GAC AION UT

Model Overview

The AION UT is an all-electric A-segment hatchback under GAC AION, officially launched on 28 February 2025. Serving as GAC AION's third global strategic model, the AION UT is officially dubbed the "Parrot Dragon" and is earmarked for rollout across 18 overseas markets. In May 2026, GAC AION expanded the line-up with the 2026 AION UT 320 Xinghui Edition, featuring targeted equipment revisions. Dimension-wise, it measures 4,270 mm long, 1,850 mm wide, and 1,575 mm tall, riding on a generous 2,750 mm wheelbase. The 2025 range comprises five variants with indicative prices ranging from RM69,800 to RM101,800, dropping to as low as RM54,800 after applicable incentives; the 2026 320 Xinghui Edition carries an official retail price of RM73,800, alongside a limited-time promotional offer of RM68,800. Key market rivals include the BYD Dolphin (RM99,800 – RM129,800) and Geely Xingyuan (RM69,800 – RM98,800).

Design Language

Penned by Milan-based advance design maestro Stephen, the AION UT incorporates AION's latest global styling ethos, characterised by sleek, rounded, and aerodynamic proportions. The front end sports a clean, closed-off grille flanked by uniquely styled headlamp clusters, with daytime running lights (DRLs) powered by 19 high-output 3W LED diodes; the lower bumper incorporates "four-point matrix" LED fog lamps on either side and diagonal cooling slats in the centre, seamlessly blending high-tech aesthetics with a sporty vibe. Down the sides, the streamlined silhouette is complemented by semi-flush door handles, with the charging port neatly positioned on the right front fender. The rear styling remains tidy and cohesive, sporting a roof-mounted spoiler with an integrated high-mounted third brake light, while the tail light signatures mimic the front's "four-point matrix" motif. Buyers can choose from six exterior shades—Titian Red, Monet Purple, Florence Green, Champs Beige, Rococo White, and Seine Silver—along with optional dual-tone paint schemes.

Stepping inside, the cabin adopts a signature family aesthetic available in four distinct interior themes: Black, Brown, Pink, and Beige. The dashboard features a semi-open centre console layout, offering practical storage solutions whilst doubling as an open walk-through aisle between the front footwells. Premium hypoallergenic soft-touch trims are extensively applied throughout the interior, ensuring a plush tactile feel alongside an odour-free, zero-formaldehyde cabin environment. A two-spoke multifunction steering wheel and a steering column-mounted electronic gear selector are standard across the range, accented by rounded rectangular air vents and door pulls.

Powertrain and Performance

The entire AION UT line-up is powered by a front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous electric motor producing 100 kW, achieving a top speed of 150 km/h. The 0–60 km/h city sprint is dispatched in just 4.2 seconds.

Energy is supplied by two lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery configurations utilising Magazine Battery 2.0 technology: the 330 variant gets a 34.87 kWh battery pack delivering a CLTC-rated range of 330 km; the 420 variant is fitted with a 44.12 kWh battery pack, good for 420 km on the CLTC cycle. Via DC fast charging, a 30% to 80% state of charge (SoC) can be replenished in just 24 minutes. Average energy consumption is rated at approximately 11.4 kWh per 100 km. A heat pump climate control system is standard across all trims, providing optimised real-world efficiency in cold-weather conditions. Furthermore, the car supports 3.3 kW Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) bi-directional power delivery, making it the only EV in its class capable of cross-brand rescue charging.

Chassis and Handling

The AION UT utilises a front-wheel-drive (FWD) setup. Suspension duties are handled by an independent MacPherson strut setup at the front and a torsion beam semi-independent setup at the rear. The suspension is comfort-biased, expertly soaking up road imperfections and speed bumps. Handling is assisted by an Electric Power Steering (EPS) system. It clocked a noteworthy 75 km/h in the standard Moose test, effortlessly dispelling the myth that compact cars compromise on high-speed stability. Fitted with 215 mm wide tyres and a wide 1,600 mm track width, the hatchback delivers confident, planted road manners at highway speeds.

Cabin and Equipment

The cockpit centres on a dual-screen digital layout—featuring an 8.8-inch fully digital instrument cluster and a 14.6-inch floating central infotainment display as standard across the range. The infotainment panel benefits from 3A optical film coating (anti-glare, anti-fingerprint, and anti-reflection). Under the hood, the system runs the ADiGO 5.0 OS driven by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 6155 chipset, offering seamless support for Huawei HiCar, Apple CarPlay, and Carlink smartphone integration. An integrated AI voice assistant backed by cloud AI models delivers intuitive "see-and-speak" hands-free command functionality.

Packaging-wise, the 2,750 mm wheelbase leads the segment. Rear passengers enjoy generous legroom of up to 905 mm and a shoulder room width of 1,385 mm. The 60:40 split-folding rear seats expand the standard 440-litre boot space to a massive 1,600 litres. Practicality is further enhanced by 90-degree wide-opening side doors for effortless cabin access.

In terms of convenience features, standard equipment includes a dual-layer flow heat pump air-conditioning system, rear AC vents, and a panoramic glass roof with an electric sunblind. Higher trims add a 360-degree surround-view monitor, transparent chassis view, leatherette-wrapped steering wheel, powered driver seat, 6-speaker audio setup, multi-colour ambient lighting, and a hands-free powered tailgate. The 2026 320 Xinghui Edition further adds a 540° panoramic camera system, Bluetooth smartphone digital key, and front side airbags.

Safety and Driver Assistance

The AION UT is engineered to meet China-NCAP and Euro NCAP dual five-star crash safety standards. High-strength steel constitutes 71% of the body structure, capable of absorbing impact energy equivalent to a 1.5-tonne vehicle dropped from an 8-metre height. Standard across the range is a Reverse Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) system—designed to detect rear obstacles and brake automatically should the driver inadvertently press the throttle while reversing. On the passive safety front, it boasts class-exclusive 2.1-metre V-shaped curtain airbags spanning from the C-pillar to the A-pillar to safeguard both front and rear occupants. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) come factory-standard.

For advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), the range-topping 420 Zhizun Edition comes equipped with the ADiGO Intelligent Driving suite, delivering Level 2 semi-autonomous driving capabilities such as Lane Change Assist (LCA), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Lane Centring Control (LCC), Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR), and Full-Speed Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). Additional convenience aids include Automated Parking Assist (APA) and Auto Lane Change Assist.

Market Performance and Verdict

The AION UT has enjoyed robust market demand since its debut, raking in over 10,000 pre-orders, with 70% accounted for by Gen-Z and millennial first-time car buyers. From July to September 2025, monthly deliveries consistently hovered around 5,500 to 6,000 units. In April 2026, the AION UT clinched the top-selling EV spot in Hong Kong's private passenger car market with 1,596 registrations, eclipsing established rivals Tesla and BYD. By May 2026, global monthly sales reached 3,331 units, marking a 60% month-on-month surge and making it the fastest-growing model in the Chinese-brand electric hatchback category. Cumulative deliveries from January to April 2026 reached 20,397 units, averaging roughly 5,000 units monthly.

Automotive media consensus highlights that the AION UT's primary strengths lie in its class-above 2,750 mm wheelbase providing immense cabin space, tech-laden cockpit with a 14.6-inch display and Level 2 ADAS, the proven safety of Magazine Battery 2.0, and unbeatable value starting from RM69,800. The only minor gripe centres on cabin trim plastics, where fit-and-finish could see further refinement against some rivals. Nonetheless, by positioning itself as "a size larger and noticeably more upscale," the AION UT establishes a formidable competitive edge within the RM70,000 – RM100,000 compact EV hatchback segment.