AION RT

Model Overview

The AION RT is an A+ segment smart electric sedan launched by GAC AION. Officially introduced in September 2025 and billed as the "world's first A+ segment intelligent driving pure electric sedan", it targets tech-savvy, individualistic young drivers and family commuters alike. Built on the all-new AEP 3.0 EV platform, the model champions three key selling points: "class-above intelligence, ultra-fast charging long range, and accessible pricing". The refreshed 2026 lineup comprises four variants, with official retail prices between RM99,800 and RM123,800 (RM85,800 to RM109,800 after comprehensive subsidies). CATL Shenxing long-life batteries come standard across the range, offering CLTC-rated ranges of 520 km and 650 km alongside a lifetime warranty on the core EV powertrain components.

Design Language

The exterior of the AION RT embodies the "Human-Machine Symbiosis Aesthetics" design philosophy, sporting a low-slung, dynamic stance. Up front, a closed-off grille is flanked by smoked polygonal "Dragon Patrol Eye" headlamp clusters with upward-sweeping LED daytime running lights for a sharp, distinctive visual signature, while black bumper-side air intakes accentuate its sporty character. In profile, it adopts a sleek fastback silhouette with a swooping character line and flush pop-out door handles, achieving an ultra-low drag coefficient of 0.208 Cd. Round the back, full-width LED taillights frame the central "AION" badge to create a layered aesthetic, complemented by a wide-opening boot lid for effortless cargo loading.

In terms of dimensions, the sedan measures 4,865 mm long, 1,875 mm wide, and 1,520 mm tall, with a generous 2,775 mm wheelbase, placing it firmly in the A+ electric sedan segment. This yields a spacious cabin boasting 943 mm of rear legroom and 940 mm of headroom, along with a flat floor that rivals B-segment sedan proportions. Buyers can choose from seven exterior colours: Crystal Purple, Moon White Beige, Polar White, Holographic Silver, Cloud Grey, Sea Fluorescence Grey, and Night Shadow Black.

Inside, the AION RT features a wraparound minimalist cockpit. High-touch surfaces—including the centre armrest, dashboard, and all four door cards—are wrapped in 100% soft-touch leatherette, while the seats are trimmed in bespoke premium leather for an upscale ambience. The cabin is anchored by a standard 14.6-inch floating infotainment touchscreen and an 8.88-inch digital instrument cluster, complemented by a twin-spoke steering wheel and a column-mounted electronic gear selector for a clean, tech-laden aesthetic. The front passenger seat features a zero-gravity lounge function with multi-way power adjustment, ventilation, and heating for enhanced ride comfort.

Powertrain and Performance

The AION RT is powered exclusively by a front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor in a front-wheel-drive (FWD) configuration, paired with a single-speed EV transmission. It comes in two output tunes:

Battery-wise, CATL lithium iron phosphate (LFP) Shenxing batteries featuring Magazine Battery 2.0 technology are standard throughout, having successfully passed bullet-penetration non-ignition safety trials. Charging capabilities include a 400V Silicon Carbide (SiC) 3C fast-charging architecture across the board, enabling a 30% to 80% State of Charge (SOC) in just 18 minutes, or 200 km of range in 10 minutes. Rated power consumption stands at approximately 11.9 kWh/100 km, with an electrical equivalent fuel consumption of 1.36 L/100 km.

Chassis and Handling

Underpinned by a monocoque chassis, the front-wheel-drive AION RT utilises MacPherson strut independent suspension at the front and a torsion beam non-independent setup at the rear—a conventional layout in the A+ category designed to balance ride stability with optimal rear cabin room. Steering is handled by an Electric Power Steering (EPS) system, complemented by an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) with Auto Brake Hold. Braking duties are handled by ventilated discs at all four corners. Tyre fitments range from 215/55 R17 on the 520 models to 215/55 R18 on the 650 variants. The vehicle has an approach angle of 14° and a departure angle of 17°.

Cabin and Features

The AION RT's intelligent cockpit runs on the ADiGO 6.0 operating system, featuring a standard 14.6-inch floating centre touchscreen and an 8.88-inch full digital instrument cluster with split-screen functionality across all variants. The infotainment suite integrates Huawei HiCar 4.0, Apple CarPlay, and Carlink smartphone connectivity, alongside 4G telematics, Over-The-Air (OTA) updates, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and smartphone app remote control. The voice assistant supports four-zone voice activation, visible-to-spoken command execution, and continuous conversational recognition, triggered by the prompt "Hello, Baby".

