Aion V updated in China

The compact electric CUV Aion V came out in China in mid-2020, spawned a clone named Mitsubishi Airtrek, but never quite managed to sell. GAC NE has now given it a facelift, which will be available under a slightly different name – Aion V Plus.

There are slight alterations in design, new paint options and two powerful e-motor variants: 224 PS (221 hp / 165 kW) and 272 PS (268 hp / 200 kW). The original output was only 184 PS (181 hp / 135 kW).

Battery capacity also receives a push up from 60/80 kWh to 70/95 kWh, which translates into 600/702 kilometers of NEDC-rated range instead of the old 500 km.

Inside, the duo of 12.3-invh displays gets replaced with a 10.25-inch digital dash and a 15.6-inch infotainment touchscreen. The motor starts up automatically as soon as the driver takes the seat behind the wheel.

Cameras on the steering column and the rearview mirror track drowsiness, and drivers can tell the car to park itself or come closer using a mobile app. Voice control recognizes Chinese, English, and a combination of the two.

The currently available Aion V retails between 177,600 and 239,600 Yuan. It remains to be seen how much more expensive the Plus version will be – and when it will reach the market.