Yes, it’s square, and it’s not the most striking thing to look at. But, spend some time with the Aion Y Plus, and I’m conrfident your opinion of it will change, because it delivers a lot for your dime.

It’s built with a purpose, and it’s brilliant at it

With design cues inspired by everything from high-end audio speakers to trendy home appliances, it’s clear the designers at GAC designed the Y Plus to be functional-first.

Its boxy silhouette might not turn heads, but those clean lines and bold colour choices lend it an aesthetic appeal. Simple, practical, and chic.

Slip inside, and the sense of playful practicality continues. The interior is refreshingly minimalist, but not so sparse that you feel you’ve wandered into an empty loft.

Dominating the cabin is a crisp 14.6-inch touchscreen, complemented by an intuitive user interface and vivid graphics that would feel right at home in a flagship smartphone.

While the digital interfaces are polished, some may find the abundance of soft-touch haptic buttons and menus mildly irritating.

Practicality is the name of the game here; this is a car clearly designed by people who appreciate life’s little conveniences. The flat floor and clever use of space mean your family (or your friends, pets, and their assorted gear) will travel in comfort.

Even the tallest of your passengers will appreciate the generous headroom, thanks to the boxy design and clever packaging.

Boot space stands at an impressive 453 litres, expandable up to 1,563 litres with the rear seats folded flat. I challenge you to find another car with the same amount of space on the market today.

Gentle on the roads

With a single electric motor powering the front wheels, it produces a modest but sufficient 134bhp and 225Nm of torque. It’s certainly not going to challenge other EVs in terms of neck-snapping acceleration, but neither will it leave you feeling short-changed when overtaking slower traffic.

The century sprint is dispatched in a leisurely but entirely respectable 7.9 seconds. Quick enough to keep most drivers smiling, but restrained enough to avoid unsettling grandma in the back.

However, what’s more impressive is how the Y Plus handles itself around corners and uneven surfaces. Unlike some electric cars that feel lumbering and unwieldy, the Y Plus is refreshingly light-footed.

There’s minimal body roll, and the steering, though lacking in feedback, is well-weighted. I found myself genuinely enjoying the drive through a series of twisty backroads, a feat I seldom experience in practical EVs built primarily to ferry children, groceries, and occasionally disgruntled in-laws.

Perhaps the Y Plus’s strongest suit is its practicality in everyday Singaporean driving conditions. Its claimed range of around 430km translates realistically to about 390km in the real world, more than sufficient for multiple days of urban commuting between charges.

And when you do finally plug it in, its DC fast-charging capability ensures you won’t be spending your evenings lingering around charging stations, checking your watch impatiently.

Earnestly impressive

The Aion Y Plus is genuinely engaging. It’s as though GAC engineers understood that families don’t just want another soulless appliance, but rather a car they can connect with emotionally.

Then there’s the matter of price. With the Premium variant priced competitively at S$159,988 (including COE), the Aion Y Plus delivers tremendous value. It’s a solid alternative to competing electric SUVs like the Hyundai Kona Electric or BYD Atto 3.

As the automotive world continues its steady march into electrification, the Y Plus reminds us that EV ownership can still be characterful, practical, and fun.

Technical Specifications

Aion Y Plus Premium

Engine: Single Electric Motor
Power: 100 kW (134 bhp)
Torque: 225 Nm
Gearbox: Single-Speed (A)
0-100km/h: 9.8 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed: 150 km/h
Battery Capacity: 63.2 kWh
Drive Range: 430 km (claimed)
Energy Consumption: 6 km/kWh (claimed)
Price: S$159,988 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)

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This latest variant of the Y Plus, which debuted earlier this year, brings intelligent driving features to the table.

“Our commitment to bringing the latest in EV technology to Singapore is exemplified with the arrival of the Aion Y Plus Premium. This model enhances the driving experience with its innovative features and exceptional comfort,” said Mr Ernest Tan, Director of Development and New Ventures, VINCAR EV.

