It lacks nothing, not even a fridge in the flagship version. The GAC Aion V reviewed in full.
In terms of price, equipment, room and comfort, this is a serious contender. If it were a property, you would say it offered plenty of square metres for the asking price.
That is the setting for this fully electric car. It may not be the range champion, but for just over €40,000 it is among the best-equipped and roomiest offerings currently on the market. You need to drive it to understand it, which is exactly what I did for a week.
Its looks may not be the most eye-catching, but my back is not concerned with what my eyes see. The GAC Aion V places almost all its emphasis on comfort, and that is no bad thing. The question is whether that will be enough to challenge the market’s established names.
Understated or anonymous?
There is not much separating the two, and Chinese models often end up falling into the latter camp.
However, I would place the Aion V among the discreetly styled models. It has a solid presence that works better in person than in photographs. It does not have the sex appeal of the Peugeot 3008, but its family-oriented design does not look out of place alongside a Volkswagen ID.4.
Enough screens already
As soon as I took the wheel of the GAC Aion V, though, I was struck by a feeling of déjà vu. Not because I had driven this SUV before, but because its cabin follows a formula shared by many Chinese brands. Remove the badge from the steering wheel and, at first glance, I would struggle to identify the model I was sitting in.
The usual recipe is here: few physical controls and a large number of functions gathered on the central display. Climate control? Operated through the screen. The infotainment system? Naturally. Driving modes? They are there too, although reaching them requires working through several menus.
The pursuit of minimalism goes even further, in fact. I would say too far, particularly when I need to enter a menu to adjust the door mirrors, open the panoramic roof blind or select the level of regenerative braking.
Where the GAC Aion V pleasantly differentiates itself from other Chinese offerings, and proves capable of matching more established names, is in the solidity of its interior.
The Aion V came out on top against Lisbon’s cobbled streets. With no unwanted noises exposing any weaknesses, the cabin shows particular care in its finish, reinforced by the pleasing quality of its materials.
The GAC Aion V has room to spare
If there is one area in which this ‘distinguished unknown’ can compete with European models, it is passenger space. Any doubts vanished when my children remarked: “Dad, in this car our feet cannot reach the front seat”.
Rear-seat accommodation is generous, the entirely flat floor makes life easier for the person travelling in the middle, and the huge panoramic roof further enhances the airy feel.
It also comes with some of the treats Chinese manufacturers like to include: heated and ventilated rear seats and, in the top-specification version, even a chilled and heated box in the centre console. Everything is designed with comfort in mind.
The boot is less convincing. Its 427 litres feels modest given the Aion V’s external dimensions.
Competent rather than exciting
If a dynamic driving experience is crucial when choosing your next car, the GAC Aion V may not be the right choice.
Once behind the wheel, its focus on comfort becomes abundantly clear. The Chinese SUV is competent, which is hardly surprising given that it is a family SUV.
The steering offers little feedback, brake-pedal feel could be improved - especially during the transition between regenerative and hydraulic braking - and the weight becomes apparent as the pace rises, revealing the suspension’s difficulty in dealing with shorter bumps as effectively as it might.
On the motorway, by contrast, the GAC Aion V stands out for its stability, comfort and sound insulation, almost as if reminding you that it will also be built in Austria.
Energy consumption impresses more than range
The front-mounted electric motor produces 150 kW (204 hp) and 210 Nm, providing performance that is more than adequate for family use. Power delivery remains smooth and progressive throughout.
Rather than the usual ‘punchiness’ of some electric cars, the Aion V delivers a predictable response, making it particularly relaxed and easy to manage in everyday driving.
Its 75.3 kWh LFP battery claims up to 510 km of WLTP range, a figure that will be difficult to achieve outside laboratory conditions. Even so, its energy management deserves a positive assessment.
By the end of the test, the trip computer showed an average of around 18 kWh/100 km, falling to figures close to 14.6 kWh/100 km with more careful, unhurried driving.
For charging, the Aion V accepts up to 180 kW of direct-current power, allowing a charge from 10% to 80% in around 24 minutes. On alternating current, it supports up to 11 kW. These figures are in line with rivals and, in practice, make the wait at a rapid charger short enough for a coffee rather than an ice cream stored in the Aion V’s fridge.
It is not especially cheap
With a starting price from €40,990, the GAC Aion V is not trying to win ground on price. Instead, it is positioned alongside the segment’s principal European rivals.
Even so, it does not need to be cheap to matter. The already well-equipped Premium version provides a space-to-equipment ratio that is difficult to overlook, to the point where the Luxury variant can be passed over without major equipment sacrifices.
In practical terms, the approximately €2,000 difference is hard to justify, unless the integrated fridge or seats with a massage function are near the top of your priorities.
In addition, the eight-year or 160,000 km general warranty and the eight-year or 200,000 km battery warranty are reassuring, particularly when the brand is unfamiliar.
That is not to say the GAC Aion V will have an easy time. Its rivals are numerous and well equipped, but strengths such as its generous interior space, high comfort levels and even notable solidity show that its ambition to take on established names is not unreasonable. It simply depends on what we value in a car.
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