcLarenAston MartinDodgeAbarthBAICForthingGeelyRoeweAeolusChanganARCFOXDeepalExeedHongqiVoyahKGMBuforiAcuraCadillacFiatINEOSLepasMHEROJMEVFreelander
© 2024 Bitauto.com. All Rights Reserved.
Bitauto (www.yiche.com and www.bitauto.com) is one of the most visited automotive websites in China. We provide detailed info on Chinese car brands available in your area. Please note that the information provided on this website is based on publicly available data and is for reference only. It may not be fully updated or accurate at all times.
