GAC unveiled the AION UT compact electric hatchback at the 2026 Melbourne Motor Show on April 10. The model enters the Australian market in two trim levels, Premium and Luxury, with pricing starting at AU$31,990 (approximately US$22,665). It targets urban buyers seeking an affordable EV alternative amid rising fuel costs.
Highlights
- 150 kW front-drive electric motor paired with a 60 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery delivering up to 430 km of WLTP range
- Pricing from AU$31,990 (approximately US$22,665) for the Premium, AU$35,990 (approximately US$25,500) for the Luxury
- DC fast charging at up to 87 kW, with a claimed 30–80% charge time of 24 minutes
- Eight-year unlimited-kilometer vehicle warranty and eight-year/200,000 km battery warranty
Powertrain and Charging
The AION UT uses a single front-mounted electric motor producing 150 kW and 210 Nm of torque. It drives the front wheels through a single-speed transmission and accelerates from 0–100 km/h in a claimed 7.3 seconds.
Energy comes from a 60 kWh LFP battery using GAC’s Magazine Battery 2.0 cell-to-pack architecture. GAC claims a WLTP combined range of 430 km, with energy consumption rated at 16.4 kWh/100 km. The battery supports AC charging up to 11 kW and DC fast charging up to 87 kW.
Drivers can select Comfort, Sport, or Eco driving modes. A heat pump is standard across both trims.
Dimensions and Interior
The AION UT measures 4,270 mm in length and sits on a 2,750 mm wheelbase. Boot capacity is 321 liters, expanding to 689 liters with the rear seats folded. Curb weight ranges from 1,670 kg (Premium) to 1,700 kg (Luxury).
Inside, both trims feature an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.6-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and DAB+ digital radio. The Premium includes PVC upholstery, a heated steering wheel, a six-way power-adjustable heated driver’s seat, and rear air vents.
The Luxury adds a panoramic sunroof with electric sunshade, power tailgate, wireless phone charging, and a ventilated driver’s seat.
Safety
Standard safety equipment includes adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking (including while reversing), blind-spot monitoring, front and rear cross-traffic assist, and a surround-view camera. GAC says the AION UT is the first in its segment to offer reversing AEB with pedestrian and motorcyclist detection.
Additional features include child presence detection, a driver monitoring system, safe exit warning, and seven airbags. The chassis uses 39% high-strength and 28% hot-formed steel. The AION UT has not yet received an ANCAP or Euro NCAP crash test rating.
Pricing and Warranty
The Premium lists at AU$31,990 plus on-road costs (approximately US$22,665). The Luxury lists at AU$35,990 plus on-road costs (approximately US$25,500). GAC backed both trims with an eight-year unlimited-kilometer vehicle warranty, an eight-year/200,000 km battery warranty, and five years of roadside assistance when serviced at a GAC dealership.
Market Context
The AION UT is GAC’s fourth model in Australia. It joins the AION V electric SUV, the EMZOOM ICE compact SUV, and the M8 plug-in hybrid people mover. GAC is among a limited number of Chinese automakers offering right-hand-drive vehicles. The brand currently operates through 19 dealerships across Australia.
Key competitors include the BYD Dolphin (from AU$29,990), BYD Atto 2 (AU$31,990), GWM Ora (AU$33,990 driveaway), and the upcoming Geely EX2.
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