GAC Aion S

Model Overview

The AION S is the debut pure electric sedan from GAC AION (formerly GAC New Energy), officially launched on 27 April 2019, marking a pivotal milestone in the brand's upscale push into the EV segment. Built upon GAC’s second-generation dedicated GEP (GAC Electric Platform) architecture, this C-segment pure electric sedan places strong emphasis on long electric range, smart on-board technology, and efficient cabin packaging. As GAC AION's pioneering nameplate, the AION S carved out a solid first-mover advantage in the domestic family EV market from day one, powered by a class-leading NEDC combined range of 510 km and Level 2 semi-autonomous driving assist capabilities. As of 2026, the AION S lineup has expanded into a comprehensive family, offering two distinct branches—the "AION S Xuan" and "AION S Plus"—catering to both commercial e-hailing fleets and private buyers. Having undergone several updates over the years, the 2026 model year is officially priced between RM139,800 and RM156,800 across four well-appointed variants, providing multiple battery range options to suit diverse driving needs.

Design Language

Visually, the AION S blends athletic styling with high-tech aesthetics, boasting a low drag coefficient of just 0.245 Cd that outperforms most rivals in its segment. Up front, it wears the marque's signature "Arrow Through Clouds" design language, featuring sharp and distinctive T-shaped LED headlamps complemented by a sleek full-width LED light bar at the rear, exuding a futuristic road presence. In profile, sweeping character lines, a sloping fastback silhouette, and a segmented waistline accentuate its dynamic stance, while flush pop-out door handles balance aerodynamic efficiency with a sleek, minimalist aesthetic. In terms of exterior dimensions, which vary slightly by model year, the AION S Plus measures 4,810 mm in length, 1,880 mm in width, and 1,515 mm in height, riding on a generous 2,750 mm wheelbase that ensures impressive interior legroom. Inside, the cabin embraces a clean, tech-centric design finished with extensive soft-touch upholstery, with options for dual-tone colour schemes and a fixed panoramic glass roof. The cockpit is anchored by a free-standing touchscreen infotainment display, paired with a driver-centric wraparound floating dashboard that creates an immersive, high-tech ambience.

Powertrain & Performance

Across the range, the AION S adopts a front-wheel-drive (FWD) single electric motor setup, powered by GAC's proprietary "3-in-1" integrated electric drive unit designed for reduced weight and optimum efficiency. Motor outputs range between 135 kW and 180 kW depending on the year and variant, with peak torque figures spanning 300 Nm to 350 Nm, achieving an official 0–100 km/h sprint in 7.5 to 7.9 seconds—performance on par with conventional 2.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol sedans. Electric range remains a standout attribute, offering either lithium iron phosphate (LFP) or nickel cobalt manganese (NCM) ternary lithium battery packs; early iterations employed CATL-sourced NCM 811 ternary lithium cells delivering an NEDC range of up to 510 km with an energy density of 170 Wh/kg. The 2026 iteration brings further range refinements, with the Xuan series delivering up to 503 km on the CLTC cycle, effortlessly covering daily commutes and long-distance intercity drives. On the battery safety front, selected variants benefit from GAC's in-house "Magazine Battery" technology, which employs enhanced cell thermal resistance and advanced heat insulation shielding to significantly bolster overall battery pack protection.

Chassis & Handling

Engineered on a dedicated EV skateboard platform, the AION S packages its battery pack flat beneath the floor, effectively lowering the centre of gravity for a planted and stable ride. The suspension setup follows a familiar segment configuration, comprising front MacPherson struts and a rear torsion beam. The chassis is tuned with an emphasis on ride comfort, soaking up minor road undulations while retaining composure during high-speed highway cruising. Steering duties are handled by an electric power steering (EPS) system that delivers linear feedback and well-weighted assistance for effortless manoeuvring around town. Drivers can choose between three standard drive modes—ECO, NORMAL, and SPORT—alongside a dedicated I-pedal (single-pedal drive) mode and an ECO+ mode. This allows drivers to modulate regenerative braking intensity according to driving conditions and range requirements, making heavy traffic crawling effortless via one-pedal driving whilst maximising energy recuperation.

Cabin & Features

In terms of in-cabin tech, the AION S remains highly competitive in its class. Early models featured twin 12.3-inch dual floating digital displays running the GAC New Energy AI System 2.0, supporting voice control, dual-map navigation, online music streaming, 4G telematics, and over-the-air (OTA) software updates. The subsequent AION S Plus upgraded to a larger 14.6-inch central touchscreen running the ADiGO 4.0 intelligent connected ecosystem, packing a 360-degree surround sound system, AutoNavi navigation, QQ Music, and 5G Douyin in-car recording for an enhanced infotainment experience on the move. Additional creature comforts include smartphone Bluetooth digital key access, a wireless smartphone charging pad, automatic dual-zone climate control, and electrically adjustable front seats, providing a refined and convenient driving environment.

Safety & Driver Assistance

When it comes to vehicle safety and driver assist tech, the AION S set notable industry benchmarks upon its debut as one of China's earliest mass-produced EVs equipped with Level 2 advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), incorporating up to 20 driver aid functions. Higher-spec variants pack an extensive sensor suite comprising a millimetre-wave radar, 12 ultrasonic parking sensors, and 5 cameras, delivering features such as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), autonomous emergency braking alerts, Integrated Cruise Assist (ICA), and Traffic Jam Assist (TJA) to alleviate driver fatigue on long-distance journeys. An intelligent automated parking system can detect standard parking bays and execute parking manoeuvres autonomously, offering great reassurance for less experienced drivers. Passive safety is bolstered by a high-tensile steel safety cell, with standard dual front airbags and front side airbags across all trims, while higher variants add full-length curtain airbags for comprehensive collision protection.

Market Performance & Outlook

The GAC AION S has long served as a vital sales backbone for the marque, having gained strong traction across both commercial e-hailing fleets and private household buyers in its early lifecycle thanks to its long range and rich tech suite. However, with fierce competition saturating the domestic EV landscape, the AION S is feeling the pinch in the private retail space. Sales statistics reveal that while the AION S clocked 55,095 units throughout 2025, momentum tapered off in early 2026, recording 4,193 units in March—a year-on-year contraction of 44.33%—underlining the mounting pressure from new rivals in an increasingly crowded EV market. Fundamentally, the AION S built its stellar reputation on a purpose-built EV platform, credible real-world range, and long-term durability; nevertheless, slower exterior facelifts, rationalised equipment packages on base trims, and fast-evolving smart tech from newer competitors have diluted its market dominance. On the whole, while the AION S stands as an iconic pioneer in the early boom of China's new energy vehicle industry, its future sales revival will hinge on GAC AION's ability to roll out sharper product innovations and targeted updates.