Image: GACPrices in Europe start at €27,990, depending on the market, as announced by the car manufacturer. Like the Aion V before it, the Aion UT is assembled at the Magna plant in Graz. For its European models, GAC has also ordered LFP batteries from Farasis Energy.GAC’s ambition to expand into Europe has been known for some time. At the IAA Mobility event last September, the manufacturer made a strong impression and even allowed journalists to test drive the Aion UT. Read our first impressions of this compact ID.3 competitor here.The launch of the Aion UT in markets such as Portugal, Finland, and Poland comes as no surprise, as GAC has already introduced its SUV model, the Aion V, in these EU countries. The Aion UT also launches simultaneously in Greece. While Germany and other major EU markets have not yet been mentioned by name, GAC’s ambitions in Germany are well known – the country is likely to follow in the third quarter.The Aion UT – the name stands for ‘Urban Traffic’ – measures 4.27 metres in length and has a wheelbase of 2.75 metres. Both dimensions are nearly identical to those of the VW ID.3, differing by just a few centimetres. Between the axles, the UT features a 60 kWh LFP battery, enabling a WLTP range of up to 430 kilometres.Volkswagen is also adopting LFP cell chemistry in its upcoming ID.3 Neo, which has a comparable energy content of 59 kWh. GAC states the charging time as 24 minutes, though this refers to charging from 30 to 80 per cent, rather than the more common 10 to 80 per cent window. The Chinese manufacturer has not disclosed this latter value. Image: GAC Image: GAC Image: GAC Image: GAC Image: GAC Image: GAC Image: GAC Image: GAC Image: GAC Image: GAC Image: GAC Image: GAC Image: GAC Image: GAC Image: GAC Image: GAC Image: GAC Image: GACBuilt on a dedicated electric platform, the Aion UT is designed to offer ample space, with a boot capacity of 440 litres, according to the manufacturer. Inside, it features a 14.6-inch touchscreen and an 8.9-inch cockpit display. GAC claims the Aion UT meets ‘the highest safety standards’ and supports Level 2 semi-autonomous driving.In addition to its technology, factors such as the dealership network and pricing are likely to be key considerations for potential customers. “GAC is working to expand further across Europe through new partnerships and the development of sales and service networks,” the company states regarding its dealership strategy.Pricing starts at the aforementioned €27,990, depending on the market. GAC offers the Aion UT in two trim levels: ‘Premium’ and ‘Luxury.’ The price of the ‘Luxury’ variant and the differences in markets where the base price is not €27,990 are currently unknown.Source: Information via email