In terms of creature comforts, the AION RT is well appointed with several class-above features:

• Seating: Standard leatherette upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and front seat ventilation and heating across all variants

• Climate Control: Standard automatic climate control with a heat pump system, rear air vents, and a PM2.5 air purification filter

• Convenience: Standard keyless entry with push-button start, flush pop-out electric door handles, Bluetooth digital key, powered tailgate (with memory and anti-pinch protection), and a 50W wireless smartphone charging pad (on selected variants)

• Audio: A 6-speaker setup on the 520 Zhixiang Edition, upgraded to an 11-speaker premium audio system on the 520/650 Zhihao Edition and above

• Sunroof: Mid-to-high-spec models gain a panoramic split glass sunroof with an electric roller sunblind

• External Power Output: A 6 kW Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) external power supply is standard across the range, catering to outdoor camping and electrical appliance needs

Boot capacity is rated at 540 litres, featuring a wide opening aperture for hassle-free luggage loading.

Safety and Driver Assistance

On the passive safety front, the AION RT is equipped as standard with front dual airbags, front side airbags, and front and rear curtain airbags (totalling 7 airbags including V-shaped side curtains), alongside a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). The body employs a high-strength cage structure to preserve passenger cell integrity during collisions. For battery integrity, the Magazine Battery 2.0 architecture has undergone rigorous gunshot non-ignition testing, offering class-leading peace of mind.

For active safety, standard electronic driving aids across the range include Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Traction Control System (TCS), and Electronic Stability Control (ESC), accompanied by Auto Brake Hold, Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), and a 540° panoramic camera system with a transparent underbody view.

Intelligent driving stands out as a key highlight of the vehicle. The AION RT is offered with two Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) configurations:

• Standard Package (520/650 Zhihao Edition): Powered by the Horizon Journey 6E processor and 22 sensing hardware components (3 millimetre-wave radars, 7 cameras, and 12 ultrasonic sensors), enabling Level 2 driving assistance. Features include full-speed Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Lane Centring Control (LCC), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), and Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR).

• Advanced Package (Optional on 650 Zhizun Edition): Upgrades to an advanced LiDAR-based driving system with 27 sensors (including 1 126-line variable-focus LiDAR, 5 millimetre-wave radars, and 11 cameras) running on an NVIDIA Orin-X chipset (254 TOPS computing power). It supports mapless urban Navigation Driving Assist (NDA), Highway Pilot Assist, Automatic Lane Change Assist, Remote Smart Parking, and Memory Parking.

In terms of equipment distribution, the key spec differences across the four 2026 AION RT variants are summarised below:

Market Performance and Reception

Since its debut in September 2025, the AION RT has garnered notable traction in the RM100,000 to RM130,000 pure electric family saloon segment, driven by its competitive RM99,800 starting price, standard CATL Shenxing battery pack, and Level 2 ADAS suite on mid-to-high trims. Its direct rivals include the XPENG MONA M03 (from RM119,800) and the BYD Qin PLUS EV (from RM109,800).

Customer feedback highlights several core strengths:

• Compelling Value for Money: Starting from RM99,800 with segment-busting standard kit, including a 540° camera, 6 kW V2L capability, heat pump climate control, and ventilated/heated front seats

• Dependable Real-World Range: A 650 km maximum range paired with 3C fast charging (30%-80% in 18 minutes) effectively eliminates range anxiety

• Class-Leading ADAS: Rare-in-class optional LiDAR hardware enabling mapless urban navigation pilot assist (NDA)

• Roomy Cabin: A 2,775 mm wheelbase and 943 mm of rear legroom over a completely flat floor provide generous seating comfort

• Robust Safety Credentials: Magazine Battery 2.0 technology, 7 airbags as standard, and a lifetime warranty on the core electric drive and battery systems

Areas for improvement noted by users include:

• The rear torsion beam setup allows more body roll during spirited cornering than a multi-link independent arrangement

• The infotainment user interface can feel somewhat convoluted, with occasional voice command latency

• Taller passengers around 1.85 m may find rear legroom slightly snug, while the sloping fastback roofline marginally impinges on headroom

• Brand equity still trails established heavyweights like BYD and Tesla in consumer mindshare

Verdict

As GAC AION's strategic offering in the A+ electric family sedan market, the AION RT champions a philosophy of "technology democratisation" in the RM100,000 to RM130,000 new energy vehicle space, anchored by its accessible RM99,800 entry point, 650 km range, and available LiDAR-based ADAS. With standard CATL Shenxing batteries, 3C fast-charging capability, a 540° camera system, ventilated/heated front seats, and a lifetime EV powertrain warranty, it presents a remarkably well-rounded package.

For young drivers and families seeking long electric range and advanced driving assistance on a budget between RM100,000 and RM130,000, the AION RT warrants serious consideration. The sweet spot in the range lies in the 520 Zhihao Edition or 650 Zhihao Edition for a complete suite of Level 2 ADAS and creature comforts. Buyers with deeper pockets can opt for the range-topping 650 Zhizun Edition equipped with the LiDAR package to experience mapless urban NDA functionality. As always, prospective buyers should weigh their daily commuting distances against local charging availability.