[ UPDATE 02/02/2024 23:18 ] You can take a closer look at the new GAC Aion Y Plus through our hands-on experience right here.
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GAC Aion will be making its debut in Malaysia within the next few months according to WTC Automotif (WTCA) which is the exclusive distributor of the brand in our market. The company has also revealed the first model from the brand for Malaysia which is the GAC Aion Y Plus.
The exact release date is still under wraps at the moment but WTCA has hinted that Malaysian consumers will be able to check out the new EV within the first half of 2024. In-depth details regarding the actual Aion Y Plus variant for Malaysia were not announced today as well, but the Malaysian custodian of GAC Aion did provide several titbits for us to explore.
GAC Aion Y Plus Malaysia performance, battery
In its press statement, WTCA noted that the Malaysia-bound Aion Y Plus will feature a 63.2kWh battery. Our variant will also offer a WLTP-rated range of 430km which is said to be equivalent to 490km under the NEDC standards.
This seems to indicate that Malaysia may see up to two variants. Over in Thailand, the 63.2kWh battery was fitted into the 490 Elite and 490 Premium variants of the EV, while the 550 Ultra has a slightly larger 68.2kWh battery.
Variants aside, the Malaysian-bound Aion Y Plus will also feature a 150kW (201hp) electric motor. Based on the specs sheet from GAC Aion Thailand, we expect a similar maximum torque rating of 225Nm with 0-100km/h timing of 8.5 seconds.
GAC Aion Y Plus Malaysia expected price
Naturally, no pricing was mentioned at WTCA’s GAC Aion preview event today too. Nevertheless, here’s the launch pricing for GAC Aion Y Plus in Thailand for your reference:
- GAC Aion Y Plus 490 Elite – THB1,069,900 (~RM142,595)
- GAC Aion Y Plus 490 Premium – THB1,099,900 (~RM146,604)
- GAC Aion Y Plus 550 Ultra – THB1,299,900 (~RM173,262)
GAC Aion Thailand has since reduced the pricing of the Plus 490 Premium to THB995,900 (~RM132,729) earlier this month. With that, we expect the Aion Y Plus to debut in Malaysia for under RM160,000.
This means the new EV will be entering a rather competitive segment of the market which is currently being conquered by the popular BYD Atto 3. At the same time, expect tough competition from another new EV, the Omoda E5 from Chery.
