GAC Aion Y Plus Elite vs iCaur 03 iWD: Two very different takes on the RM120k EV SUV

Shopping for a pure electric SUV around the RM120,000 to RM130,000 mark might seem limiting at first, until you realize two completely contrasting options are sitting right before you.

One is rounded and approachable, like slipping into comfortable loungewear; the other is unapologetically boxy, looking like a prop vehicle straight out of a retro sci-fi flick. With a price difference of RM10,080, what they offer are essentially two entirely different worlds.

Spec comparison

Note: Bold figures indicate better specifications. The Aion Y Plus Elite requires stepping up to the Premium variant (RM135,800) to gain AEB and ACC. The Aion sound system branding and iCaur digital instrument cluster size remain subject to official local distributor specifications.

Pricing

The Aion Y Plus Elite is priced at RM119,800 as a fully imported CBU model from China. Meanwhile, the iCaur 03 iWD retails at RM129,880 following its shift to local CKD assembly in 2026.

iCaur previously offered an RWD variant priced at RM119,940—virtually on par with the Aion—but that variant has since been discontinued. Today, if you want an iCaur 03, the dual-motor AWD iWD is your sole option.

So, where does that RM10,080 difference go? The short answer is drivetrain layout and power delivery. The Aion is a single-motor FWD setup, whereas the iCaur runs a dual-motor AWD system.

Powertrain

The Aion Y Plus Elite gets a front-mounted single motor churning out 201 hp and 225 Nm, completing the 0-100 km/h sprint in 8.5 seconds. Power delivery is progressive and linear—effortless for daily urban commutes and perfectly capable of highway cruising, though unlikely to set your pulse racing.

The iCaur 03 iWD features dual front and rear motors delivering a combined 279 PS and 385 Nm, completing the 0-100 km/h run in 6.5 seconds with a top speed of 150 km/h.

Pin the throttle, and all 385 Nm is deployed instantaneously through all four wheels. In heavy tropical downpours, on wet tarmac, or during sudden lane changes, the mechanical traction from the AWD system delivers better peace of mind.

8.5 seconds versus 6.5 seconds marks a clean two-second gap. Around town, that difference might seem trivial. But when you need to execute a swift overtaking manoeuvre or merge into fast-flowing highway traffic, the iCaur’s power reserves make it noticeably more effortless.

Battery & range

The Aion packs a 63.2 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery rated at 430 km on the WLTP cycle. The iCaur features a larger 69.8 kWh LFP battery, claiming a 418 km range under NEDC cycle.

Despite a 6.6 kWh capacity difference, their claimed range numbers look nearly identical. This boils down to test cycle methodologies.

The Aion is rated under the more realistic WLTP standard, whereas the iCaur quotes the optimistic NEDC cycle. Convert the iCaur’s 418 km NEDC rating to WLTP, and you are looking at around 342 km—a noticeable deficit compared to the Aion’s 430 km WLTP figure.

In real-world highway driving, expect the Aion to return between 300 km and 340 km on a full charge, while the iCaur will settle around 280 km to 320 km.

When it comes to charging, the two are practically neck and neck. Both top out at 80 kW DC fast charging, taking around 30 minutes for a 30% to 80% top-up. Both also feature 6.6 kW AC onboard chargers.

For Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) external power, the Aion supplies 3.3 kW compared to the iCaur’s 3.2 kW—a negligible difference.

ADAS

Pay close attention here, as this is likely where your buying decision will be made.

In Malaysian specification, the Aion Y Plus Elite lacks Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). Instead, it settles for standard passive cruise control and a 360-degree camera.

It does come with six airbags, covering dual front, front side, and full-length curtain units. Still, for a pure electric SUV on sale in 2026, the absence of active safety essentials like AEB and ACC is a glaring spec omission.

The iCaur 03 iWD, on the other hand, comes fully armed with a Level 2.5 ADAS suite. AEB, ACC, Traffic Jam Assist (TJA), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Departure Warning & Prevention, Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), and Door Opening Warning are all accounted for, alongside six airbags.

