Peter Lyon
May 21, 2024
One of the most radically styled SUVs to surface in the last few years debut yesterday. WTC Automotif, GAC Malaysia’s exclusive distributor, has just launched the new all-electric GAC Aion Y Plus. There are two variants—with prices starting at RM119,800 for the Aion Y Plus Elite, and RM135,000 for the Aion Y Plus Premium.
The Aion Y Plus employs a 2,750 mm long wheelbase and has dimensions of 4,535 mm in length, 1,870 mm in width, and 1,650 mm in height, meaning that its size is comparable to that of the Honda BR-V.
The Aion Y Plus in Malaysia is equipped with standard exterior features such LED taillights, 17-inch alloy wheels, and the unique “Angel’s Wing” LED headlights with seven horizontal light bars that resemble an outstretched wing. Additionally, electronic flush door knobs are included.
Aion Y Plus employs a 204 hp motor
A front-mounted single electric motor delivers 204 horsepower and 225 Nm and the brand’s exclusive Magazine 2.0 lithium-ion phosphate (LFP) battery pack powers the electric motor. According to Aion, this is the first Magazine Battery Safety Technology in the world with no explosion or ignition incidents, making it the safest battery technology available today and raising the bar for safety performance. Powered by a 63.2kWh battery, the car jumps from 0-100 km/h in 8.5 seconds and has a range of 490 km (NEDC).
The Aion Y Plus has a roomy interior boasting a flat floor and fully reclining front seats that allows it to morph into a temporary bed 1.8 metres wide. A 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment display, a 6-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster are all included as standard equipment.
Regarding safety, the Aion Y Plus in Malaysia comes with standard safety features including a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) and a 360-degree vision monitor. It also has an Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), while Lane Departure Warning (LDW) are only available on the Premium version.
Customers of the Premium model will start receiving their cars in July, while deliveries for the Elite variant will start in June 2024. The price of the Aion Y Plus includes an 8-year/160,000-kilometer car warranty as well as an additional 8-year/200,000-kilometer warranty that covers the electric control systems, drive motor, and EV battery.
WTC Automotif will offer an early bird package for the first 200 customers who order an Aion Y Plus. The rewards include a free 7 kW home wall box charger worth RM3,500, as well as RM1,000 worth of JomCharge charging credits.
CARLIST THOUGHTS
With those radical “eagle-in-flight” styled headlights, a neatly penned interior design and that pretty stock-standard rear end, the Y Plus is an anomaly to be sure. But for buyers looking for something a little different—or unique shall we say, as well as an efficient real-world electric SUV—boasting competitive range, fair pricing and a comfortable, and chicly styled interior, this Chinese EV might just be what the doctor ordered.
