GAC Aion Y Plus launched in Malaysia: 5-seat MPV EV, 204 PS/225 Nm capacity, 430 km range, price from RM120k to RM136k
Used to previewed earlier this year, GAC Aion Y Plus has finally been officially launched in Malaysia. The five-seat electric MPV (for some reason GAC still calls it a crossover SUV) is a unique proposition in the market, offering plenty of space and a fun one-box design.
Two completely built-up (CBU) variants are on sale here – Elite priced RM119,800while Premium retails at RM135,800. Both figures are on the road without insurance, including an 8-year/160,000km warranty and an 8-year/200,000km warranty on battery, engine and control electronics. Deliveries will begin in June for the Elite trim and July for the Premium trim.
As part of the launch, distributor Warisan Tan Chong Automotif (WTCA) is offering giveaways including a free 7 kW AC wall box charger worth RM3,500 and RM1,000 in JomCharge credit for 200 first buyer. The partnership with operator JomCharge EV Connection means customers will be among the first to have access to the network’s Autocharge feature, allowing charging to automatically begin as soon as the vehicle is plugged in, similar to Tesla’s Supercharger network.
Early adopters will also be able to receive one of two accessory packs, while supplies last. The Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Kit includes a GAC Aion branded camping kit and Premium vehicle loading (V2L) cable, and also includes a “Me Time” Portable Theater Kit with portable projector .
Whichever version you choose, you’ll get a single front motor that produces 204 PS (150 kW) and a rather meager (at least for an electric vehicle) 225 Nm of torque, allowing Aion Y Plus goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.5 seconds. Also standard is GAC’s 63.2 kWh Magazine 2.0 Battery, a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) pack with a range of 430 km on the WLTP cycle. Charging speed is quite modest, Aion Y Plus only supports DC fast charging up to 80 kW and AC charging 6.6 kW; No chargeable time has been released.
With a length of 4,535 mm, width 1,870 mm and height 1,650 mm, Aion Y Plus is larger in size than the previous version. BYD Dolphin (245 mm longer, 100 mm wider, 80 mm taller), even though its 2,750 mm wheelbase is only 50 mm longer. Those increased dimensions are reflected in the GAC’s tall appearance, which reminds us of the original Renault Scenic. The car is suspended on MacPherson struts at the front and torsion bars at the rear.
The Aion Y Plus certainly cuts a distinctive figure with its futuristic, blocky design – a world away from the sea of look-alike Chinese SUVs also coming out today. The quirky front fascia features large Angel Wing LED headlights with seven outward-facing daytime running light bars.
The unusual aesthetic continues along the side, where you’ll find angular gray wheel arch cladding, along with flush pop-out door handles and side windows that taper towards the rear windscreen. Slender full-width taillights and a choice of 17-inch (Elite) or 18-inch (Premium) alloy wheels complete the look.
Inside, the Aion Y Plus’s functional cabin features a simple horizontal dashboard and a table-like center console with cupholders and some storage. All models feature a 10.25-inch digital instrument display and a 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen, the latter of which incorporates wired Apple CarPlay. A six-speaker Bongiovi sound system (yes, it’s related to Jon Bon Jovi) is standard.
Both variants are equipped with keyless entry and start, single-zone automatic air conditioning system with rear air vents, 6-way power driver’s seat, panoramic sunroof and camera system 360 degrees. The Premium model adds driver seat ventilation and a Qi wireless charging pad.
In terms of safety, both cars are equipped with six airbags, but unfortunately only the Premium version offers a range of driver assistance features. The latter includes automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go and lane-centering assist.
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