He Tesla model Y has become the benchmark in the electric SUV space, and rightly so. consistently leads sales and sets expectations for scope, technology, and daily usability.
It’s also the default choice for many buyers in this segment, and few mainstream rivals have so far managed to significantly alter its position. But that doesn’t mean the competition stops.
I recently drove a new electric vehicle SUV that immediately challenged that benchmark. From the moment I stepped inside, it felt more spacious and luxurious than the Model Y, with a level of cabin comfort that immediately stood out.
Where does the AION V EV SUV come from and who makes it?
What you need to know about its parent company
Here in the UK, a growing number of Chinese car manufacturers are entering the electric vehicle market with increasingly competitive offerings. The AION V is produced by GAC Group, a major Chinese state-owned automaker.
AION has also grown rapidly within that ecosystem and frequently ranks among the world’s largest producers of electric vehicles, along with tesla and BYD.
A look at the exterior styling of the AION V EV SUV
First thoughts on its proportions and presence on the road.
As someone who can try a range of the latest Chinese electric vehiclesOne thing has become increasingly clear. If you were to remove the badges it would often be difficult to tell which brand you are looking at as many share a very similar design language.
It’s also not always immediately clear which segment they fall into: crossover, mid-size SUV, or something in between. He AION VHowever, it begins to separate itself from that pattern.
The front maintains minimalism, with a smooth, grille-less panel where you would normally expect a combustion-style design. Four-line LED daytime running lights add definition, mirrored by the taillights at the rear.
The AION V is a big, beefy SUV and, if anything, the standard 19-inch alloys feel slightly smaller in proportion. However, the pronounced wheel arches and roof rails help reinforce its SUV stance and give it a more purposeful road presence.
The interior of the AION V and its interior design
A focus on space, materials and design.
As you would expect from most modern electric vehicles, the AION V’s cabin is dominated by a large central touch screenbacked by a slim controller screen. Below are two storage slots for your phone, one of which offers wireless charging.
However, what really surprised me about the AION V is how spacious it is inside. There’s plenty of space in the rear, with six-foot passengers enjoying generous leg and headroom, along with a wide, fold-down center armrest.
If you want to take things up a notch, the Premium Pack adds tables with trays in the back, similar in concept to those you might find in a flying spur bentley. They are clearly intended to work on the move, assuming someone else is driving.
The touchscreen itself is bright, crisp, and responsive, but it’s not without its frustrations. Too many features are buried in layered menus with inconsistent names, making them harder to access than they should be.
Storage is not one of the AION V’s strongest areas. There is no traditional glovebox, although there is a central compartment in the armrest and, on Premium Pack models, a temperature-controlled storage box to keep food or drinks hot or cold.
Overall, the AION V feels solidly built with interior materials that, in my opinion, feel more premium than many similarly priced rivals. Premium Pack models also add real leather upholstery instead of the synthetic alternatives commonly found in newer electric vehicles, including the Model Y.
To keep things simple, only one battery and motor combination is available. There are no traditional trim levels as such, although there is the £1,450 (~$1,974) Premium package which adds a significant amount of additional equipment.
As standard, the AION V comes well equipped with heated and ventilated power-adjustable front seats, a heated steering wheel, 19-inch alloy wheels, full LED lighting, a panoramic roof, wireless phone connectivity, vehicle charging functionality, dual-zone climate control and a 360-degree camera system.
Opting for the Premium Pack adds a more luxury-focused interior experience. This includes genuine leather upholstery, massaging front seats, rear trays, and a temperature-controlled storage compartment. It also comes with an air quality sensor, along with the option of cream or tan interior trim in addition to the standard black finish.
How the AION V drives on the road
Comfort, refinement and everyday usability
Despite its rather chunky proportions, the AION V has clean, boxy dimensions and a low window line, making it relatively easy to place on the road in tight urban environments. It also comes standard with a 360-degree camera, making parking easier.
The steering is light and the electric motor responds quickly. While it handles larger potholes and potholes well, smaller, sharper imperfections can still cause noticeable shake in the cabin.
On paper, 204 horsepower doesn’t sound especially high by modern electric SUV standards, but in practice there’s still plenty of performance for daily driving. Merging onto faster roads or overtaking is handled with ease and once up to speed the AION V takes on a calm and relaxed cruising character.
However, the story is very different when the road becomes more demanding. The AION V’s size becomes more noticeable in corners, where it can become heavy if pushed. It’s not a performance-focused SUV and body lean is evident in corners, while the light steering offers limited feedback on what the front wheels are doing.
The range and payload capacity of the AION V in the real world
Real-world efficiency and everyday usability
The AION V is powered by a 75.3 kWh battery, with a claimed range of up to 317 miles. During my time with the vehicle, I saw an efficiency of around 3.2 miles per kWh, although with a more intense driving style, 3.5 miles per kWh seems more realistic, which would translate to just over 260 miles of real-world range.
when it comes to chargingThe AION V supports a maximum power of 180 kW. That lets you charge between 10 and 80 percent in about 24 minutes, which is competitive enough for this segment and makes longer trips quite easy.
Final verdict on the AION V
Strong in comfort and space, less convincing in driving sensation.
|
Advantages |
Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
In short, the AION V offers an interior with a truly luxurious feel and more than enough passenger space for daily use. With a starting price of £36,450 (~$49,672) and with an eight-year care package included (covering warranty, service and roadside assistance), it presents itself as a solid all-round ownership proposition.
However, it is not without compromises. While comfort and space are clear strong points, the driving experience and software quirks may leave some buyers wanting more refinement in daily use.
As a result, some may still be attracted to alternatives like the Tesla Model Y or future rivals like the Let’s EV3It is expected to arrive later in 2026.
