GAC Aion V: The Affordable EV With a Surprising Feature

GAC Aion V: The Affordable EV With a Surprising Feature

The GAC Aion V is making waves in the electric vehicle market, and for good reason. This SUV offers a compelling blend of range, features, and value, challenging established players.

Aion is the in-house electric brand from GAC, a major Chinese state-owned automaker known for its joint ventures with companies like Toyota and Honda. The Aion brand has found significant success in China, and the Aion V is poised to make a strong impression elsewhere.

For those in the UK, the Aion V starts at a competitive £36,450. This price point places it in direct competition with other family-focused SUVs.

Aion Auto UK has tailored the vehicle for local conditions, recalibrating the suspension for British roads and improving repairability to potentially lower insurance costs. This focus on refinement suggests a commitment to meeting the needs of European buyers.

Performance and Range

Under the hood, the Aion V boasts a 75.26 kWh LFP (lithium iron phosphate) battery. This provides an impressive WLTP range of 510 kilometers, which translates to approximately 317 miles. This is a substantial amount of range for a vehicle in its price bracket, offering peace of mind for longer journeys.

Charging is also a strong suit. The Aion V supports 11 kW AC charging, which is becoming the standard for many new EVs.

More importantly for quick top-ups, it features 180 kW DC fast charging. This capability is quite advanced for its price point and surpasses many of its direct rivals, allowing for faster charging sessions on the go.

When it comes to acceleration, the Aion V isn’t designed for outright speed. It achieves 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 7.9 seconds.

While not blisteringly fast, this is perfectly acceptable for a family SUV and aligns with the practical nature of the vehicle. The focus here is clearly on efficiency and usability rather than raw performance.

Exterior and Interior Design

The exterior styling of the Aion V is a departure from the more rounded designs often seen in the EV space. It features more angular and defined lines, giving it a structured and somewhat rugged appearance.

The designers have opted for a unique look that stands out, with some finding its face quite appealing, even likening it to a panda. However, the extensive use of piano black trim and some busy design elements, like the pixelated patterns, might not appeal to everyone and could be prone to scratches.

Inside, the cabin offers a spacious and comfortable environment. The seats are supportive, and rear passengers will appreciate the generous legroom and the flat floor, which enhances the sense of space.

The materials used are generally of good quality, with soft-touch surfaces contributing to a pleasant atmosphere. One notable omission is the lack of a traditional glove box, though clever takeaway hooks offer some alternative storage.

The Fridge: A Unique Selling Point

Perhaps the most talked-about feature of the Aion V is the integrated fridge located in the center console. This is available on the top-spec Luxury model and is more than just a cooler; it can also function as a heater.

It’s capable of keeping items like ice cream frozen on hot days or warming baby food for a convenient mealtime solution. While it might not fit a standard wine bottle, its versatility is a genuinely surprising and practical addition for families.

The infotainment system features a touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which is standard for modern EVs. The instrument cluster provides all necessary driving information, though a head-up display is absent. The inclusion of an electric roof shade is a nice touch, helping to keep the cabin cooler on sunny days.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)

The Aion V is equipped with ADAS features, but their implementation has drawn criticism. The system is described as overly chatty and bossy, with frequent and sometimes intrusive alerts for minor infractions like exceeding the speed limit by just 1 km/h or merging traffic. The lack of a simple shortcut to disable these alerts means drivers must navigate through menus, which can be distracting and potentially unsafe.

This overzealous nature of the ADAS is a significant drawback. Competitors like Geely have introduced more customizable systems, allowing drivers to tailor alerts to their preferences.

Aion needs to address this by offering an update that provides greater control over the ADAS, making the driving experience less intrusive and safer. The rear wiper is a welcome addition, a feature many drivers appreciate.

Practicality and Value

The Aion V offers good practicality for its size. The boot is reasonably roomy, and the seats fold down to create a nearly flat loading area, which is great for carrying larger items.

A significant advantage is the space allocated for a spare tire in the boot floor, a feature rarely found in electric vehicles today. This provides valuable peace of mind, especially for those living in more remote areas.

Priced from £36,450, the GAC Aion V presents exceptional value. It delivers a generous range, fast charging capabilities, and a unique feature like the integrated fridge, all wrapped in a practical SUV package.

While the ADAS system needs refinement, the overall offering makes it a strong contender. The Chinese EV market is rapidly evolving, and the Aion V is a prime example of the impressive technology and value now available.

The GAC Aion V is scheduled for availability in the UK starting in the first quarter of 2024, with more details expected closer to launch.

Source: This £36K, 300+ Mile EV Has a WHAT?! (YouTube)