The 2026 GAC Aion V has landed in Australia, with the mid-size electrical SUV forming the fledgling auto model’s preliminary three-model lineup, alongside the entry-level Emzoom small SUV and the luxurious M8 plug-in hybrid people-mover.
In case you’re discovering it laborious to maintain up with the variety of Chinese language manufacturers getting into the market, we don’t blame you – GAC joins the likes of Denza, Deepal, Foton, Geely, Jaecoo, and Leapmotor. And people are simply a number of the Chinese language manufacturers that launched right here in 2025 alone.
However GAC is arguably one of many greatest in China, the place it offered greater than two million automobiles final 12 months, thanks partially to its joint ventures with Toyota and Honda.
In truth, GAC says it discovered learn how to construct vehicles because of these partnerships.
Now, GAC – pronounced G-A-C – has its eyes set on Australia, which it flatteringly describes as a vital marketplace for the producer. But additionally admits it’s late to the celebration, following an extended checklist of different established Chinese language manufacturers already right here.
GAC additionally says it’s doing every part it may possibly to kick issues off proper and construct belief with Australian shoppers – providing lengthy warranties, prolonged roadside help, and stocking a elements warehouse in Melbourne earlier than first deliveries start. It’s an admirable ambition, little question.
Not like a number of of its friends, GAC has chosen to not introduce sub-brands right here, as is the development in China. Sometimes, it sells its mass-market automobiles beneath the Trumpchi title, whereas Aion is reserved for its electrical vehicles, and Hyptec for its high-end electrical fashions. Right here, they’ll all be offered beneath the GAC umbrella.
Even if in case you have fatigue from the variety of Chinese language electrical vehicles flooding the market, the GAC Aion V could also be one you have to be being attentive to. Let’s get into it.
How a lot does the GAC Aion V price?
The 2026 GAC Aion V is priced from $42,590 earlier than on-road prices for the Premium mannequin, with the Luxurious variant simply $2000 extra.
| Mannequin | Worth earlier than on-road prices |
|---|---|
| 2026 GAC Aion V Premium | $42,590 |
| 2026 GAC Aion V Luxurious | $44,590 |
Whereas the Aion V Premium is already effectively outfitted, the Luxurious positive factors fake leather-based trim, massaging entrance seats, tray tables for second-row occupants, and a 6.6-litre fridge beneath the entrance armrest within the centre console.
At these costs, the Aion V goes up in opposition to the Geely EX5 and the Leapmotor C10, which can be found from $40,990 and $45,888 plus on-road prices respectively, making all of them less expensive than the top-selling Tesla Mannequin Y (from $58,900).
To see how the GAC Aion V strains up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability device
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What’s the GAC Aion V like on the within?
On the launch of the Aion V, GAC supplied us with the range-topping Luxurious variant to check, and preliminary impressions left us fairly impressed.
Whereas some vehicles can {photograph} effectively, however don’t essentially have the construct high quality to match the appears to be like, the Aion V Luxurious undoubtedly comes throughout as being effectively screwed collectively – with a pleasant mixture of plastics and (PVC) leather-based all through.
It’s a premium expertise when it comes to design, options, and supplies – notably for the cash – however isn’t making an attempt to be something it’s not.
In different phrases, it’s not being a pretend Mercedes-Benz, however as a substitute presents a comparatively contemporary and fashionable tackle ‘premium’, and one which’s definitely geared extra in direction of a youthful viewers.
Of explicit observe are the inside door handles, that are steel and integrated into the design of the door card, and really feel a couple of ranges nicer to make use of than most pliable door handles from different automobile firms.
Nonetheless, it’s not good. Those self same door handles don’t align completely, with a noticeable step in opposition to the trim piece it’s meant to take a seat flush with.
Whereas GAC has made an effort to make sure all contact factors are deluxe, there’s an inexpensive, shiny piece of plastic that borders the decrease a part of the windscreen – reflecting the solar with all of its cheapness. Arguably, nonetheless, it’s premium in all of the areas the place it must be.
Moreover a small handful on the steering wheel, there are not any buttons or knobs to be discovered wherever inside. Every part is managed through the 14.6-inch touchscreen within the centre of the dashboard – although a shortcut bar is at all times displayed on the backside, even when utilizing wi-fi Apple CarPlay.
It makes the only issues, like adjusting aspect mirrors, a little bit of a chore, as it’s important to exit CarPlay and go digging round within the menus to search out the proper tab.
There’s dual-zone local weather management, a wi-fi smartphone charger, and loads of USB and 12-volt charging ports.
The nine-speaker stereo is sort of good with out being distinctive, although it does ship good, meaty bass when the amount is wound up. You additionally get a panoramic sunroof with an electrical sunshade and a hands-free energy tailgate.
