During my recent trip to the Middle East, I had the chance to get up close and personal with the GAC Aion Hyper GT, which is priced in China between RMB 203,900 and RMB 239,900 (USD 28,075-$32,206), positioned to take on the Tesla Model 3.
GAC is present in the North American market through its Mexican launch which was held last November. The company is aggressively pursuing overseas expansion, including manufacturing plants in emerging countries.
The GAC Aion Hyper GT is a model of significance for the company’s global foray, and here are my top five takeaways from my experience with the electric sedan.
Ample range & performance
The Global Model of the GAC Aion Hyper GT comes in three different trims: 710 UHV Intelligent Driving Edition, 710 UHV LiDAR Edition, and 710 UHV Advanced Intelligent Driving 3L Edition.
A rear-wheel drive system with 250 kW (335 hp) of power and 430 Nm (317 lb-ft) of torque comes standard. This allows the car to accelerate from 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.9 seconds. The 80 kWh battery pack provides a substantial CLTC range of 710 km, and the 800V system offers 450 km (280 miles) of range in just 15 minutes of charging at a UHV 3C Supercharger.
Aero-focused design & styling
The exterior design of the GAC Aion Hyper GT is streamlined, with deployable front and rear aero components, all of which make it one of the world’s most aerodynamic cars.
As I found out, its party piece is the frameless ‘Sky Doors’ which open upward, for a dramatic entrance for the front passengers. In the Global model, the optional 19-inch star-motion wheels add a distinctive touch to the vehicle’s appearance. Additionally, Hyper Orange and Turquoise Blue brake calipers are available for customization, adding an extra flair to the package.
Some of the exterior features that I noticed in the Aion Hyper GT, which are practical and stylish, include automatic LED headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, front windshield soundproof glass, electric hidden door handles, electric rear-view mirrors with folding, heating and memory functions, and a ‘wind blade’ grille and rear spoiler which open up at high speeds to reduce drag.
Premium & feature-rich interior
Inside, the GAC Aion Hyper GT Global Model offers new interior color options such as Afternoon Macchiato and Elegant Orange Brown. The biggest features include an 8.8-inch high-definition full LCD instrument cluster, a 14.6-inch 2.5K HD touchscreen, 23-speaker audio system with Dolby Atmos, 60W Type-C smartphone charger for front and rear rows, 50W wireless phone charger, Digital key, and WiFi.
The seats can be optionally upholstered in exclusive Nappa leather, with front seats featuring a 10-point massage function and heated rear seats available for extra comfort.
Fast & responsive screens
The infotainment system in the GAC Aion Hyper GT is fast and responsive. The 14.6-inch 2.5K HD touchscreen in the 710 UHV LiDAR version and 710 UHV Intelligent Driving Edition trims supports Apple CarPlay, ensuring seamless connectivity.
Also Read: This 2024 Tesla Model 3 RWD in Stealth Grey is understated style
Cutting-Edge ADAS
The highlight of the GAC Aion Hyper GT is its advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). The mapless Hyper Pilot ADAS suite, supported by up to 34 smart sensors, offers a comprehensive view of the surroundings. The different trims provide varying levels of sensor arrays and functionalities. The 710 UHV Intelligent Driving Edition includes millimeter-wave radar sensors, driving cameras, and ultrasonic radar sensors.
The 710 UHV LiDAR Edition adds more sensors, including a LiDAR sensor, while the top-end 710 UHV Advanced Intelligent Driving 3L Edition boasts additional LiDAR sensors, a night vision camera, and a dozen ultrasonic radars. These features enable advanced ADAS functions such as home and remote parking assist, making driving safer and more convenient.
Also See: 5 things that we observed in the Mercedes Vision One-Eleven Concept
An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 16 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading CEOs and vehicle developers from around the world.
