GAC: This Chinese brand enters France with two budget-friendly electric cars

A new Chinese brand is making its debut in France: GAC. It is entering the market with two electric models that will be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in a few days.

Already present in several countries on the continent, GAC is arriving in France just before the Paris Motor Show. It has chosen to promote the GAC brand name, bringing together various names sold in China (Trumpchi, Aion, Hyptec) under a single brand.

For now, the lineup consists of the electric sedan Aion UT and the electric SUV Aion V. Both vehicles are assembled in Austria at Magna Steyr, just like the Xpeng models. In the coming months, the lineup could expand with additional vehicles from the manufacturer’s portfolio based in Guangzhou, including both electric and plug-in hybrid models.

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Aion UT, a new rival for the MG 4

In the compact sedan segment, the Aion UT competes with models like the MG4 (especially the Urban version) and BYD Dolphin G. It also faces competition from vehicles such as the VW ID.3, Kia EV4, and Renault Mégane, but with a starting price of 26,990 euros, it is closer to offerings in the lower segment. This price includes a fairly comprehensive standard equipment package with electrically adjustable and heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a heat pump, numerous driving assistance features, and 8.8-inch and 14.6-inch screens.

The audio system is quite basic, featuring 6 speakers, and the Luxury version does not improve this aspect. However, it comes standard with a power tailgate, heated windshield, panoramic roof, ventilated driver’s seat, electrochromic interior mirrors, or a ventilated wireless phone charger, at an additional cost of 1,500 euros.

In terms of performance, the Aion UT meets the standard for its class: 150 kW of power to the front wheels, a 60 kWh battery, and a range of 430 km. Charging is somewhat slow, taking 32 minutes to go from 10% to 80%. V2L is included as standard equipment.

Aion V, yet another SUV

Based on a similar technical platform, the Aion V fits into the C-segment SUV category with its 4.60 m length and a spacious trunk of 600 liters. Its performance also doesn’t set any records: a WLTP range of 510 km with a 75 kWh battery, and charging slightly faster than the UT (10-80% in 24 minutes).

But the price will help convince buyers: 35,990 € for the Premium version. It comes equipped with a panoramic roof, electric, heated, and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, a heat pump, screens identical to those in the UT model, and more. For an additional 1,000 €, the Luxury version adds massaging front seats, a heated and cooled storage compartment in the center console (ranging from -15°C to +50°C), a tablet in the back of the passenger seat, and an active air purification system.

Both vehicles come with an 8-year/160,000 km warranty (200,000 km for the battery). They have also both received 5-star ratings in EuroNCAP tests.

AION UT

AION V

Length

4270

4605

Width

1850

1854

Height

1575

1686

Wheelbase

2750

2775

Trunk Space

440 liters

600 liters

Power

150 kW/ 204 hp (Traction)

150 kW/ 204 hp (Traction)

Battery

60 kWh

75.26 kWh

Range

430 km

510 km

Charging

87 kW DC

10-80% in 32 minutes

180 kW DC

10-80% in 24 minutes

Price

Premium: 26,990 €

Luxury: 28,490 €

Premium: 35,990 €

Luxury: 36,990 €