Forward of the motive force is an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster, which is crisp and effectively laid out. Higher than most, really.
Ergonomics are good with out being good. I by no means fairly discovered my preferrred seating place, however I used to be typically comfy throughout our quick time within the automobile.
And I did like the very fact you possibly can very simply save your most well-liked seating place, with a small field showing on the display each time you modify the seat – together with the power to assign the saved place together with your precise title.
Talking of seats, the air flow and seat therapeutic massage capabilities work properly, however the climate was too sizzling to check the seat heating with out having somebody readily available with a spatula…
Packaging for second-row passengers is very good, providing an honest quantity of area and luxury – making the Aion V completely appropriate for lengthy journeys. Rear outboard seats additionally get heating in each variants.
Equally, boot area is sweet with out straying removed from the phase common, with 427 litres of capability with the rear seats in use – bettering the Geely, with 410L – and as much as 978L with the second-row seat backs folded. However the Leapmotor C10 has it beat by an extended shot, with 581L and 1410L respectively.
| Dimensions | GAC Aion V |
|---|---|
| Size | 4605mm |
| Width | 1854mm |
| Peak | 1686mm |
| Wheelbase | 2775mm |
| Cargo capability | 427L (rear seats up) 978L (rear seats folded) |
To see how the GAC Aion V strains up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability device
What’s beneath the bonnet?
There’s no distinction in powertrains between the Aion V Premium and Luxurious, with each utilizing a 150kW/210Nm electrical motor on the entrance axle, fed by a 75.26kWh battery – good for a claimed vary of 510km (WLTP).
| Specs | GAC Aion V |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain | Single-motor electrical |
| Battery | 75.26kWh |
| Energy | 150kW |
| Torque | 210Nm |
| Drive sort | Entrance-wheel drive |
| Power consumption (claimed) | 16.7kWh/100km |
| Claimed vary | 510km |
| Max AC cost price | 11kW |
| Max DC cost price | 180kW (24 minutes 10-80%) |
GAC says the Aion V may be charged from 10 to 80 per cent in simply 24 minutes, utilizing a 180kW DC fast-charger.
These charging through an AC plug will see the battery topped up in a claimed 8.5 hours, at a most of 11kW.
To see how the GAC Aion V strains up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability device
How does the GAC Aion V drive?
There’s one thing very telling that you must know in regards to the GAC Aion V…
In China, this automobile is offered because the Toyota bZ3X – albeit with a distinct physique – and naturally, we all know from the lengthy trial interval in Australia for the right-hand drive Tundra pickup that Toyota gained’t put its badge on something that doesn’t meet its excessive requirements.
Which is to say, the GAC Aion V is an effective factor.
On the street, it’s instantly clear the Aion handles effectively, and doesn’t endure from the identical issues different electrical automobiles on this phase – and notably at this worth level – can usually have, as a result of substantial weight of their batteries.
Basically, the automobile drives almost in addition to a petrol-powered mid-size Japanese SUV – and that isn’t at all times the case amongst its friends. And notably for an EV from China.
Steering is within the Goldilocks Zone – being neither too heavy nor too mild – and has ratio for metropolis and suburban driving.
Experience high quality can also be excellent, in that it reacts to the street simply as you’d anticipate. It’s not overly plush or too stiff; it merely absorbs bumps whereas remaining communicative.
None of that is groundbreaking stuff, however you’d be shocked how usually fashionable vehicles – notably electrical vehicles – fall quick in these areas, even those from nations with lengthy histories of automobile manufacturing. However there may be an apparent Toyota affect within the Aion V, and the automobile is healthier for it.
The 150kW electrical motor is one other tick, offering respectable sufficient efficiency to get the automobile down the street when wanted. Not solely is the facility output good, however the supply of that efficiency – by which I imply each the torque curve and the throttle response – are tuned effectively.
I wouldn’t be in any respect shocked if GAC has compiled an inventory of complaints from critiques of different vehicles on this phase, as a result of its ADAS (superior driver help methods) – usually extraordinarily distracting and annoying in fashionable vehicles, satirically – seem to be they’ve been turned right down to absolutely the minimal…
…To the purpose the place the automobile appeared to permit its driver to float out of their lane whereas at pace. Generally it will sound a ‘bong’, more often than not we simply floated in direction of the wall.
Nonetheless, the motive force distraction monitoring system is, additionally satirically, too distracting, and I needed to go swimming within the menus to close it off. How dare I carry out a head-check whereas altering lanes.
Whereas higher suited to town and surrounds, because of its optimistic steering and low- to mid-range torque supply, on the freeway the Aion V is simply as comfy and pleasurable to drive, proving it’s a flexible factor and adapts effectively to what’s being requested of it.
