Peter Lyon
December 11, 2024
Established in Guangzhou in 2018 as a new energy vehicle, GAC’s Aion brand had just launched its new electric ES, introduced by WTC Automotif (WTCA) at the 2024 Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show (KLIMS 2024). This turned out to be a move that nearly no one in Malaysia expected (not even a teaser was posted on any of the brand’s social media pages!).
The Aion ES is currently the least expensive electric sedan available in Malaysia, with a single spec priced at RM106,800. Not that there were a lot of choices in the past. As part of its launch promotion, buyers will also receive a free 7 kW AC home wallbox charger worth RM3,500, as well as an eight-year/160,000 km car warranty and an eight-year/200,000 km EV battery and drive system warranty.
The Aion ES is one of the biggest in the C-segment market measuring 4,810 mm long, 1,880 mm wide, and 1,545 mm height, and with a wheelbase of 2,750 mm.
With the help of a 55.2 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack, the car is propelled by a single motor positioned on the front axle that produces 136 horsepower (100 kW) and 225 Nm. No other performance metrics were provided, although the driving range is rated at 442 km (NEDC).
Because of its relatively unobtrusive and basic appearance, the GAC Aion ES has been incorporated into taxi police fleets across several nations. The equipment includes 17-inch alloy wheels fitted with 215/55 rubber, “Flowing Arc” LED headlights, “Laser Blade” LED full-width tail lights, LED daytime running lights, and front and rear LED fog lamps.
An eight-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay compatibility, an analogue instrument cluster with a 3.5-inch LCD multi-info display, and a touch-sensitive control panel for the two-zone climate control are all located inside the simple, if not antiquated dashboard.
The driver and front passenger seats have six and four-way manual adjustments, respectively, and are covered in leatherette upholstery. Both the motorised boot lid that opens to 450 litres of capacity and the rear air conditioning vents are standard.
Additional inside features include a reverse camera, a rotary gear selector, an auto-dim rearview mirror, one-touch power windows, and a standard cruise control system.
However, you only get two airbags and no sophisticated driver aid technologies, but considering the car’s low asking price, those things are to be expected.
CARLIST THOUGHTS
The ES looks sharp, appears to have competitive range, and is well-proportioned with decent packaging, even if it is lacking in sufficient safety features. I mean, really, how must extra would it cost to add at least two more airbags?
