GAC introduces Aion UT Cross

MANILA: Guangzhou Automobile Group Corporation Limited (GAC) has unveiled the Aion UT Cross at the 2026 Paris Motor Show. 

With the ‘cross’ moniker added to the Aion UT name, this model is touted to be a more rugged version of the aforementioned electric vehicle (EV) that is more “suited to an active lifestyle.” 

Designed at the Chinese brand’s Milan Design Center, it was given a higher ground clearance of 147 millimeters (mm), even under full load. It was likewise provided with the Cross kit that provides the vehicle’s exterior with matte black wheel arch claddings, beefy roof rails, a different-looking front bumper, and blacked-out wheels. Additional traction and vibration absorption are provided by 225-mm-wide tires. 

In light of the aforementioned additions, GAC has described the Aion UT Cross as a “light off-road crossover EV.” Sure, it definitely appears more rugged than the urban-oriented GAC Aion UT that is already sold locally, but it is not a full-blown off-roader.

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 Instead, we can guess that this latest version of the Aion UT, which is poised to be sold in Europe in early 2027, is more suited to unpaved roads, curated light trails, and glamping.   

Glamping and camping are emphasized since the vehicle’s trunk offers a default space of 440 liters. This is complemented by 24 flexible storage spaces. 

The company likewise highlighted the Aion UT Cross’ safety equipment, particularly its use of high-strength steel for its chassis, its 2.1-meter-wide V-shaped curtain airbag, and its array of advanced driver-assist systems. 

Notably, the GAC Aion UT Cross is based on the European-spec Aion UT, which has a range of 400 kilometers, according to the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP). It is also capable of charging from 30-80 percent in just 24 minutes. 

As of this writing, it was implied that GAC will focus on the European market in connection with the newly debuted Aion UT Cross. 

However, we can guess that plenty of locals who really like the Aion UT may also want the “Cross kit” to make their otherwise cutesy hatchback-styled EV crossover look a bit tougher. 

GAC Aion UT in PH

While there was no mention of whether the GAC Aion UT Cross will reach Asia, and by extension the Philippine market, the regular Aion UT is available locally with a suggested retail price of P1.068 million. 

The Philippine-spec version of the model uses a single-motor setup that produces 134 horsepower and 145 Newton-meters of torque. It also has a range of 400 km, according to the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC). Moreover, it has the same charge rate as the Euro-spec Aion UT Cross, as mentioned above. 

Inside the GAC Aion UT for the Philippines, the five-seater layout offers up to 905 mm of legroom. Other noteworthy interior bits of the model include: 

• Automatic air-conditioning
• Rear cabin armrest
• 8.88-inch digital gauge cluster
• Electronic parking brake
• 14.6-inch infotainment system
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

For its array of ADAS features, the Philippine-spec GAC Aion UT comes with the following: 

• Adaptive cruise control
• Integrated cruise assist
• Intelligent high beams
• Forward collision warning
• Automatic emergency braking
• Lane departure warning
• Lane keep assist
• Emergency lane keeping
• Blind spot detection
• Rear collision warning
• Rear cross traffic alert
• Surround view camera

Also read:

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GAC PH touts tempting offers for Aion UT, V throughout the ‘ber’ months

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