To see how the GAC Aion V strains up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability device
What do you get?
GAC has loaded up the Aion V with an honest checklist of normal gear for the Premium, and has priced the Luxurious variant neatly, at simply $2000 extra.
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2026 Aion V Premium customary gear highlights:
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- Tyre restore equipment
- Automated LED headlights
- Automated high-beam
- Energetic grille shutters
- Panoramic sunroof with energy sunshade
- Palms-free energy tailgate
- Heated, power-folding exterior mirrors with reminiscence
- Hill descent management
- 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster
- 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- DAB+ digital radio
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Satellite tv for pc navigation
- In-car wi-fi
- Cell phone distant automobile management
- 9-speaker sound system
- Heated, leatherette-wrapped steering wheel
- 4-way adjustable steering column
- PVC upholstery
- 6-way energy driver’s seat with reminiscence
- 4-way energy passenger seat with reminiscence
- Heated and ventilated entrance seats
- Reclining second-row seats
- 60:40 break up/fold rear seats
- Twin-zone local weather management
- One-touch up/down energy home windows
- Solar visors with vainness mirrors, lights
- ‘Clever’ ambient mild
- 2 x USB-A shops (1 x entrance, 1 x rear)
- 1 x USB-C outlet (entrance)
The Luxurious provides:
- PVC/leather-based upholstery
- Eight-point therapeutic massage for entrance seats
- 6.6L fridge
- Second-row tray desk
- Solar visors with bigger vainness mirror, mild
An area-saver spare is optionally available.
To see how the GAC Aion V strains up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability device
Is the GAC Aion V protected?
The GAC Aion V has but to be examined by ANCAP – the Australasian New Automobile Evaluation Program – nonetheless, it was given a five-star security ranking from its sister program, Euro NCAP, earlier this 12 months.
Whereas scoring is just not similar between ANCAP and Euro NCAP, it’s price noting the Aion V obtained marks of 88 per cent for grownup occupant safety, 85 per cent for little one occupant safety, 79 per cent for weak road-user safety (equivalent to pedestrians and cyclists), and 78 per cent for security help know-how.
These are encouraging scores, however we’ll have to attend and see how ANCAP interprets these outcomes primarily based by itself standards to see the way it comes out in opposition to the native competitors.
Commonplace security gear contains:
- Adaptive cruise management
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Baby presence detection
- Driver monitoring system
- Built-in Cruise Help
- Lane-keep help
- Emergency lane-keep help
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Secure exit warning
- Encompass-view digital camera
- Entrance and rear parking sensors
- Entrance, front-centre, front-side and curtain airbags
To see how the GAC Aion V strains up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability device
How a lot does the GAC Aion V price to run?
Whereas GAC’s petrol-powered fashions include a seven-year guarantee, being electrical, the Aion V will get an eight-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee. Nonetheless, on the time of writing, GAC hasn’t detailed the Aion V’s service schedule.
| Servicing and Guarantee | GAC Aion V |
|---|---|
| Guarantee | 8 years, limitless kilometres |
| Excessive-voltage battery guarantee | 8 years, 200,000km |
| Roadside help | 5 years |
| Service intervals | TBC |
| Capped-price servicing | TBC |
To see how the GAC Aion V strains up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability device
CarExpert’s Tackle the GAC Aion V
The GAC Aion V is a really encouraging begin to the model’s first foray into the Australian market, and whereas our time with the automobile was restricted, it put up a really sturdy efficiency for a mid-size electrical SUV.
Little question helped by its co-development with Toyota, the Aion V presents a driving expertise usually not discovered at this worth level, with journey and dealing with being notably good.
To its credit score, the GAC comes throughout as a comparatively straightforward automobile to leap into and stay with – regardless of the screen-based controls.
We suspect most will adapt to the dearth of bodily buttons pretty shortly, but when it is a private bugbear then you definitely is perhaps higher off options within the phase.
Nonetheless, for these extra comfy with know-how or who’re keen to be taught, there’s so much on supply on this package deal.
Actually, we’re wanting ahead to getting the Aion V into the CarExpert workplace for a extra complete evaluation within the close to future, however what we’ve seen to this point is encouraging.
Whereas GAC says it needs to be a top-10 auto model by 2030, to be honest, most automakers have these aspirations in Australia – whether or not they publicly admit it or not.
But when our first style of the Aion V is an indication of issues to come back, then GAC may effectively be on its method.
CarExpert can prevent hundreds on a brand new GAC Aion V. Click on right here to get an awesome deal.
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MORE: Discover the GAC Aion V showroom
