Previewed: GAC Aion Y Plus EV SUV – Up To 430 KM Range, Launches 1H 2024

GAC Brand distributors just previewed its first EV offering in the form of the GAC Aion Y Plus, and it's set to enter the market soon - within 1H 2024.

Having just inked an exclusive distributorship agreement with the Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC), WTC Automotif (M) Sdn Bhd (WTCA) took the liberty of previewing its first all-electric offering earlier today in the form of the GAC Aion Y Plus.

The compact EV crossover SUV offering was shown alongside two other GAC models – the GS3 Emzoom and  Emkoo – that are set for Malaysian market entry this year as locally assembled (CKD) models under WTCA.

Perhaps the most striking design touch of the Y Plus are its "Angel Wing" all-LED headlights with seven horizontal light strips housed on each side.

For the uninitiated, GAC Aion is the dedicated electric vehicle (EV) sub-brand of Chinese automaking giant GAC. The Y Plus model previewed today is one the brand’s latest – it first debuted back in 2022 – and is positioned as a compact EV crossover SUV offering.

The Y Plus underpins the GAC Aion Electric Platform 2.0 (AEP 2.0) architecture, and it boasts the largest wheelbase in segment at 2,750 MM, which in turn sees it delivering class-leading legroom of up to 1,022 MM too. Before you ask, the Y Plus sits 4,535 MM long, 1,870 MM wide, and 1,650 MM tall – a roughly similar footprint as the rivalling BYD Atto 3.

Underneath, the GAC Aion Y Plus harnesses the GAC Aion Electric Platform 2.0 (AEP 2.0) EV architecture. It also houses a 63.2 kWh 'Magazine Battery' pack developed in-house by GAC.

In terms of size and dimesnons, the GAC Aion Y Plus shares a similar footprint as the rivalling BYD Atto 3.

In terms of design, the GAC Aion Y Plus boasts pretty striking looks to say the least, but the most striking touch here are its ‘Angel Wing’ LED headlights design housing seven horizontal light bars. WTCA also says it will offer the Y Plus across seven paintjob options when launched too.

For Malaysia, the GAC Aion Y Plus will be equipped with a lithium iron phosphate 63.2 kWh ‘Magazine Battery’ pack developed by in-house GAC. This juices a front-mounted e-motor driving the front wheels with its claimed 150 kW (201 HP) and 225 NM. The setup promises up to 430 KM (WLTP) in range too.

Annoyingly, WTCA didn’t divulge charging details, but we can likely expect the Y Plus to feature similar AC and DC charging input limits as what we’ve seen in similar rivals – i.e. BYD Atto 3 and upcoming Chery Omoda E5.

One unique feature of the GAC Aion Y Plus are its front seats, which fully recline and turn into double-wide beds.

Expect the GAC Aion Y Plus to pack a rather jam-packed features list, which will include a host of connectivity-driven features, as well as active driver assistance (ADAS) features.

Apart from the generous legroom mentioned, the GAC Aion Y Plus sees its cabin offer front seats that can fully recline and turned into a 1.8-metre double-wide bed. WTCA didn’t divulge much details beyond what we’ve just reported, but we can perhaps expect several party tricks primed in this upcoming Chinese EV’s kit list.

A quick glance at the same model assembled and marketed in neighbouring Thailand – which sees several guises available – suggests high levels of connectivity-driven interactive entertainment borne from the rather sizeable centre infotainment touchscreen primed in the dash.

WTCA is poised to launch the GAC Aion Y Plus very soon - sometime in the first half (1H), in fact. Prices remain undisclosed, but we're guessing it to be in the region between RM150,000 and RM180,000.

Beyond which, we can also expect a barrage of active driver assistance (ADAS) features to form part of the Y Plus’ kit list once WTCA officially introduces in locally. Speaking of which, the firm intends to do just that within the first half (1H) of this year – meaning very soon.

Typical of previews as such, WTCA remains tight-lipped about price. Our best guesstimate indicates that the GAC Aion Y Plus should command similarly competitive price figures as the BYD and upcoming Chery rivals mentioned – between RM150,000 to RM190,000.

We’ll have more on the GAC Aion Y Plus once details are made available. In the meantime, what do you folks reckon then? Keen on this upcoming new Chinese EV alternative? As usual, share your thoughts in the comments section below, as well as our social media pages…