Aion, a newly established electric vehicle brand from China, is poised to enter the competitive European SUV market with its latest offering, the V. Launching in spring 2026, the Aion V aims to stand out by combining impressive specifications with an aggressively priced entry point.
With a projected range of 317 miles on the WLTP cycle and DC fast charging capability that can replenish the 75kWh battery from 10% to 80% in just 24 minutes, the Aion V rivals established Chinese contenders like the Smart #5 and XPeng G6. What sets it apart is its expected price tag of “in the mid-£30,000s,” potentially making it one of the most affordable long-range EVs on sale.
A New Player Enters the Arena
While Aion might be a fresh face in Europe, it’s backed by GAC (Guangzhou Automobile), a well-established Chinese state-owned automaker with ties to Toyota and Honda through joint ventures. In the UK, Aion has partnered with Jameel Motors, known for distributing Toyota and Lexus vehicles as well as electric van maker Farizon.
This partnership signals Aion’s ambition: by 2028, the company plans to offer six different electrified models across various segments in the UK, expanding beyond just the V SUV and its UT hatchback sibling. The diverse lineup will likely include cars sourced from other GAC brands like Hyptec and Hycan, showcasing a multi-pronged strategy for market penetration.
Performance and Technological Highlights
The Aion V prioritizes efficiency and practicality. Its single electric motor generates 197 horsepower, propelling the nearly two-ton SUV from 0 to 62 mph in 7.7 seconds. This front-wheel drive system benefits from a platform codenamed AEP 3.0, shared with the Toyota bZ3X and likely contributing to its relatively light weight for an electric SUV.
Interestingly, while the V is solely all-electric in Europe, it does offer a range extender option in China, utilizing a small gasoline engine to supplement battery power. Aion hasn’t ruled out introducing this system in Europe, but market conditions are currently being assessed.
Spacious Interior and Practical Features
Inside, the Aion V promises generous passenger space with ample headroom under its standard panoramic sunroof (complete with a retractable shade) and comfortable legroom in the rear seats. Like some other Chinese EVs, the front headrests can be removed to create a makeshift bed for those enduring long commutes or traffic jams on major roads like the UK’s M25.
The spacious design extends to its boot, which offers 510 liters of cargo capacity despite featuring a compact torsion beam rear suspension aimed at maximizing interior room. While this falls slightly short of the Volkswagen ID.4’s 543-liter capacity, it still accommodates most everyday needs.
Tech and Comfort: What to Expect
Standard features include a large central touchscreen running on Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, plus an expected 64-color ambient lighting system and polyurethane “vegan” upholstery. The touchscreen interface is designed for intuitive navigation with logically arranged menus.
However, the Aion V will likely require some refinement before launch; Owen Lloyd, head of product for Aion Auto UK, aims to accumulate 10,000 test miles to feed back valuable user insights and drive software improvements directly to GAC engineers. Notably, he hopes to see illuminated steering wheel buttons added as a future upgrade.
Optional extras are anticipated to include an “Exec Pack” estimated at around £1,500. This package would add massage seats, a cooled/heated center console box, and genuine leather upholstery, potentially addressing the somewhat plasticky feel of the vegan alternatives currently on offer.
The Aion V represents a bold entry into the burgeoning European EV market. Its combination of compelling range, fast charging times, spacious interior, competitive pricing, and promising technology could make it a serious contender against well-established rivals. However, its success will ultimately hinge on overcoming consumer perception of a new brand and delivering on those initial promises through refinement and aftersales support.
