The Tesla Model Y The EV has become the benchmark in the SUV space, and for good reason. Consistently leads sales and sets expectations for range, technology and everyday use.
It’s also the default choice for many buyers in this segment, with few major rivals managing to meaningfully disrupt its position to date. But that doesn’t mean the competition has stopped.
I just recently drove it HOUSE An SUV that immediately challenges this indicator. From the moment I stepped inside, it felt roomier and more luxurious than the Model Y, with cabin comfort immediately apparent.
Where does the AION V EV SUV come from and who makes it?
What you need to know about its parent company
More and more Chinese automakers are entering the EV market with increasingly competitive offerings here in the UK. The AION V is manufactured by GAC Group, a major Chinese state-owned car manufacturer.
AION has also grown rapidly within this ecosystem and is often ranked among the world’s largest EV manufacturers. Tesla and BYD.
Take a look at the exterior styling of the AION V EV SUV
Early ideas about its proportions and road presence
As someone who has tested a number of recent Chinese electric carsone thing became more and more clear. If you removed the badges, it would often be difficult to tell which brand you were looking at, as many share a similar design language.
It is not always immediately clear in which segment they sit – crossover, mid-size SUV or something in between. The AION Vhowever, it is beginning to separate itself from this model.
The front keeps things minimal with the smooth, grille-less panel you’d normally expect from a combustion-style design. Quad-line LED daytime running lights add clarity, echoed by the rear taillights.
The AION V is a big, chunky SUV, and the standard 19-inch alloys, if any, feel a bit undersized in proportion. However, the wheel arches and roof rails help to strengthen it SUV stance and give it a more purposeful road presence.
Inside the AION V and its interior design
Attention to space, materials and layout
As you’d expect from most modern EVs, the AION V’s cabin is dominated by a car. large central touch screensupported by a thin drive screen. Underneath it are two memory slots for your phone, one of which offers wireless charging.
Where the AION V really surprised me was how spacious it was inside. There’s plenty of room in the back, with ample legroom and headroom for six-foot passengers, and a fold-down center armrest.
If you’re looking to speed things up, the Premium Package adds tray tables to the rear that you’ll conceptually find in the presentation. Bentley Flying Spur. They are clearly aimed at working on the go, assuming you have someone else driving.
The touchscreen itself is bright, sharp and responsive, but it’s also not without its disappointments. Too many functions are buried in layered menus with inappropriate naming, making them more difficult to access than they should be.
Storage is not one of the AION V’s strongest areas. There’s no traditional glovebox, although you do get a central armrest and, on Premium Pack models, a temperature-controlled storage bin to keep food and drinks hot or cold.
Overall, the AION V is solidly built with internal materials that feel superior to many similarly priced competitors in my opinion. Premium Pack models also add real leather upholstery instead of the synthetic alternatives often found on newer EVs, including the Model Y.
To keep things simple, there is only one battery and motor combination. There are no traditional trim levels, despite the £1,450 (~$1,974) Premium Package, which adds a significant amount of extra equipment.
As standard, the AION V is well equipped with electrically adjustable front seats, both heated and ventilated, heated steering wheel, 19-inch alloy wheels, full LED lighting, panoramic roof, wireless phone connectivity, functionality for car charging, dual-zone climate control and a 360-degree camera system.
Opting for the Premium Package adds a more luxurious interior experience. It includes genuine leather upholstery, massaging front seats, rear tray tables and a temperature-controlled storage compartment. It also brings an air quality sensor, along with a choice of cream or black interior trim in addition to the standard black.
How the AION V drives on the road
Comfort, elegance and ease of everyday use
Despite its rather large proportions, the AION V has clean, square dimensions and a low window line, which makes it relatively easy to place on the road in busy urban environments. It also comes standard with a 360-degree camera, which makes parking a breeze.
The steering is light and the electric motor responds quickly. While it deals well with larger bumps and potholes, smaller sharp imperfections can still cause noticeable cabin movement.
On paper, 204bhp doesn’t sound particularly loud by modern EV SUV standards, but in practice it’s still enough performance for everyday driving. Merging or overtaking on expressways is easy, and once up to speed, the AION V takes on a quiet and comfortable cruising character.
However, it’s a very different story when the road becomes more demanding. The size of the AION V is more noticeable in corners, where it can feel heavy when pushed. This isn’t a performance-focused SUV, and the leanness of the bodywork is evident from the bends, while the light steering offers limited feedback on what the front wheels are doing.
AION V’s real-world range and charging capacity
Real-world efficiency and everyday ease of use
Powering the AION V is a 75.3 kWh battery, with up to 317 miles of range. During my time with the car, I saw an efficiency of about 3.2 mpg, although with heavier driving, 3.5 mpg seems more realistic, and that’s just over 260 miles of real-world range.
When you arrive is filledAION V supports a maximum speed of 180 kW. This allows it to charge from 10 to 80 percent in about 24 minutes, which is quite competitive for this segment and makes longer journeys fairly straightforward.
Final verdict on AION V
Strong in terms of comfort and space, less convincing in driving sensations
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To sum it up, the AION V offers a truly luxurious interior and enough passenger space for everyday use. Starting at £36,450 (~$49,672) and with an eight-year care package – covering warranty, servicing and roadside assistance – it presents itself as a strong all-round ownership proposition.
However, it is not without its trade-offs. While comfort and space are clear advantages, the driving experience and software idiosyncrasies may leave some buyers wanting more refinement in day-to-day use.
As a result, some may still be drawn to alternatives or future competitors like the Tesla Model Y. Come on EV3it is expected to arrive later in 2026.
