Aion V: Well-Equipped Economy SUV from China in Portugal

Introduction

GAC, or Guangzhou Automobile Group, is one of China's largest and oldest car manufacturers, with a history dating back to 1955. Although still relatively unknown in Portugal, GAC is making its European debut with its Aion brand. The first model to arrive is the Aion V SUV, which aims to attract Portuguese consumers with its competitive price of €35,990 (including 23% VAT and import costs) and extensive standard equipment.

Specifications and Design

The AION V is a mid-sized SUV with a boxy exterior design and a distinctive face. Measuring 4.60 meters in length, 1.85 meters in width, and 1.69 meters in height, it offers generous space, ideal for families. The luggage compartment has a standard capacity of 427 liters, expandable to 978 liters with the rear seats folded down.

Compared to the Volkswagen ID.4, a direct competitor, the Aion V offers less cargo space, as the ID.4 provides between 543 and 1,575 liters. However, the Aion V compensates with ample passenger space in the back, thanks to a 2.77-meter wheelbase.

Equipment and Technology

Inside, the Aion V features a minimalist design, with a dashboard dominated by a 14.6-inch horizontal touchscreen. Despite some translation errors in the menus, its intuitive structure facilitates navigation. A quirky feature is the voice assistant that responds to the command "Hey Baby," which may not be ideal for a family SUV.

A highlight of the top "Luxury" model is a refrigerator in the center console, capable of reaching -15 degrees, perfect for keeping drinks or food fresh on long journeys. Additionally, the front seats can be fully reclined, making the SUV suitable for car camping.

Performance and Driving

In terms of powertrain, the Aion V has an electric motor on the front axle, delivering 150 kW of power and 210 Nm of torque. While not a sports SUV, it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds, with a top speed of 160 km/h. The WLTP range is 510 km, supported by a 75.3 kWh battery.

DC charging capacity peaks at 180 kW, allowing a charge from 10% to 80% in just 24 minutes. At AC charging stations, the Aion V draws a maximum of 11 kW, taking about 8.5 hours for a full charge.

Safety and Assistance

The Aion V received a five-star rating in the Euro NCAP crash tests, highlighting its focus on safety. The SUV comes equipped with adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning as standard, ensuring a safe and comfortable drive.

Conclusion

The Aion V emerges as an attractive option in the mid-range electric SUV segment in Portugal, particularly for its value for money. Despite facing strong competition, its comprehensive standard equipment and focus on comfort and safety are strong points. With adequate investment in the dealership and service network, GAC has the potential to capture the Portuguese market.

For consumers in Portugal, the Aion V represents an opportunity to purchase a well-equipped electric SUV at a competitive price, with the added peace of mind of robust after-sales support, thanks to GAC's expansion strategy in Europe.