This all-electric MPV from GAC is expected to arrive on our shores within the first half of 2024.
Aside from the announcement for GAC to be debuting its GS3 Enzoom locally, the Chinese automaker has since also revealed that it will soon be launching in Malaysia its all-electric Aion sub-brand too. And while this may not be all that surprising already given the many stories of an S Plus sedan from the brand being spotted testing over here, what should however come as a surprise is that it is instead to be its Y Plus e-MPV that will be kickstarting its local lineup when it arrives in the first half of 2024.
Now just stating for the record here that GAC is actually to be calling its new Y Plus an SUV, but the jury is nevertheless still currently out on whether the addition of chunky plastic over-fenders on this MPV body is actually all that it takes to see it make the leap into that other segment. In any case, this upcoming arrival measures in at 4,535 mm long and 1,870 mm wide, which is to be 80 mm longer and 5 mm narrower than the BYD Atto 3.
Other exterior features that have since been highlighted during the recent local preview of this Aion Y PLUS too is for it to incorporate a unique Angel’s Wing headlights with 7 horizontal light bars to bring a bit of pizazz to its smooth face, with the flush-fitting door handles and full width LED light bar out back to be performing the same trick on its side and rear respectively. 7 trendy exterior colours — from Glamour Black to Youthful Green — will also apparently be offered with this supposedly youth-oriented MPV/SUV as well, which has incidentally been touted to be the broadest selection in its segment.
Moving along inside meanwhile, GAC is more than keen to point out that what sets the Aion Y Plus apart is for its front seats to have the ability in reclining fully and transforming into generous 1.8-metre-wide double bed. Thanks to it featuring the the widest wheelbase in its segment at 2,750 mm, this MPV/SUV is proclaimed to offer a fully flat floor for rear passengers with supposedly ‘the industry’s most generous legroom’ that measures up to 1,022 mm.
As for the other kit to be found within on the other hand, the Aion Y Plus was showcased with a large central screen and digital instrument cluster on its rather minimalist dashboard. Featured inside this practical 5-seat people mover too is a floating centre console with an inset wireless charging pad, in addition to a full-length openable panoramic sunroof to add some light into the already vibrant two-tone cream and green interior.
According to GAC, ‘this EV beauty’ is built upon its GAC AION Electric Platform (AEP2.0) and is to be powered by its proprietary Magazine battery. The world’s first Magazine Battery Safety Technology with no incidents of ignition or explosion, its makers tout for it to the safest battery technology in the world right now, setting a new standard for safety performance.
In terms of more pertinent details however, GAC has since confirmed that the 63.2 kWh pack to be offered with the Aion Y Plus locally will be capable of a WLTP-claimed range of 430 km. And if going by the tech specs of this MPV/SUV sold in Thailand too, this will correspond to the Standard Range model sold over there, that currently a single front motor with 204 hp and 225 Nm.
Warisan Tan Chong Automotif (WTCA) has previously signed the GAC AION Distribution Agreement in January 2024, officially designating WTCA as Malaysia’s sole and exclusive distributor of GAC AION vehicles. This strategic move represents a significant step for WTCA towards the future of sustainable mobility.
“GAC AION represents the future of electric mobility, and WTCA is honoured to be entrusted as the sole and exclusive distributor in Malaysia. This collaboration underscores our dedication to providing the Malaysian market with innovative and eco-friendly mobility solutions,” expressed Warisan TC Holdings Chief Executive Officer, Tan Keng Meng.
