GAC launches all-new Aion V in China

GAC has released the second-generation Aion V in China at a starting price of CNY 129,800 (about 16,462 euros). The all-new electric compact SUV is a cut-price VW ID.4 alternative.

GAC offers the all-new Aion V in China with two different single-motor front-wheel drive options. The base variant produces 150 kW and 240 Nm of torque, and the top-end variant produces 165 kW and the same amount of torque. The company claims a 0-100 kph acceleration time of 7.9 seconds for both variants.

GAC uses a 62 kWh battery pack in the base variant. According to the carmaker, these offer an additional 260 km of range after 15 minutes at the fast-charger. Fully charged, the EV has a range of up to 520 km (assumingly according to CLTC). In the top-end variant of the all-new Aion V, GAC installs a 75 kWh or 90 kWh battery pack. These offer a range of 520 km, 650 km, and 750 km, respectively. Presumably, these figures are based on the CLTC.

According to CN EV Post, there will also be a “battery swap-enabled variant” of the second-generation Aion V at a later date. However, there are no further details so far. That is not surprising, as parent company GAC signed a deal with Nio in May to create a uniform battery standard and jointly develop corresponding vehicles and battery exchange stations.

Image: GAC

But back to the vehicle at hand: The all-new Aion V is shorter and slimmer than its predecessor. The latter measured 4650/1920/1720 mm and had a wheelbase of 2830 mm. The second-generation stands at 4605/1854/1686 mm (base variant) and 4605/1876/1686. The wheelbase is 2775 mm.

It flaunts a squarer body for a tougher and more rugged character than the previous model. Conventional, single-piece headlamps featuring H-shape graphics, a boxier glasshouse, and vertical tail lamps underline its more masculine persona. The only oddball element on the outside, barring the smooth, fully covered nose section, is a protruding LiDAR sensor on the roof.

Inside, the Aion V has a horizontal dashboard, a two-spoke steering wheel, a wide digital instrument cluster, a (14.6-inch) landscape touchscreen infotainment system, and a bridge-type centre console. The minimalist interior layout of this EV isn’t extraordinary, mimicking almost every new electric car Chinese automakers are launching these days, but it is nonetheless impressive at this price point.

GAC equips the Aion V with power front seats featuring 8-point massage, memory, heating, and ventilation functions. Additionally, the driver and front passenger can flatten their seats with a button and take a nap if they want to relax. In the back, passengers can recline the seatbacks for improved comfort. Panoramic sunroof, centre console refrigerator/warmer, folding tray tables, 9-speaker audio system with a 45 Hz subwoofer and DTS 5.1 surround sound, wireless phone charger, etc. are some more highlights of the EV.

Features like Navigated Driving Assist (NDA), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), a 360-degree camera system, Remote Parking Assist (RPA), and Home Parking Assist (HPA) ease driving and parking in the Aion V. On the safety front, the EV packs the staple advanced driver assistance systems such as Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Lane Departure Prevention (LDP), and Blind Spot Detection (BSD).

The second-generation Aion V sells for 129,800 – 189,800 yuan, which translates to about 16,445 to 24,047 euros. According to Car News China, GAC Aion received more than 100,000 orders for the electric SUV within one hour and 20 minutes of its launch.

After its home market, GAC plans to launch the Aion V in Thailand. The company plans to assemble the EV locally at its new plant, located in the Pluak Daeng District (Rayong Province).

aion.com.cn (in Chinese), aion.com.cn (specs; in Chinese), cnevpost.com, carnewschina.com