The next GAC model set to go on sale in Thailand is the Aion V, an electric C-segment SUV that will compete with the likes of the BYD Atto 3 and Omoda C5 (known to you and me as the Chery Omoda E5). Locally assembled in Rayong – the first production base for Aion outside of China – the car will receive its official launch at the Thailand International Motor Expo on November 28.
Ahead of the launch, GAC promised that the Aion V will cost “not more than” 1,099,000 baht (RM141,100) for the sole variant, powered by a single front motor producing 204 PS (150 kW) and 240 Nm of torque. So equipped, the car will get from zero to 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds.
Under the skin sits a 75.3 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery that provides a range of 650 km on the lenient CLTC cycle. According to Headlight Magazine, the car supports up to an impressive 180 kW of DC fast charging power, providing 330 km of additional charge in just 15 minutes. However, AC charging is limited to 7 kW.
Designed as the first global model from Aion, this new V is actually the second-generation version, replacing the sleek, futuristic original. It sports a far boxier and more rugged design, equipped with squarish headlights, chunky front and rear fender bulges, a kinked window line and vertical C-shaped taillights.
Inside, the Aion V sports all the hallmarks of Chinese electric vehicle interior design, with a two-spoke steering wheel, a simple horizontal dashboard design, a massive 14.6-inch “floating” infotainment touchscreen, a comparatively tiny 8.8-inch digital instrument display and a wide centre console with twin phone holders (one of which houses a Qi wireless charger).
Highlights include a one-touch lie-flat feature for the power-adjustable front seats (with heating, ventilation, massage and driver’s side memory), a folding rear tray behind the front passenger, a large panoramic glass roof, up to 137 degrees of rear seat backrest adjustment and a 6.6 litre fridge underneath the front arm rest.
The Aion V will also be offered with six airbags and a full complement of driver assists. The latter include autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, lane centring assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, rear collision warning and a door opening warning.
Measuring 4,605 mm long, 1,876 mm wide and 1,686 mm tall, the Aion V is 150 mm longer, a scant one millimetre wider and 71 mm taller than the aforementioned Atto 3, while its 2,775 mm wheelbase is 55 mm longer. Open the hands-free powered tailgate and you’ll find a 427 litre boot (13 litres smaller than the BYD’s), expandable to 987 litres with the rear seats folded.
The impending arrival of the Aion V in Thailand could presage a Malaysian launch sometime in the not-too-distant future. Currently, GAC sells the Aion Y Plus MPV/crossover over here (priced between RM119,800, and RM135,800), with the falcon-doored Hyptec HT set to follow suit soon.
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