GAC Aion ES enters Malaysian EV market, priced below RM110,000

WTC Automotif (WTCA), the official distributor for the GAC Aion brand in Malaysia, has rather surprisingly launched the Aion ES electric sedan at the Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show (KLIMS) 2024.

Built on the Aion Electric Platform (AEP) 2.0, the ES boasts dimensions of 4,810 mm in length, 1,880 mm in width, and 1,545 mm in height, with a wheelbase measuring 2,750 mm. This makes it slightly larger than popular C-segment sedans such as the Honda Civic and the Toyota Corolla Altis.

For the Malaysian market, the ES is equipped with a single electric motor powering the front wheels, producing 136 PS and 225 Nm of torque.

The motor draws power from a 55.2 kWh LFP battery, offering a driving range of 442 km based on the NEDC cycle.

Charging the battery to full capacity with a 6.6 kW AC charger takes approximately 11 hours. Alternatively, with a 60 kW DC fast charger, it can be replenished from 30% to 80% in just 30 minutes, or fully charged in 1.5 hours.

The Aion ES also features Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability with a capacity of 3.3 kW, a single-pedal driving function called i-Pedal, and regenerative braking with three levels.

Specifications-wise, the ES is fitted with front and rear LED lights, 17-inch alloy wheels, and an electric tailgate providing access to a 450-litre boot space.

Inside, the car gets leatherette upholstery, a rotary gear knob, six-way adjustable driver’s seat, a 3.5-inch LCD instrument cluster, and an 8.0-inch touchscreen that supports Apple CarPlay. It also includes keyless entry and dual-zone climate control with built-in PM2.5 filter.

No ADAS here. Instead, the ES is fitted with basic safety features such as ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), Hill Hold Control, Seat Belt Reminder, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), and two airbags.

The Aion ES is priced at RM106,800 and is available in three colours: Pure White, Glamour Black, and Holographic Silver.

It comes with a warranty of eight years or 160,000 km for the vehicle, alongside an eight-year or 200,000 km warranty for the EV battery, motor, and electric control.

To celebrate the launch, buyers will receive a complimentary Wallbox charger worth RM3,500.