GAC Aion Y Plus Review

The Southeast Asian pure electric market is entering a competitive phase in the B-segment SUV category, with many brands using "spacious interiors" and "high configurations" as core selling points to attract family users. Priced at RM 119,800, the 2024 GAC Aion Y Plus Elite version directly enters the mainstream pure electric family car market. Its ultra-long 2750mm wheelbase, combined with standard features like 6 airbags and a 14.6-inch central control screen, has sparked curiosity among many consumers about whether it can stand out in the competitive market. In this test drive, we mainly evaluate its space practicality, daily driving performance, and solid range performance to see if it truly meets the needs of Malaysian family users.

The exterior design of the Aion Y Plus Elite follows a minimalist technological style, with overall rounded lines that avoid looking overly bulky. The front features a closed grille paired with a through-type LED daytime running light, offering decent recognition when lit; the design of the air intakes on both sides of the lower front bumper adds a touch of sportiness. However, the overall detailing leans toward practicality, without overly complex decorations. The side of the car displays a waistline extending from the front fender to the rear, combined with 17-inch multi-spoke wheels, giving it a sleek appearance. The single sunroof on the roof comes with a sunshade, meeting daily lighting needs. The rear features through-type LED taillights that echo the front design, with a clear internal lighting layout that is striking when lit at night; the black protective plate on the lower rear bumper enhances the SUV's rugged feel. The overall design lacks overly fancy elements and has a timeless appeal.

Sitting inside, the Elite version features a predominantly dark interior, with the center console wrapped in soft materials and accented with silver trims, providing a quality feel in line with its price range. The 10.25-inch full LCD instrument panel offers clear displays, showing real-time information like range, speed, and power output. The 14.6-inch central touchscreen is the core of the interior, with a simple interface layout and decent operational smoothness. However, compared to the Premium version, it lacks the L2-level driver assistance functions but still includes basic navigation, Bluetooth, and music playback features. The front seats are wrapped in leather, with the driver's seat offering 6-way electric adjustment for easy positioning. The passenger seat is manually adjustable, and the rear seats can be folded down in a 60:40 split, expanding the trunk space from a regular 450L to 1150L, which is enough to fit a stroller or large luggage. Interior storage spaces are also plentiful, including a spacious front center armrest box and door panel storage compartments. The rear seats are equipped with independent air conditioning vents and USB charging ports, demonstrating thoughtful attention to detail.

In terms of space, the 2750mm wheelbase brings a spacious rear seating experience. A passenger 175cm tall can comfortably sit in the rear with about two fists of legroom and one fist of headroom, ensuring that even three people can sit without feeling cramped. The regular trunk capacity can accommodate four 20-inch suitcases, meeting the needs of family weekend trips. Plenty of small storage compartments in the car provide suitable places for items like phones and wallets.

Regarding performance, the Elite version is equipped with a front-mounted single electric motor with a maximum horsepower of 204PS and a peak torque of 225N·m, achieving a claimed 0-100km/h acceleration time of 8.5 seconds. During daily driving, the power response at startup is very direct, providing an obvious sense of acceleration with light pressure on the accelerator. Following cars or overtaking in city traffic is relatively easy. When switched to sports mode, the power output becomes more aggressive, but the acceleration at highway speeds above 100km/h is slightly weaker. However, it is fully sufficient for daily commuting. The chassis adopts a front MacPherson and rear torsion beam combination, with a suspension tuned for comfort. It effectively absorbs most small vibrations when passing speed bumps or uneven roads; however, when encountering larger potholes, the rear suspension may exhibit slight bouncing. The steering wheel offers moderate resistance with minimal play, and its directional accuracy when cornering is decent. Overall, the handling is stable and well-suited for family users.

Range testing is critical for electric vehicles. We conducted real-world tests under mixed road conditions (60% urban, 40% highway): with a fully charged battery and an official range of 430km, after driving 380km, the battery had 10% remaining, achieving a range fulfillment rate of approximately 88%, which is quite solid. Regarding energy consumption, in congested urban conditions, it is about 15kWh/100km, while on the highway at cruising speeds, it is around 18kWh/100km. Overall, the energy consumption level is slightly above average among same-class pure electric SUVs. The noise insulation performance is commendable; tire and wind noise are well-controlled during urban driving, while on the highway, wind noise increases slightly when speeds exceed 110km/h, but it does not affect in-car conversations. The energy recuperation system has two adjustable levels; the low level provides a gliding sensation similar to fuel vehicles, without a significant dragging effect, which is suitable for new drivers to adapt to; the high level has moderate regenerative braking force, effectively enhancing the range.

Compared to competitors in the same price range, the Aion Y Plus Elite has very clear core advantages: a 2750mm wheelbase offers class-leading cabin space, and the standard features include 6 airbags, a 360-degree panoramic camera, and a 14.6-inch central control screen, highlighting its cost-effectiveness. Compared to the high-end Premium version, the Elite version lacks the L2-level driver assistance features, but it's RM 16,000 cheaper. For families with a limited budget who prioritize space and basic configurations, the Elite version has higher practicality.

Overall, the 2024 GAC Aion Y Plus Elite is a practical pure electric family SUV. Its spacious interior, solid range, rich basic configurations, and reasonable price are its core strengths. It is suitable for users with a budget of around RM 120,000 who need a vehicle to meet daily commuting and weekend family outings while having certain requirements for configurations and space. If you do not heavily rely on L2-level driver assistance features, the Elite version will be a very pragmatic choice among pure electric SUVs at this price point.