AION Y

Model Overview

The AION Y is an all-electric C-segment SUV under GAC AION New Energy and the fourth model built on the brand's GEP 2.0 dedicated EV platform, targeted at younger buyers with an emphasis on generous cabin space and strong value for money. First launched in 2021, the AION Y has seen several model-year refreshes, currently progressing to the 2025 and 2026 iterations. Official retail prices for on-sale variants range from approximately RM99,800 to RM140,000 (varying by model year and trim), with showroom cash rebates frequently between RM20,000 and RM23,000, bringing the entry-level variant's actual selling price down to around RM86,800. Within the lineup, the AION Y Plus is the core volume driver, featuring an extended body length and offering multiple CLTC rated ranges including 430 km, 510 km, and 610 km, with DC fast charging capable of a 20% to 80% state of charge (SoC) top-up in 30 minutes.

Design Language

The overall design styling of the AION Y leans towards a youthful, high-tech aesthetic. The exterior adopts what the brand calls the "Sky City" design concept, featuring a closed-off front grille paired with distinctive "Angel Wings" LED headlights for high visual identity. The 2026 model introduces a new "Little Sure Apricot" exterior paint and a "Zero Anxiety Green" interior theme, alongside slimmer full-width tail lights and a full-width silver trim accent integrated into the rear bumper to enhance the rear end's layered look. The side profile adopts clean, minimalist lines with flush door handles that help optimise aerodynamic efficiency. Dimension-wise, the AION Y Plus measures 4,535 mm long, 1,870 mm wide, and 1,650 mm tall, with a 2,750 mm wheelbase. Thanks to the short front and rear overhangs of its dedicated EV architecture, the wheelbase-to-body length ratio reaches 63%, maximising interior cabin space.

Inside, the AION Y adopts an ultra-minimalist "Ready Player One" cockpit layout with a clean T-shaped dashboard, significantly fewer physical buttons, and a tech-centric, youthful vibe. The centre console features a hollowed-out lower storage tier, striking a good balance between aesthetics and everyday practicality.

Powertrain Performance

The AION Y range is driven by a front-mounted single permanent magnet synchronous motor in a front-wheel-drive (FWD) setup. Three power outputs are offered: the entry-level motor produces 100 kW (approx. 136 PS) and 176 Nm of torque; the mid-range tune delivers 135 kW (approx. 184 PS) and 225 Nm; while the high-spec 610 km long-range variant packs 150 kW (approx. 204 PS) and 225 Nm. Although official 0-100 km/h acceleration figures are not uniformly published, real-world century sprint times range between 7.5 and 9 seconds depending on the variant, with top speeds rated between 150 km/h and 180 km/h.

In terms of battery tech, the entire AION Y lineup utilises lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery packs, sourced from suppliers including CATL, CALB, and Farasis Energy. Depending on the range specification, capacities are offered in 49.75 kWh, 58.4 kWh, 62.7 kWh, and 75.26 kWh configurations, yielding CLTC driving ranges of 310 km, 430 km, 510 km, 520 km, 610 km, and 650 km respectively. The 2026 top-spec variant has been upgraded to deliver up to 650 km of range. For charging, all variants support DC fast charging and AC slow charging, with DC charging replenishing the battery from 20%-30% to 80% in 30 minutes.

Chassis and Handling

Underneath, the AION Y rides on front MacPherson struts and a rear torsion beam setup. The suspension is tuned primarily for comfort, effectively ironing out minor road imperfections while keeping manufacturing costs competitive, well-aligned with its role as a daily family commuter. Steering is handled by an electric power steering (EPS) rack with speed-sensitive weighting, offering a light helm at carpark speeds and reassuring stability at higher speeds. Stopping power comes from front ventilated discs and rear solid disc brakes, paired with an electronic parking brake (EPB). Drivers can select from four driving modes: ECO, NORMAL, SPORT, and I-PEDAL (single-pedal drive). Additionally, auto brake hold and hill-start assist are standard across the range, easing urban stop-and-go driving.

Cabin and Features

Inside the cabin, the AION Y comes standard across all variants with a 10.25-inch fully digital instrument cluster and a 14.6-inch floating central touchscreen infotainment display. The cockpit features a three-spoke flat-bottom steering wheel, with the gear selector relocated to a column-mounted electronic stalk on the right. Infotainment duties are managed by the ADiGO SPACE intelligent cockpit system powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 6125 processor, presenting a responsive tablet-style card interface with support for intelligent voice commands (including continuous dialogue and "see-and-say" screen voice control), OTA software updates, smartphone remote connectivity, and built-in navigation. Smartphone mirroring includes HUAWEI HiCar 4.0 and Carlink compatibility. Higher-spec models also benefit from a 360-degree surround-view camera system with a transparent chassis view.

For seating comfort, upholstery is trimmed in PVC or synthetic leather, with higher-spec trims adding power adjustment, ventilation, and heating for the driver's seat. Rear passengers enjoy a completely flat floor, dedicated rear air-conditioning vents, and USB charging ports, ensuring generous passenger comfort in the rear quarters. The sound system comes in 4- to 6-speaker setups.

Safety and Intelligent Driving

On the safety front, the AION Y features a high-strength steel cage body architecture engineered to meet C-NCAP five-star crash safety standards. Standard active safety equipment across the range includes Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), Traction Control System (TCS), and Electronic Stability Programme (ESP). On higher-spec variants, the Level 2 GAC GSD Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) is equipped, offering full-speed Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Centring Control (LCC), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Change Assist (LCA), and Automated Parking Assist (APA), effectively reducing driver fatigue during highway cruising and heavy traffic jams. The sensor suite on higher variants includes multiple millimetre-wave radars, ultrasonic parking sensors, and high-definition cameras, whereas the entry-level variant settles for standard passive cruise control and rear parking sensors.

Market Performance and Reception

Thanks to its class-above rear legroom courtesy of the 2,750 mm wheelbase and an accessible entry price, the AION Y has long served as a key volume seller for GAC AION, seeing widespread adoption in both private family commuting and commercial e-hailing fleets. In terms of market numbers, the AION Y recorded approximately 156,000 units sold in 2024, before dropping significantly to around 78,000 units in 2025. Entering 2026, momentum slowed further, with February monthly registrations dipping to 1,276 units, contributing to an overall year-on-year sales decline for the brand. Owner feedback frequently highlights the vehicle's cavernous rear passenger space, responsive electric powertrain, and exceptional value proposition. On the flip side, common complaints point to noticeable wind noise at highway speeds, a slightly firm rear suspension over rough surfaces, laggy infotainment response on earlier units, and the restriction of key smart driving features to top-tier variants. In summary, as an established contender in the C-segment EV SUV market, the AION Y remains a compelling proposition for budget-conscious family buyers after factoring in showroom price cuts down to the RM90,000 to RM130,000 range, though it now faces stiff headwinds and fierce competition in an increasingly crowded EV landscape.