If active safety is high on your checklist, the iCaur holds an undeniable upper hand. Getting AEB and ACC on the Aion means stepping up to the Premium variant at RM135,800, which then puts it nearly RM6,000 above the iCaur.

Dimensions & cabin space

The Aion measures 4,535 mm long, 1,870 mm wide, and 1,650 mm tall, with a 2,750 mm wheelbase and a 405-litre boot. Thanks to its long wheelbase, rear legroom is exceptionally roomy.

Coupled with a high seating hip point and excellent outward visibility, ingress and egress are effortless. It is built from the ground up for family utility.

The iCaur comes in at 4,406 mm long, 1,910 mm wide, and 1,715 mm tall, with a 2,715 mm wheelbase and a 264-litre boot. Shorter, wider, and taller, its upright, boxy profile yields superb headroom and vertical cabin volume. However, its boot is 141 litres smaller than the Aion’s, representing a noticeable deficit in outright cargo practicality.

There is no universal winner here. The Aion caters to families frequently loading bulkier items like prams and sports gear, while the iCaur’s boxy silhouette will appeal to those who value expansive passenger headroom and standout road presence.

Equipment

The Aion Y Plus Elite comes fitted with a 14.6-inch central touchscreen, panoramic glass roof, 360-degree camera, 6-speaker sound system, powered driver’s seat, single-zone automatic climate control, and rear air vents.

The interior design leans towards soft, approachable contours, delivering a warm, family-friendly ambience.

The iCaur 03 iWD steps things up with a 15.6-inch central touchscreen, a 12-speaker Infinity premium audio system, ventilated and massaging front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, wireless charging, and a 360-degree camera with a 540-degree transparent chassis function.

The design embraces iCaur’s trademark boxy ruggedness, with sharp, chiseled lines making it unmistakable in any carpark.

Warranty & aftersales support

Aion backs the Y Plus with an 8-year / 160,000 km vehicle warranty, plus an 8-year / 200,000 km warranty for the battery, electric motor, and electric control system.

iCaur offers a 7-year / 150,000 km vehicle warranty. For units registered in 2026, the battery, electric drive unit, and high-voltage components receive an extended 10-year / 200,000 km warranty—a notable upgrade from the earlier 8-year / 160,000 km coverage.

The iCaur also includes an ownership bundle comprising a complimentary 7 kW home charger and a 2-year / 45,000 km free service package.

The Aion gives you one additional year on vehicle warranty, whereas the iCaur delivers two extra years on the EV battery (for 2026 registrations) alongside the bundled home charger and complimentary servicing. Each brand emphasizes different aspects of ownership assurance.

Verdict

Go for the Aion Y Plus Elite if

Your daily routine revolves around family duties—regularly loading prams, weekly groceries, or weekend getaway luggage. You prioritise genuine real-world range and generous boot capacity, and active safety aids like AEB or ACC are not mandatory on your list.

At RM119,800 with a 430 km WLTP range and a 405-litre boot, the Aion makes a very compelling case for family practicality.

Go for the iCaur 03 iWD if

Comprehensive ADAS active safety is a non-negotiable requirement for your next car purchase. You appreciate the distinctive, rugged character of an upright boxy SUV, or frequently drive on wet, slippery roads where the added traction of dual-motor AWD delivers superior stability.

The 10-year / 200,000 km battery warranty also offers immense long-term peace of mind. Spending that extra RM10,080 for AWD capability, 279 PS output, and a complete Level 2.5 ADAS suite easily justifies the premium.

Ultimately, there is no absolute winner—only the car that better fits your lifestyle.

The Aion Y Plus Elite is a sensible, no-nonsense family EV with solid range, ample space, and an attractive price tag. The iCaur 03 iWD is a bold, feature-packed AWD SUV brimming with character and top-tier active safety.

We strongly suggest test-sitting both before signing the booking form: the Aion’s airy, MPV-like cabin and wide-angle visibility present a stark contrast to the iCaur’s upright command view and punchy Infinity audio setup.