GAC Aion LX

The GAC AION LX is a flagship all-electric D-segment SUV introduced by Aion, the premium intelligent EV brand under GAC Group. The model made its global debut at Auto Shanghai in April 2019 and was officially launched on 17 October of the same year, serving as the first flagship product built on GAC Aion's second-generation GEP dedicated pure electric platform. In January 2022, the AION LX underwent a mid-life facelift and was reintroduced as the AION LX Plus, receiving comprehensive upgrades across driving range, intelligent driver assistance, and cabin appointments. Positioned in the upper-mid new energy vehicle market, the entire AION LX range is priced between RM286,600 and RM469,600 (as of June 2026), offering multiple powertrain and battery configurations. As GAC Aion's spearhead for moving upmarket, the AION LX carries the core mission of establishing a high-value, tech-led brand image.

Design Language

The first-generation AION LX adopted the "Sky Mirror" design language alongside the "Whale Space" styling concept, featuring a closed front grille with a full-width chrome strip, an illuminated emblem, and an overall futuristic silhouette. Building upon this, the AION LX Plus introduced the new "Star Sea Ark" design philosophy with a sculpted aero profile, featuring a further simplified closed front grille and a prominent, angular lower air dam for a more athletic, performance-led stance. Along the flanks, a rising shoulder line creates a dynamic, forward-leaning posture, complemented by flush pop-out door handles and aero wheels to optimise the drag coefficient, while the rear features a full-width LED taillight bar accented by central brand lettering. Dimensionally, the vehicle measures 4,835 mm long, 1,935 mm wide, and 1,685 mm tall, with a 2,920 mm wheelbase, providing generous room across its 5-seater layout. Inside, while the initial LX featured a 168° curved dual-screen setup, the Plus variant switched to a 12.5-inch digital instrument cluster paired with a floating 15.6-inch central infotainment touchscreen, concealed electronic air vents, and a minimalist, button-free cockpit aesthetic available in dark or Morning Star White colour schemes, significantly lifting cabin perceived quality.

Powertrain and Performance

Underpinned by the second-generation GEP 2.0 aluminium dedicated EV platform, the AION LX Plus is offered in single-motor FWD and dual-motor AWD configurations. The AWD variant is powered by dual permanent magnet synchronous motors on both axles, producing a combined output of 360 kW and 700 Nm of torque, achieving a 0-100 km/h sprint in 3.9 seconds. The 2WD variant utilises a single motor delivering 180 kW and 350 Nm of torque, completing the 0-100 km/h run in 7.8 seconds. The powertrain incorporates a two-speed dual-motor "four-in-one" integrated electric drive unit, achieving an overall system efficiency of 90% while reducing volume by 30% and weight by 25% compared to conventional setups. In terms of range, the 80 Smart Supreme Edition is equipped with a 93.3 kWh battery pack delivering a CLTC range of 650 km, while the 80D Flagship Edition uses the same 93.3 kWh pack for a 600 km range; the range-topping Qianli Edition packs a 144.4 kWh sponge silicon negative electrode battery, achieving a CLTC range of 1,008 km—making it the world's first production EV SUV to breach the 1,000 km mark. The vehicle also supports Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) reverse charging to power external electrical appliances for camping and outdoor activities.

Chassis and Handling

The AION LX Plus range rides on a front-wheel-drive or dual-motor AWD architecture, supported by front MacPherson struts and a rear multi-link independent suspension setup, with AWD models featuring an electric all-wheel-drive system. The chassis is tuned with a sporty bias, offering clear road feedback, strong body roll resistance through corners, and precise steering response. It comes equipped with Electric Power Steering (EPS), an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB), and a rigid monocoque body construction. Drivers can toggle between multiple drive modes, including ECO, NORMAL, SPORT, and an I-PEDAL one-pedal driving mode, with the latter calibrated for linear, predictable throttle and braking modulation. Certain earlier variants were also equipped with a Continuous Damping Control (CDC) adaptive suspension system, further enhancing ride comfort and bump absorption.

Cabin and Features

The AION LX Plus is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 cockpit processor running the ADiGO 4.0 intelligent operating system, centered around a 15.6-inch high-definition central touchscreen that delivers snappy responses and supports voice commands for drive modes, regenerative braking levels, and various vehicle settings. In-cabin tech highlights include IBCM keyless start, AR real-scene navigation, a Driver Monitoring System (DMS) with Occupant Monitoring (OMS), and Face ID recognition. Higher-spec models add luxury appointments such as a 10-speaker Alpine Master audio system, Nappa leather upholstery, second-row seat leg rests, and concealed electronic air vents, striking a balance between high-tech functionality and luxury. Standard features across the range include a panoramic glass roof, rear privacy glass, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a wireless smartphone charging pad, ensuring day-to-day practicality.

Safety and Driver Assistance

The AION LX Plus comes equipped with the ADiGO intelligent driving assistance suite, with capabilities tailored across different trim levels. The flagship 80D Max trim boasts an industry-leading hardware suite of 35 sensors, including 3 second-generation variable-focus LiDAR units, 6 millimetre-wave radars, 12 ultrasonic sensors, 8 HD cameras for autonomous driving, 4 surround-view cameras, and 2 independent high-precision positioning modules, which, paired with a high-compute automated driving platform, enable Urban Navigation Driving Assist (NDA) for automated lane changes, overtaking, highway ramp entry/exit, and main road merging. The 80 Smart Supreme Edition is equipped with the ADiGO 2.5 system featuring 5 millimetre-wave radars and 12 ultrasonic sensors, supporting full-speed Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Integrated Cruise Assist (ICA), and Active Lane Change Assist. In terms of active safety, Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), and Blind Spot Detection (BSD) are standard on core variants, while a 360-degree surround-view parking camera and one-touch remote parking are standard across the entire lineup.

Market Performance and Reception

Since its launch, the AION LX has struggled to translate strong critical acclaim into commercial sales. Despite generating significant industry buzz as the world's first production EV to exceed 1,000 km of CLTC range, its showroom performance has remained lacklustre. Estimated data indicates that total sales of the AION LX Plus (Qianli Edition) over the four-year period between 2022 and 2025 stood at around 1,287 units, with monthly deliveries persistently lingering in the double digits. In the first half of 2025, GAC Aion's overall sales contracted by over 13% year-on-year, with premium offerings like the AION LX struggling to gain a competitive edge against strong segment rivals from BYD and Tesla due to their steep pricing. Market analysts attribute this primarily to limited brand premium (with the Aion brand widely associated with e-hailing fleets in consumer perception), retail pricing exceeding the brand's perceived market ceiling, and spec trade-offs on the range-topping Qianli Edition in its singular pursuit of maximum battery range. Nevertheless, as GAC Aion's pioneer in moving into the premium segment, its technological breakthroughs—such as sponge silicon anode battery technology, highly integrated electric drive systems, and multi-LiDAR smart driving architectures—remain milestone benchmarks in the upmarket push of Chinese new energy vehicle brands.