GAC Aion Y Plus coming to Malaysia; here’s what to expect from the Chinese EV

It seems like GAC Motor is set to shake up the SUV landscape in Malaysia. The China-based brand has just previewed not only one, not two, but three SUVs that are earmarked to launch in the local market this year. The list includes - GS3 Emzoom, Emkoo, and Aion Y Plus; of these, the first two are ICE-powered B- and C-segment SUVs, while the latter one is an electric SUV that could go up against the other Chinese EVs like the Ora Good Cat and BYD Atto 3. 

Let’s talk about what the upcoming Aion Y Plus EV would bring to the table.

Drivetrain, range, and charging

GAC has confirmed that the local-spec Aion Y Plus will come equipped with an in-house  63.2 kWh ‘Magazine’ lithium-ion phosphate battery, which will offer a cruising range of 490 km on the NEDC and 430 km on the WLTP cycle. The automaker asserts that the battery in question is the safest in the world. Using a DC fast charger, it juices up to 80% in just 30 minutes.

The battery and range numbers are identical to the ‘Elite’ variant available in Thailand; the one that runs on a single front motor tuned to generate a maximum power of 204 PS and a peak torque of 225 Nm. 

However, a higher-spec model ‘Ultra’ is also available in the Land of Smiles that houses a slightly bigger 69.98 kWh ternary lithium battery pack offering a pure electric cruising range of 610 km.

Dimensions

Based on the brand’s Aion Electric EV Platform, the upcoming Chinese EV is 4,535 mm long, 1,870 mm wide, and 1,650 mm tall. The wheelbase is measured at 2,750 mm long. Here’s a comparison of its dimensions with the Good Cat and Atto 3.

Dimensions	GAC Aion Y Plus	Ora Good Cat	BYD Atto 3
Length	4,535 mm	4,235 mm	4,455 mm
Width	1,870 mm	1,825 mm	1,875 mm
Height	1,650 mm	1,596 mm	1,615 mm
Wheelbase	2,750 mm	2,650 mm	2,720 mm

The above table clearly indicates that the Aion Y Plus is the longest and tallest in the bunch and it also has the longest wheelbase.

Exterior design

In terms of design, the Aion Y Plus EV appears more like an MPV rather than an SUV. The front fascia is dominated by eye-catching ‘Angel’s Wing’ headlights housing horizontal light bars while the rear is adorned with integrated transverse tail lights making a statement on the road. Other exterior highlights include electric flush door handles, a charging port on the front fender, and 17-inch wheels. There will be a total of seven exterior colours to choose from. 

Interior

The electric vehicle aims to offer a personalised, fresh, and enjoyable ambiance to occupants with the integration of the "ADiGO SPACE," the brand's intelligent cockpit designed for the "third living space." It will come equipped with fully-reclinable front seats allowing passengers to convert the cabin into a double bed with a width of 1.8 metres, isn’t that cool?

Among the other key interior highlights are - a 14.5-inch infotainment unit supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and over-the-air updates, a 10.25-inch LCD instrument cluster, a 360-degree camera system, and ambient lighting.

Safety

The Aion Y Plus will also come packed with an intelligent driving system with features such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking, reducing the risk of accidents and keeping passengers safe.

Price and availability

The official distributor of GAC Motors, Warisan Tan Chong Automotif (WTCA) is expected to roll out the Aion Y Plus EV in the first half of 2024. 

“GAC Aion represents the future of electric mobility, and WTCA is honoured to be entrusted as the sole and exclusive distributor in Malaysia. This collaboration underscores our dedication to providing the Malaysian market with innovative and eco-friendly mobility solutions,” said Warisan TC Holdings CEO Tan Keng Meng.

As for pricing, no official information is yet available, however, we can look at the Thai market for a reference where the EV retails between THB 1,069,900 (approximately equal to RM 142k) and THB 1,299,900 million (RM 173k).

Are you excited about the upcoming GAC EV in Malaysia? Let us know in the comments.

Also read: All-new 2024 GAC GS3 coming to Malaysia; here’s what to expect