The GAC AION V (pronounced ION-V), is one of New Zealand’s newest fully electric SUVs, yet the brand behind it is anything but new. GAC, or Guangzhou Automobile Company, traces its origins back to 1948 and has grown into one of China’s largest automotive manufacturers, producing more than two million vehicles annually. With partnerships that include GAC Toyota, GAC Honda, and tech collaborations with Huawei, GAC enters New Zealand with strong credentials. Introducing a trio of models including the Emzoom, M8, and the new mid‑sized electric SUV, the AION V, we take a closer look at the latter.
Sitting below the $50,000 mark even in its top Luxury trim, the AION V aims to deliver value, versatility, and future‑proof tech. But does it deliver? Well the short answer is yes.
Futuristic Yet Friendly
The first thing you notice about the GAC AION V is its unique front fascia. GAC says its LED light signature is inspired by a ‘cyber T‑Rex’, a playful, if slightly questionable design brief, but one that does result in a striking and modern appearance. Thankfully, the grille design avoids the literal T‑Rex teeth, and instead presents a clean, sharp, and somewhat European‑influenced aesthetic.
The badge proudly displays ‘AION’ across the front, emphasising GAC’s future‑focused branding. At 4.6 metres long and 1.68 metres tall, the AION V has ideal dimensions for urban and suburban driving. It fits in standard garages and comfortably navigates tight city car parks.
The Luxury trim tested rides on distinctive 19‑inch alloys wrapped in generous rubber, with protective wheel arches that give the SUV a more robust stance. The retractable door handles are a premium touch, echoing Tesla and other high‑end EVs, and hinting at the brand’s technological ambitions.
Around the back, the AION V features sleek vertical LED taillights, a roof‑line spoiler, and a checkered flag motif, an aesthetic touch with no real performance connection but one that adds personality. Boot space comes in at a practical 427 litres, complete with a dual‑level load floor perfect for stashing charging cables or valuables out of sight.
Comfort, Tech, and Space Where It Counts
Step inside and the AION V immediately surprises. For a vehicle priced under $50k, the cabin feels impressively upscale. Soft‑touch materials and faux leather cover most surfaces, and the use of dark chrome accents keeps the interior from feeling cheap or overly flashy.
One of the cabin’s biggest highlights is the full‑length panoramic roof, which floods the interior with light and offsets the otherwise dark colour palette. Visibility is excellent thanks to large windows, oversized mirrors, and thoughtful cabin layout.
But the real show-stoppers are the seats. The Luxury trim comes with heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, features typically reserved for vehicles well above the AION V’s price point. It’s an unexpected luxury that genuinely elevates the daily driving experience.
Storage options are generous, with multi‑layered compartments and a retractable tray behind the passenger seat. The standout, however, is the centre console thermal box, capable of cooling to –5°C and heating to +50°C, meaning you can chill drinks or even warm up food while on the go. Not sure you could cook a pie in there, but would keep it hot enough for the cops to offer ‘blow on it’ advice.
Rear-seat space is another strong point. The AION V offers impressive legroom even for taller teenagers or adults, making it a genuine family-friendly option – the seats recline too! The generous width and smart cabin design may even reduce any ‘too close’ arguments, but not guaranteed.
Feature-Rich and Intuitive
Tech integration is an area where Chinese EV manufacturers frequently excel, and the AION V continues that trend. Its 14.6‑inch infotainment display serves as the control hub for nearly the entire vehicle, from mirror adjustments to drive modes and advanced safety systems.
The interface is intuitive, responsive, and cleanly laid out. While some (like me) may prefer physical controls for essentials like air‑conditioning, the system remains easy to navigate after a brief adjustment period.
Additional highlights include, a crisp 360-degree camera system, strong, high-quality audio system, Level 2 autonomous driving capability, and a 9-inch digital instrument cluster showing key driving data and navigation.
The SUV does come equipped with many driver-assistance alerts, some of which can feel overactive, but thankfully they can be switched off (though they reset with each new trip).
Honest and Hassle-Free
The AION V is powered by a 150 kW electric motor producing 210 Nm of torque, drawing energy from a 75.26 kWh battery pack. GAC claims a 510 km range, which is impressive for its segment and battery size. Real‑world numbers naturally vary, but based on testing, the AION V remains capable of covering several days of typical commuting without requiring a recharge, and comes close to the claimed figures.
DC fast charging tops out at 75 kW, giving an 80% charge in around 24 minutes, fast enough for most weekend road trips or daily use needs.
Despite its futuristic looks, the AION V doesn’t pretend to be a rocketship. Its 0–100 km/h time of roughly 8 seconds is respectable but not thrilling, and although the ‘V’ stands for value and versatility, it doesn’t add velocity. On the road, it’s calm, composed, and quiet, offering an authentic driving experience without trying to be something it’s not.
Front-wheel drive dynamics mean spirited driving will reveal some wheel squeal, but in day-to-day use the AION V is predictable, comfortable, and impressively refined. The turning circle is tight, making it fantastic for urban environments.
Relaxed Confidence
One thing the AION V nails is the feeling of simplicity. You simply sit down, the car wakes up, and you select gear via a Mercedes-style column shifter. For new EV owners or drivers transitioning from petrol vehicles, this ease of use is a big win.
The cabin remains notably quiet at speed, thanks to strong insulation and good build quality. The suspension is tuned for comfort, smoothing out daily bumps without feeling overly soft.
Range anxiety is minimal thanks to the large battery. After several days of driving, I still had over 250 km remaining, a reassuring result that promotes confidence for longer journeys.
Tarmac Takeaway – A Standout Value in the Electric SUV Market
With a price tag under $50,000, high-end features, generous range, and family-friendly space, the GAC AION V represents compelling value. It may not be the fastest EV on the market, but it’s authentic, well-equipped, and thoughtfully designed, an ideal combination for Kiwi families and urban drivers. The AION V is vibrant, nippy around town, and loaded with features that punch well above its price point.
