The GAC Aion UT is one of Australia's most affordable electric vehicles, starting at AU$32,990 (about US$23,000) after a recent price increase.
Despite its low entry price, this Chinese hatchback delivers a surprisingly premium experience.
We spent a week with the flagship Aion UT Luxury model to see if it can compete with the BYD Dolphin and MG 4.
Spacious and Well-Equipped Cabin
Step inside, and the Aion UT defies expectations. A 14.6-inch infotainment screen dominates the dashboard, with climate controls always accessible via a bottom tab.
The display is crisp and responsive, outperforming many legacy automakers.
An 8.8-inch driver display sits behind the steering wheel, though it offers limited customization.
The cabin is trimmed in soft synthetic leather, and the Luxury trim adds heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a panoramic glass roof.
Physical buttons are scarce; functions like mirror adjustment are handled through the central screen, similar to a Tesla.
The faux-metal air vents with toggle controls add a touch of elegance reminiscent of Volvo.
Space is a strong suit.
The 2,750 mm wheelbase provides generous legroom for rear passengers, and headroom is ample for tall adults.
Cargo capacity is 321 liters, expanding to 689 liters with the rear seats folded.
Efficient and Comfortable Drive
The Aion UT uses a 60 kWh battery and a front-mounted electric motor producing 201 hp and 155 lb-ft of torque.
GAC claims a 0-62 mph time of 7.3 seconds, which feels accurate. Power delivery is smooth and linear, with no torque steer.
Efficiency impressed us: we averaged 15.1 kWh/100 km, beating the official 16.4 kWh/100 km.
Real-world range of 430 km (267 miles) is achievable. Regenerative braking can be adjusted via the infotainment system, but there's no one-pedal driving mode.
Ride quality is excellent for the price. The suspension absorbs bumps and potholes with composure, making it a comfortable daily driver.
However, steering feel is numb and overly light, and the Chaoyang tires lack grip.
DC charging tops out at 87 kW, which is slow; a 30-80% charge takes 24 minutes. AC charging is standard 11 kW.
The most frustrating aspect is the intrusive safety systems. Fatigue and distraction alerts beep frequently, and the speed limit warning chimes constantly.
These must be disabled through the screen each time the car starts.
Overall, the GAC Aion UT is a compelling budget EV that offers a spacious, well-appointed cabin and a comfortable ride.
If GAC can refine the safety systems and improve charging speed via updates, it could become a top contender in the affordable EV segment.
