family-friendly SUV packed with tech

The GAC Aion V (see specs), built on GAC’s AEP electric vehicle platform, is positioned as a “hard-core intelligent driving SUV.” With its advanced technology, bold design, and intelligent driving capabilities, the Aion V aims to cater to modern drivers seeking a practical, family-friendly electric SUV. GAC Aion reported that the car received over 10,000 orders within 1 hour and 20 minutes of its launch, with accumulated sales of 29791 units til now.

Exterior

The second-generation GAC Aion V adopts a new design language inspired by the Tyrannosaurus Rex, giving it a bold and aggressive appearance. The rectangular front headlights feature an “H” shape, representing dragon claws, which adds a unique and futuristic touch to the front fascia. The vehicle measures 4605 mm in length, 1854 mm (or 1876 mm) in width, and 1660 mm (or 1686 mm) in height, with a wheelbase of 2775 mm. While it is slightly smaller in all dimensions than its predecessor, the Aion V Plus, the design remains sleek and aerodynamic.

The side profile is complemented by multi-spoke petal-style rims paired with Maxxis Victra Sport 5 series tires (225/45 R19), enhancing the vehicle’s aesthetics and performance. The rear design is clean and functional, with a focus on practicality. The standard trunk volume is 427 litres, which can be expanded to 987 litres by folding down the rear seats, making it highly versatile for everyday use.

Interior

The interior of the GAC Aion V is both stylish and functional, designed to offer a comfortable experience. The cabin features a standard five-seater layout with a design that simplifies physical buttons and emphasizes a clean, modern aesthetic. A 14.6-inch central control screen and a full LCD instrument panel dominate the dashboard, providing a high-tech and user-friendly interface.

The use of metal accents on the door handles and air-conditioning vents adds a touch of sophistication, while the ambient light strip on the centre console creates a welcoming atmosphere. Practical features include dual wireless charging panels for mobile phones and a 6.6-litre storage box under the centre console that supports heating, cooling, and freezing. The box can reach temperatures as low as -15°C for cooling and as high as 50°C for heating, making it perfect for storing beverages, baby bottles, or snacks.

Behind the Wheel

The GAC Aion V delivers a smooth and responsive driving experience, powered by a high-performance motor producing 165 kW and 240 Nm of torque. With a 0–100 km/h acceleration time of 7.9 seconds, it strikes a balance between performance and efficiency, offering linear power delivery ideal for daily use. The suspension system is finely tuned for comfort, absorbing road imperfections effortlessly and ensuring a plush ride. On winding roads, the vehicle remains stable, with minimal body roll and precise steering feedback, while the light yet responsive electric power steering makes city manoeuvring a breeze.

The advanced ADiGO Pilot intelligent driving assistance system, powered by an NVIDIA Orin-X chip, is a standout feature. Equipped with roof-mounted lidar, five millimetre-wave radars, 11 cameras, and 12 ultrasonic radars, it enables precise autonomous operation. During our test drive, the system seamlessly handled lane changes, highway merging, and complex intersections, showcasing its real-time decision-making capabilities. It also excelled in maintaining lane discipline on winding roads and navigating sharp curves with minimal driver input.

A unique feature is the vehicle’s ability to operate in “map-free” mode, relying solely on its sensors and cameras. This proves invaluable in areas lacking high-definition maps, as the system adapts effortlessly to changing road conditions like construction zones or detours. Additionally, the Aion V’s energy efficiency is commendable, with a well-calibrated regenerative braking system that ensures smooth deceleration while maximizing energy recovery. Drivers can customize the regenerative braking intensity to suit their preferences, enhancing adaptability across various driving styles.

Verdict

The second-generation GAC Aion V is a well-rounded electric SUV that combines bold design, advanced technology, and practical features. Its Tyrannosaurus-inspired exterior, spacious and tech-rich interior, and smooth driving dynamics make it a strong contender in the global EV market. Unique features like the 6.6-litre heating/cooling storage box, dual wireless charging panels, and the premium audio system add to its appeal, particularly for families and tech-savvy drivers.

While the vehicle is slightly smaller than its predecessor, the Aion V makes up for it with its refined design and intelligent driving capabilities. The competitive pricing, between 129,800 to 189,800 yuan (17,820 to 26,060 USD), offers excellent value for money. It’s a vehicle that meets modern drivers’ expectations.

Stay tuned for next week’s Sunday China Drive at Car News China, where you can read more first-person evaluations of Chinese cars.