GAC Aion UT Launches in Europe, Produced by Magna's Austrian Plant

GAC Group's new energy vehicle brand Aion has unveiled its compact all-electric Aion UT in Milan, Italy, with official sales in the European market set to begin in the second quarter of 2026. Unlike most Chinese EVs exported to Europe, the Aion UT will not be manufactured in China but instead produced by Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria, helping it bypass tariffs and other trade barriers. Measuring 4.27 meters long, 1.85 meters wide, and 1.575 meters tall, with a 2,750 mm wheelbase, the Aion UT is positioned as a five-seat compact sedan featuring four doors and an optional power tailgate. The trunk offers 440 liters of cargo space, expandable to 1,600 liters with the rear seats folded down. Its exterior design emphasizes clean, flat lines and includes LED headlights, flush door handles, C-shaped taillights, black wheel arch cladding, and an optional panoramic sunroof. Inside, the cabin features an 8.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.6-inch central touchscreen, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Additional amenities include voice control, wireless phone charging, USB ports, a 12-volt power outlet, a heat pump climate system, synthetic leather seats (with front-row heating and ventilation), and multiple driver-assistance systems. Some functions can be operated remotely via a smartphone app. Powered by a 400V architecture, the Aion UT uses a front-mounted single motor delivering a maximum output of 150 kW (204 hp) and peak torque of 210 N·m, driving the front wheels. It is equipped with a 62 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, offering a WLTP-rated range of 430 km. Charging via an 11 kW AC charger takes approximately 7 hours for a full charge, while DC fast charging at up to 87 kW can replenish the battery from 10% to 80% in just 32 minutes. The vehicle also supports V2L (vehicle-to-load) external power supply with a maximum output of 3.3 kW. Weighing 1.6 tonnes, the Aion UT accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds and has a top speed of 160 km/h. It rides on 17-inch wheels fitted with 215/55 tires and offers five driving modes. The Aion UT will be available in two trim levels—Premium and Luxury—with only minor differences between them. The entire vehicle comes with an 8-year or 160,000-km warranty, while the battery is covered for 8 years or 200,000 km, with a guarantee that its capacity will remain above 70%. Sales will launch first in Finland, Greece, Poland, and Portugal in Q2 2026, expanding to additional European markets—including Germany—in Q3. Pricing starts at €27,990, varying slightly by country. Separately, a survey of approximately 1,500 European car owners found that 59% of respondents expressed willingness to purchase a Chinese-brand vehicle—a sharp 45-percentage-point increase compared to previous surveys—while 41% still indicated no intention to buy one.