The GAC Aion UT electric hatchback started presales in China 10,000 yuan (1,350 USD) cheaper than the BYD Dolphin. It is available for pre-order in three trim levels with a price range between 89,800 – 109,800 yuan (12,300 – 15,000 USD).  

Aion is an NEV brand under GAC Group. Despite the 29% sales slide in 2024, it is still one of the bestselling new energy vehicle makers in China. Last year, Aion sold 354,052 units. This year, the brand aims to get a good start by launching the Aion UT electric hatchback. Its major advantage is a low starting price.

More about Aion UT

The Aion UT hatchback was previously known by its codename AY2. It is a compact car designed for urban mobility. It has a cute round-ish styling with LED fog lights, blackened pillars, and C-shaped taillight units. Its dimensions are 4270/1850/1575 mm and a wheelbase of 2750 mm. For clarity, it is 145 mm longer, 80 mm wider and 5 mm higher than the BYD Dolphin. GAC officials said that the Aion UT has the roomiest interior space in the class.

Inside, the Aion UT adopts a 14.6-inch main screen and a 8.8-inch instrument cluster. The car’s infotainment system supports HiCar, CarLink and CarPlay. Another feature of the Aion UT is an AI voice assistant. It allows users to adjust navigation, seats and climate controls by voice. The second row of the Aion UT has two headrests. It is worth noting that even the top-trim car has no armrest for the rear passengers.

The Aion UT offers a single permanent magnet synchronous e-motor with a peak power of 100 kW (134 hp). It is powered by a 44 kWh LFP battery pack, good for 420 km of range. The range of this vehicle disappointed some netizens as previously shared official images of the Aion UT’s interior showed 600 km range in the instrument panel. The top speed of the Aion UT is 150 km/h. It can charge from 30 to 80% in 24 minutes.

Aion UT price and rivals

The Aion UT is available for pre-order in three trim levels with a price range between 89,800 – 109,800 yuan (12,300 – 15,000 USD).  For clarity, the mentioned BYD Dolphin costs 99,800 – 129,800 yuan (13,650 – 17,750 USD) in China. So, the Aion UT seemingly undercuts the BYD’s hatchback. Other rivals of the Aion UT include Geely Geome Xingyuan, Baojun Cloud, Dongfeng Nammi 01, JAC Yiwei 3 and Ora 03.

The UT the third Aion model designed with the global market in mind, following the second-generation Aion V and the Aion RT sedan. It means the Aion UT can enter global markets after the domestic debut.