Under a partnership with Jameel Motors, Chinese carmaker GAC is set to ship its Aion brand to the UK next year. One of the company’s first models in the new market will be the Aion UT, a pure-electric compact hatchback, which should target young families.
Recently, we had a chance to take a deep dive into the Aion UT’s design, features, comfort, and other aspects in a global-spec guise, and here’s what we found out:
Design
Expressive styling and tight proportions define the Aion UT’s exterior. The car has a clean, short front-end featuring curvy headlamps inspired by human eyes, with eyebrow-shaped DRLs that make the car appear as if it is coiled with energy. The pixel graphic lights at the corners of the bumper which reminded us of the “ice cube” Kia feature double as turn signals.
The sleek side profile of the Aion UT carries an aerodynamic look with a sloping roofline, a sleek greenhouse, clean body surfacing, and alloy wheels that are almost fully covered.
We like the use of conventional door handles, with a recessed grip area below that enables a quick, one-step opening motion. This proves more convenient than the flush manual handles, which typically require a two-step press-and-pull action.
At the rear, the Aion UT features a curvy tailgate and a sporty roof spoiler. The technical-looking combination lamps have a C-shaped tail light signature and four internal modules that mirror the pixel-style lighting elements at the front.
Interior
A low-key interior with a slim dashboard, a floating centre console, rounded design elements, and a light colour scheme enhance the sense of space. A large 860 × 790 mm panoramic sunroof floods the cabin with natural light and adds to the airiness. The cabin offers up to 26 cubby storage spaces.
The wide front seats come with 6-way power adjustment on the driver’s side and 4-way power adjustment on the passenger’s side. Depending on the market, GAC offers a heating or ventilation function in both front seats, and we expect the former to make it to the UK.
Experience in the GAC Aion UT
As a 5’7” tall person, I found the Aion UT easy to get into. The front seats are a pleasant surprise for the segment, offering excellent lumbar support, supportive side and shoulder bolstering, and decent under-thigh support. Headroom is generous, with around six inches to spare, and visibility is good in all directions.
Rear access is also straightforward, but space is tighter. Headroom is limited to about two inches, while legroom is just about enough, with shoes close to the front seat base. Knee room is acceptable, though under-thigh support could be better.
The rear backrest reclines, and the standard angle feels well judged. Here, features include a fold-out centre armrest with cupholders, a USB Type-A port, a small storage cubby, and two rear air vents, but there is no USB Type-C port in the car we experienced.
Specifications
The Aion UT measures 4,270 mm in length, 1,850 mm in width, and 1,575 mm in height and has a 2,750 mm wheelbase. It has a permanent magnet synchronous motor powering the front wheels, producing 100 kW (134 bhp) and 145 Nm (107 lb.-ft.) of torque or 150 kW (201 bhp) and 210 Nm (155 lb.-ft.) of torque depending on the configuration.
Internationally, GAC offers the low-output motor in standard-range and long-range variants, which can travel up to 205 miles and 261 miles, respectively, as per CLTC. It uses a 34.9 kWh LFP battery pack in the former and a 44.1 kWh LFP battery pack in the latter.
While UK specifications are yet to be released, we think that the vehicle should develop 150 kW (201 bhp) and 210 Nm (155 lb.-ft.) of torque as standard for a competitive positioning. Aion Auto UK has already stated that it is targeting a WLTP range of 268 miles for the hatch.
Also See: Race-inspired Aion UT injects fun into the UK-bound family hatchback
Release date & Price
Aion Auto UK has confirmed that it will commence sales locally starting with the Aion V SUV in spring 2026, followed by the Aion UT “a few months later,” placing the launch in the second half of 2026.
We expect prices to fall between GBP 28,000 and GBP 30,000 in the base trim. The electric hatchback should compete with the MG4 EV and BYD Dolphin.
Since 2014, I’ve worked as an international automotive editor, attending global motor shows, industry events, media drives, and tracking the latest developments across the sector, with a particular focus on electrified vehicles.
