GAC has launched a new entry-level model, the Aion UT. "Aion" signals it's part of the Chinese brand's EV family, the newcomer fitting in underneath the Aion V.
That's how the pricing works, too. The standard UT is $39,990, while the Lux is $43,990; the Aion V currently starts at $49,990. A free home wallbox-type charging station is also part of the deal, for a limited time.
At 4270mm in length, the UT is bigger than it looks in pictures and rides on a long 2750mm wheelbase. It will be a rival for the likes of the MG4 Urban ($38,990) and BYD Atto 2 ($39,990-$45,990).
The GAC is a hatchback like the MG, rather than an SUV like the BYD. Cutest car in the class? It might just be; GAC says the newcomer was styled by its studio in Milan and comes in 7 colours, including some cheerful hues like Emerald Green, Classic Crimson and Twilight Lavender.
It's front-drive, the 60kWh "magazine" battery pack giving a WLTP range of 430km. The 150kW/210Nm motor propels it to 100km/h in 7.3 seconds. It's all similar technology to the Aion V, with which the UT shares its platform.
Vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability is standard, allowing the UT to power external devices up to 3.3kW.
Inside the GAC Aion UT
The UT's front seats are described as "butterfly wrapped", with a backrest shape that curves around the occupant's back; they also fully recline for rest-time while you're charging, or other stuff.
GAC also claims the front of the cabin is "open access", meaning you can slide through from one side to the other quite easily, if you need to enter or exit from one side only because the car is parked against a wall, for example.
There's an 8.8-inch instrument panel plus a 14.6in infotainment screen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. GAC now has a phone app for its Aion models, with 40 individual functions.
The UT comes with a full suite of safety features, including one feature that GAC claims is a segment-first: the autonomous emergency braking also works in reverse.
The entry model comes with LED headlights, heated steering wheel and heated/ventilated front seats. The Lux adds power tailgate, power-folding side mirrors, panoramic glass roof with power shade, wireless phone charging and an anti-glare interior rearview mirror.
