Another New Chinese EV Arrives in Britain: Meet the Aion V
The new Aion V has arrived in the UK, and I had an early first drive at SMMT Test Day at Millbrook. It is another Chinese electric SUV entering an already crowded market, but this one deserves more than a quick shrug and the usual “never heard of it” response.
Aion is part of GAC, one of China’s major car makers, and the V is its new family-sized electric SUV for Britain. Prices start from £36,450, which puts it right into the heart of the electric family car market. For that, you get a claimed 317-mile WLTP range, a 75.3kWh LFP battery, 204bhp, 240Nm of torque, front-wheel drive and 0-62mph in 7.9 seconds.
So no, it is not a performance SUV. It is not trying to be. This is not the car for pretending the school run is qualifying at Silverstone. It is built for space, comfort, practicality and value.
The Aion V measures 4,605mm long, 1,854mm wide and 1,686mm tall, so it is a proper family SUV rather than a hatchback standing on tiptoe. Boot space is 427 litres with the seats up and up to 1,638 litres with them folded, which makes it genuinely useful for family life.
Inside, this is where the car starts to make sense. The rear-seat space is impressive, with generous legroom, a bright cabin helped by the panoramic roof, and even a little picnic-style table behind the front passenger seat on the car I tried. It feels almost limo-like in the back.
Up front, the cabin is airy, modern and quite upmarket for the money. You get a large 14.6-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice control, wireless phone charging, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats and a big list of driver assistance systems. There is not much in the way of traditional switchgear, though, so if you like proper buttons, you may find yourself poking around the screen more than you’d ideally want.
On the road, the Aion V is smooth, quiet enough and very easy to drive. The steering is light, the ride feels comfortable and it is simple to place. There is a little road noise on some surfaces, and if you start looking for dynamic excitement, you are rather missing the point. This is a comfort-first family EV. Look for ease, not engagement.
Charging is competitive too. Aion claims up to 180kW DC rapid charging, with 30-80% taking around 18 minutes, or 10-80% in about 24 minutes. For home or destination charging, there is 11kW AC capability.
Perhaps the biggest surprise is the ownership package. Aion calls it the Great 8, and it includes eight years of warranty, eight years of servicing, eight years of roadside assistance and eight years of MOT cover. That last one is particularly unusual. The car also has a five-star Euro NCAP rating and has worked with Thatcham Research to secure a competitive Group 32 insurance rating, aiming to reduce repair costs and accident repair times.
That matters, because one concern with new Chinese brands in Britain is trust. Will insurance be difficult? Will repairs be costly? Will the brand stick around? Aion clearly knows it needs to reassure buyers.
The verdict? The Aion V is not exciting, and it is not a driver’s car. But it is spacious, comfortable, well-equipped, sensibly priced and backed by a strong ownership package. The badge may be unfamiliar, but the proposition is very clear.
This is another new Chinese EV arrival in Britain, and yes, it is worth a closer look.
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