The GAC Aion UT, a new all-electric hatchback from China, has arrived in Australia, targeting buyers seeking an affordable yet well-equipped EV. Priced from $31,990 (before on-road costs) for the base Premium model and $35,990 for the Luxury, GAC is offering a limited-time drive-away deal: the Premium is available for $30,990 drive-away, and the Luxury for $35,990 drive-away, but only for the first 600 units sold between March 13th and April 9th. Customers who pre-order will also receive a complimentary wall charger.
Performance and Range
Both trim levels share a 60kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery delivering a 430km range (WLTP cycle) with energy consumption of 16.4kWh/100km. Charging speeds reach up to 11kW AC and 87kW DC. The front-wheel-drive Aion UT boasts 150kW of power and 210Nm of torque, exceeding the base BYD Dolphin’s output (70kW/180Nm) and matching the GWM Ora on power but surpassing it in torque. Its range also exceeds both the Dolphin and Ora lineups.
Dimensions and Space
The Aion UT measures 4270mm long, 1850mm wide, and 1575mm tall, with a 2750mm wheelbase. This makes it slightly smaller than a Toyota Corolla hatch but wider and with a longer wheelbase, offering 321 liters of boot space.
Standard and Luxury Features
The Premium model includes standard features like 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14.6-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, adaptive cruise control, and a comprehensive suite of safety features including autonomous emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring.
The Luxury trim adds a power tailgate, panoramic sunroof, wireless phone charger, and ventilated driver’s seat.
Customization and Warranty
Buyers can choose from Rococo White or Champs-Elysees Beige at no extra cost, with additional color options (Emerald Green, Twilight Lavender, Seine Silver, Classic Crimson, Cosmo Black) available for $600. Interior color choices include black, pink, or beige.
GAC provides an eight-year, unlimited-kilometer vehicle warranty and an eight-year/200,000km battery warranty, along with five years of roadside assistance (if serviced within the GAC network) and 2GB of free monthly data for the first two years.
Market Strategy
GAC International president Wei Haigang stated the brand intends to position itself as a “middle premier” offering, prioritizing quality and competitive pricing over rock-bottom affordability. The company plans to expand its Australian lineup to include over ten models within five years, covering various body styles and powertrains, including petrol, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and extended-range electric options. The Aion UT joins the Emzoom crossover, Aion V SUV, and M8 people mover as GAC’s initial offerings in the Australian market.
The Aion UT’s arrival signals a growing influx of Chinese EVs into Australia, offering consumers more affordable and feature-rich alternatives in the rapidly expanding electric vehicle segment. The brand’s commitment to quality over price suggests a long-term strategy focused on building a sustainable presence rather than competing solely on cost.