The Premium variant boasts 18-inch sport rims, giving it a more assertive appearance. The cabin seems mostly the same, with an ambient lighting system that synchronises with music and offers over 30 colour options. The flat floor and easy-to-enter rear cabin allow for more legroom.

The Y Plus Premium is equipped with Aion’s latest ADiGo Operating System, providing smart-driving safety assistance. These include: 

• Traffic Jam Assist (TJA)
• Lane Keep Assist (LKA) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
• Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)

Parking is made easy too with a 540° surround camera. The Y Plus Premium also features Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology, which allows owners to power or charge devices on the go.

The Aion Y Plus Premium comes with 6 years of free servicing, an 8-year vehicle warranty (160,000 km, whichever occurs first), and an 8-year battery warranty (300,000 km, with 70%>= State of Health). 

Visit the Aion Singapore Showroom and Service Centre at 24 Leng Kee Road, #01-03A, Singapore 159096.

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On April 5 2024, the Aion Y Plus made its debut at VINCAR EV’s new Aion showroom on Leng Kee Road.

This electric crossover not only marked the first glimpse of the Aion showroom but also VINCAR’s inaugural venture as an authorised distributor, bringing GAC Aion into the Singapore market.

GAC Group, or Guangzhou Automotive Group, is a heavyweight in China’s automotive industry. Established in 1997, this state-owned enterprise has teamed up with automotive giants like Toyota and Honda.

Launched in 2017, GAC Aion is dedicated to electrifying the roads with its EVs. Last year alone, the company delivered over 483,000 electric vehicles to customers. These EVs are built on the bespoke Aion Electric Platform (AEP).

Perched on the AEP 2.0, the Aion Y Plus brings some impressive credentials to the table, offering a budget-friendly electric option without skimping on style or substance.

Its exterior is flanked by ‘Angel Wing’ LED signatures and a grille-less front end. Although labelled an SUV, the Y Plus has a unique silhouette that leans more towards an MPV, complete with flushed door handles.

The interior is the Y Plus’ biggest selling point. GAC Aion has created a space that’s roomy, adaptable, and lively, with five interior colour schemes to complement the exterior paint. 

Thanks to its boxy design, headroom is generous throughout, and the 2,750mm wheelbase ensures ample legroom despite the car’s modest length of 4,535mm.

The flat floor makes moving around a breeze, and with the front seats reclined, the cabin transforms into a ‘flat-bed’ area, perfect for lounging. There’s even talk of a karaoke app for the infotainment system, for those who love a good sing-along.

Digitalisation is front and centre in the Y Plus, with a 14.6-inch touchscreen commanding the dashboard and a 10.25-inch instrument cluster for the driver.

Under the hood, the Y Plus boasts a powertrain that qualifies it for a Category A COE. A single motor mounted on the front axle churns out 100kW (134bhp) and 220Nm of torque, propelling the car from 0 to 100km/h in 9.8 seconds. The driving experience is designed to be smooth and linear, making for a comfortable ride.

The 63.2kWh battery provides a WLTP-rated range of up to 430km, extending to 563km in city conditions. Fast charging from 10 to 80% takes just 40 minutes with a 100kW DC charger, while a full charge on a 6.6kW AC charger takes 9.5 hours.

Safety is paramount in the Y Plus, with features like a ‘Magazine Battery’ technology that surpasses industry standards for battery safety.

The car also comes well-equipped with amenities such as a six-way powered driver’s seat, a panoramic sunroof, a premium sound system, and essential safety aids like airbags and driving assists.

A more luxurious Aion Y Plus Premium trim is set to arrive later in 2024, adding even more features like powered seats for the front passenger and a full suite of driver assistance systems.

The Aion Y Plus will officially go on sale starting at $145,988 with COE. The brand will also be showcased at The Car Expo later in April. Looking ahead, plans are in motion to introduce two more Aion models to Singapore, including an electric sedan.

Vincent Tan, Managing Director for VINCAR EV, is optimistic about Aion’s future in Singapore, promising an unparalleled customer experience and aftersales care for Aion owners.

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)

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