2026 GAC Aion V: Another Chinese Electric SUV Joins Australia

Australia’s mid-size electric SUV segment is about to get even more crowded. The latest entrant comes from GAC, a major Chinese automaker set to launch locally in November.

The company’s first Australian EV, the GAC Aion V, will compete against popular rivals like the BYD Atto 3, MG ZS EV, Deepal S7, Geely Galaxy L7, Leapmotor C10, and Xpeng G6. Two variants, Premium and Luxury, will be offered at launch, with pricing and warranty details to follow in November.

GAC says it aims to quickly establish itself among Australia’s top 10 car brands, with eight models planned for the next few years, including a dual-cab ute arriving in 2027.

Powertrain and Performance

The GAC Aion V uses a 400V electric architecture and a single front-mounted motor producing 150kW and 210Nm. It draws energy from a 75.26kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, supporting vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability and a heat pump as standard.

Charging and Range:

• DC fast charging: 10% to 80% in 24 minutes
• AC charging: up to 11kW
• Claimed energy use: 16.7kWh/100km (WLTP)
• Estimated range: 510km (WLTP)

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How Big Is It?

Sitting firmly in the mid-size SUV class, the Aion V is close in size to a Toyota RAV4, slightly longer and wider, with a longer wheelbase.

Inside the Cabin: Features That Stand Out

Even the base Premium variant is well-equipped, featuring tech and comfort items often found in pricier models. A panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats, and dual digital displays come standard.

Premium Highlights

• 19-inch alloys
• LED headlights with auto high-beam
• Panoramic glass roof with sunshade
• Power tailgate (hands-free)
• 8.8-inch digital driver display
• 14.6-inch infotainment with navigation, DAB radio, and smartphone mirroring
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Dual-zone climate control
• Reclining rear seats and intelligent ambient lighting

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Luxury Extras

• Leather upholstery
• 8-point massage for front seats
• Built-in 6.6L refrigerator (adjustable -15°C to 50°C)
• Rear tray tables
• Upgraded vanity mirrors and lighting

The onboard fridge is capable of storing 12 cans and maintaining 4°C with minimal power draw which gives the Aion V Luxury a truly unique twist among mid-size EVs.

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Safety and Technology

The Aion V earned a five-star Euro NCAP rating, scoring:

• 88% for adult occupant protection
• 85% for child protection
• 79% for vulnerable road users
• 78% for safety assist

Standard safety suite includes:

• Adaptive cruise control
• Autonomous emergency braking
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Lane-keep and emergency lane assist
• Rear cross-traffic alert and safe exit warning
• Driver monitoring and child presence detection
• 360-degree camera
• Front, front-centre, side and curtain airbags

Local ANCAP testing has not yet been completed, but the results from Europe are a promising indicator.

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Dealer Network and Local Plans

GAC Australia will begin operations with 30 dealer locations nationwide, expanding as new models arrive. The brand will debut alongside the Emzoom small SUV and M8 plug-in hybrid people mover before the Aion V hits showrooms.

The automaker’s global parent, Guangzhou Automobile Group, produces more than 2 million vehicles annually across China and Thailand. It exports under the GAC brand, while its domestic lineup includes the Aion (EV), Trumpchi (mainstream), and Hyptec (premium) sub-brands.