At the 2024 Guangzhou Auto Show, GAC’s sub-brand Aion unveiled its new all-electric car, the UT. This model is positioned as a rival to the Volkswagen ID.3, MG4 EV, and BYD Dolphin.
Designed as an urban hatchback, the Aion UT has dimensions of 4,270 x 1,850 x 1,575 mm (length x width x height) and a generous wheelbase of 2,750 mm. This means that while the overall size is similar to a B-segment car, the wheelbase rivals that of a C-segment vehicle.
The Aion UT boasts a wheelbase comparable to that of a C-segment car.
The UT adopts a sleek and curvy design language, with rounded edges and smooth contours. Its overall appearance draws comparisons to the recently launched Geely Geome Xingyuan, a competitor in the Chinese market.
The Aion UT has a sleek and aerodynamic exterior.
Up front, the UT features swept-back headlights with integrated LED daytime running lights, a wide central air intake, square-shaped fog lights, and door handles that are flush with the body to reduce drag. The rear combination lamps also feature a square design, reminiscent of older Kia models. Depending on the trim level, the UT rides on 16-inch or 17-inch two-tone alloy wheels.
The Aion UT does not follow the current trend of having a full-width taillight design.
Inside, the Aion UT offers a spacious 5-seat cabin, thanks to its long wheelbase. The driver is greeted by a two-spoke, circular steering wheel with integrated controls and a fully digital 8.8-inch instrument cluster. A 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system sits prominently on the dashboard, supporting HiCar, CarLink, and Apple CarPlay connectivity.
The cockpit of the Aion UT showcases a modern and tech-focused design.
Additionally, the Chinese electric car features voice command functionality powered by artificial intelligence (AI) technology. The center console houses a wireless charging pad and cup holders.
Behind the second row of seats is a spacious trunk offering a standard capacity of 440 liters, which can be expanded to 1,600 liters by folding down the rear seats.
The rear seats of the Aion UT offer ample legroom and can be folded down to increase cargo space.
Under the hood, the Aion UT is powered by a single electric motor producing a maximum of 134 horsepower, paired with an LFP battery pack. This setup enables the car to reach a top speed of 150 km/h and provides an impressive range of 600 kilometers on a single charge.
The Aion UT offers a maximum driving range of 600 kilometers on a full charge.
The Aion UT is scheduled to go on sale in the Chinese market in January 2025, with a starting price of just 100,000 RMB (approximately 350 million VND). This competitive pricing strategy is sure to make it a compelling option for those seeking an affordable yet feature-rich electric vehicle.
Beyond China, the Aion UT will be marketed globally, marking the third strategic global model for the Aion brand. This expansion demonstrates the company’s commitment to bringing its innovative and sustainable vehicles to a wider audience.
The Aion UT will be available in markets worldwide, showcasing its global appeal.
In Vietnam, the Aion brand made its official debut in October 2024 with the launch of the ES and Y Plus models, priced at 788 million VND and 888 million VND, respectively. Whether the Aion UT will be introduced to the Vietnamese market in the future remains to be seen.
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