The Australian electric vehicle market just got hotter, heavier, and significantly more competitive. Chinese automotive giant GAC (Guangzhou Automobile Group) has officially launched its dedicated EV sub-brand, AION, in Australia, firing a direct and highly aggressive shot at the heart of the affordable electric SUV segment.

The headline figure? The GAC AION V electric SUV will kick off from a sharp $42,590 plus on-road costs for the Premium variant. This strategic pricing places the AION V not just alongside rivals like the BYD Atto 3 and the newly arrived Geely EX5, but positions it as a genuine value-for-money powerhouse based on its exceptional range and standard equipment list.

🥊 The Price and Range Showdown

GAC’s launch strategy revolves around offering a highly specified product that directly addresses the Australian consumer’s core concerns: price, range, and fast charging capability.

At just $42,590, the GAC AION V Premium offers a phenomenal 510km (WLTP) of claimed range from its substantial 75.26 kWh LFP battery. This combination of sub-$43k pricing and over 500km of range instantly makes the AION V a market disruptor, decisively beating the range figures of key rivals like the BYD Atto 3 Extended Range (420km) and the Geely EX5 (approx. 430km).

⚙️ The Technology Under the Skin

The AION V isn’t just a basic EV; it leverages GAC’s decades of engineering experience, which includes collaborations with major international players like Toyota and Honda.

• Magazine Battery 2.0: Central to the AION V’s pitch is GAC’s proprietary Magazine Battery 2.0 technology. This LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) pack is designed with safety at its core, featuring flame-retardant electrolytes and enhanced liquid cooling to improve fire resistance and durability. For the safety-conscious Australian family buyer, this focus on robust battery technology is a significant trust-builder.
• Hyper-Fast Charging: While built on a 400V architecture, the AION V boasts an impressive 180kW DC fast charging capability, allowing a 30% to 80% top-up in a claimed 16 minutes. This is incredibly swift for a vehicle at this price point and dramatically improves the usability of the AION V on long Australian road trips.
• Practical Dimensions: Measuring 4605mm long with a 2775mm wheelbase, the AION V is physically larger than many compact EV SUVs like the Atto 3, positioning it closer to the popular size bracket of the Toyota RAV4 and Kia Sportage. This translates into generous cabin space, including 1.1 metres of rear legroom and a boot capacity of 427 litres (expanding to 978 litres).

💎 Luxury for the Price of Entry

GAC’s philosophy in Australia is clearly defined: prioritise quality and standard equipment over being the absolute cheapest brand. This is where the AION V truly separates itself from other budget-focused competitors.

Even the entry-level Premium variant includes an extraordinary list of features:

• Large 14.6-inch Central Touchscreen (with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto)
• Heated and Ventilated power-adjustable front seats
• Panoramic Sunroof with electric sunshade
• Comprehensive ADAS Safety Suite (AEB, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, 360-degree camera)

The $2,000 Upgrade That Rewrites the Rules

The AION V Luxury variant, priced at just $44,590 (a mere $2,000 premium), adds features usually reserved for vehicles twice the price:

• Genuine Leather seating (replacing synthetic leatherette)
• 8-Point Massage Function for the driver and front passenger
• Built-in 6.6-Litre Refrigerator: A standout feature, capable of chilling up to 12 cans to 4°C or cooling down to –15°C—a genuine game-changer for Australian summer road trips.
• Second-row tray tables.

🛡️ The Warranty Anchor: Peace of Mind for Eight Years

To combat the natural scepticism directed at a newcomer, GAC has anchored its launch with an aggressive warranty package: an 8-year/unlimited kilometre warranty for the vehicle’s electrified components and an 8-year/200,000km warranty for the high-voltage battery. This commitment, coupled with five years of roadside assistance, instills immediate confidence and offers superior long-term coverage than the standard five or seven-year offerings in the segment.

The New Mid-Size EV Battleground

The GAC AION V is launching into an already saturated, yet still growing, market segment. It will face fierce competition from:

• BYD Atto 3: The current volume leader, known for its sharp pricing and established dealer network.
• Geely EX5: A new arrival that has aggressively undercut the market with similar sizing and strong features.
• Kia EV5: Expected to arrive soon, offering Kia’s renowned quality and design flair.
• Tesla Model Y: The segment’s dominant force, against which all rivals are measured for efficiency and charging access.

The AION V’s combination of market-leading range (510km) and an unmatched list of luxury standard features (massage seats, refrigerator) at its sub-$45k price point makes it an immediate, compelling challenger. GAC is not aiming to be the cheapest, but the best value EV per kilometre and per feature on the Australian market.

With order books officially opening and a national 12-dealer network commencing sales immediately, the GAC AION V is ready to redefine what Australians expect from an affordable electric SUV.

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