The Aion V is the first model from Aion to arrive in the UK, entering the competitive family electric SUV segment. It stands out with its Great 8 ownership package, which includes an eight-year warranty, eight years of servicing, eight years of roadside assistance, and MOT test fees covered from year three to year eight. This package is transferable between owners, potentially saving long-term owners significant money.
The Aion V faces strong rivals like the Skoda Elroq, Kia EV3, and Renault Scenic, which already understand British EV buyers' needs: decent range, quick charging, ample space, user-friendly tech, a sensible price, and a reliable dealer experience. Aion is part of GAC, one of China's largest car makers, and the V's cabin is a pleasant surprise—feeling upmarket with lovely materials, smart details, plush seats, and touches expected in far more expensive vehicles.
Specs and Pricing
The Aion V keeps things simple with one main version: a 75.3kWh battery, claimed range of 317 miles, 201bhp, front-wheel drive, and rapid charging at up to 180kW. The price is £36,450, and it comes with a huge amount of standard equipment.
Styling and Interior
The exterior styling is not its strongest suit—boxy and ungainly with odd details like a chequered flag motif on the C-pillar and piano black wheel arch surrounds. However, the interior is a different story: quality, space, and equipment are genuinely impressive. The cabin feels premium, with lovely materials, plush seats, and thoughtful design touches such as a subtle Aion logo on the centre console and knurled cup holder surrounds.
Driving Experience
The driving experience is mixed. The steering has a pleasing weight, and performance is brisk with a 0-62mph time of 7.9 seconds. However, the ride is firmer than expected for a family SUV, which may be uncomfortable over bumps, especially from the rear seats. While body control is good, comfort should be the priority in this segment.
Battery, Range, and Charging
The Aion V's 75.3kWh LFP battery delivers a claimed 317-mile range. On a long run from London to Lincolnshire, it proved impressively efficient, with the range display not dropping rapidly on motorways. Charging is strong: up to 180kW DC allows a 10-80% charge in 24 minutes. An 11kW onboard charger takes around 8.5 hours for a full charge, and a heat pump is standard. The battery is housed in heat-resistant compartments with active thermal management, backed by an eight-year, 125,000-mile warranty.
Interior Practicality and Boot Space
Space is excellent, with generous legroom in the rear and reclining rear seats (up to 137 degrees). The boot offers 427 litres with seats up, expanding to 1,638 litres with them folded, plus a three-tier floor system. The wide opening and useful shape make it Labrador-friendly. There are 30 storage spaces throughout the cabin.
Technology and Infotainment
The 14.6-inch central touchscreen and 8.9-inch digital driver display are more user-friendly than many Chinese-brand systems. Shortcut icons provide one-tap access to climate, seat controls, and more. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto work well. The attention awareness system was overly sensitive with glasses but easy to switch off. The 360-degree camera aids parking. However, the indicator is too quiet, and the stereo is only average.
Safety and Driver Assistance
The Aion V has a five-star Euro NCAP rating and includes seven airbags, autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind spot detection, adaptive cruise control, and more.
Prices and Running Costs
At £36,450, the Aion V is not cheap but offers extensive standard equipment. The £1,495 Premium Pack adds leather seats, massage, CoolHot Box, tray table, and more. Paint options include standard Wilderness Sand and Arctic White, with metallic finishes at £675. The Great 8 package covers eight years of warranty, servicing, roadside assistance, and MOT fees—a valuable bonus that transfers with the car.
Verdict
The Aion V is a strong first effort with an impressive interior, ample space, competitive range, and excellent ownership package. However, its firm ride, awkward exterior styling, average stereo, and quiet indicator are drawbacks. It deserves attention for cabin quality and long-term reassurance, but potential buyers should test it on their typical roads to assess ride comfort.
Independent rating: 8/10
