The GAC Hyptec HT is not sold in the UK, but we had a chance to experience the looks, features, and comfort of a global-spec model in Southeast Asia.
This five-seat electric SUV sits at the premium end of GAC’s line-up, and the special two-tone example we explored looked better in the flesh.
Design
The Hyptec HT does not have the tough-as-nails look of some of its competitors. It settles for a rounded nose, swept-back LED headlights and a clean front fascia with vertical recesses near the outer edges. The roofline slopes gently downwards, and the DLO looks suspiciously similar to that of the Tesla Model Y.
While this won’t be to everyone’s taste, our display car combined gold-coloured upper bodywork with black lower panels. Closely spaced spokes on the bright-finished wheels complemented the paintwork, while gold accents were applied to the lower bumpers.
At the rear, a slender light bar connects the jewel-inspired LED tail lamps beneath an integrated boot-lid spoiler.
Interior
Inside, we were welcomed by a layered dashboard with a stitched upper surface, slim air vents and contrasting light and dark glossy trim. The instrument display sits high ahead on the dash, while a floating 14.6-inch touchscreen occupies the centre.
Depending on the market and variant, the Hyptec HT gets a 10.25-inch instrument display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 22-speaker audio system with Dolby Atmos, and a 50-watt wireless phone charger.
Nappa leather upholstery, eight-way electric driver’s seat adjustment, driver’s seat ventilation and six-way electric adjustment for the front passenger are included. A panoramic glass roof has an electric sunshade, while rear air vents and a folding centre armrest serve passengers in the second row.
In the Asian market, GAC quotes a boot capacity of 725 litres, increasing to 1,857 litres with the 60:40-split rear seats folded.
Experience in the Hyptec HT
At 5’7″, I had no difficulty getting in or out of the GAC Hyptec HT, and the visibility through the windscreen and side windows was good. However, the steeply raked and relatively shallow rear window restricts the view behind.
In the front, I had approximately ten inches of headroom. The back and shoulder support were good, while the electrically adjustable four-way lumbar support made the seat particularly comfortable. Under-thigh support was decent, although I would have preferred a slightly longer seat cushion.
Material quality was generally good. The entire upper section of the dashboard is covered in soft-touch padding. While the lower dashboard is finished in hard plastic, GAC has used soft-touch upholstery on the lower sections of the door panels.
Artificial wood-effect trim on the centre console and door panels add some visual interest. The steering wheel features physical buttons and thumbwheels, which were easy to operate.
The rear seats also offer good back and under-thigh support. I had approximately five inches of headroom in the standard seating position. The manually adjustable backrests recline a long way, and the headroom available at the maximum recline angle was approximately four inches.
Rear-seat amenities include two central air vents, two bottle holders and a single USB Type-C port behind the front centre console. The front passenger seatback also incorporates a compact, fold-out leg rest upholstered in soft-touch material.
Controls on the inner side of the front passenger seatback allow the rear passenger to adjust the seat and create more legroom. The rear doors featured electronic release buttons, along with a physical emergency release in the bottle-holder area in case the electronic system malfunctioned.
A fold-down centre armrest with two cupholders is also provided.
Specifications
The overseas-spec Hyptec HT Premium measures 4,935 mm long, 1,920 mm wide and 1,700 mm tall, with a 2,935 mm wheelbase. Ground clearance is listed at 200 mm.
A rear-mounted electric motor produces 250 kW (335 bhp) and 430 Nm (317 lb-ft) of torque, driving the rear wheels. It draws energy from an 83 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery using GAC’s Magazine Battery technology. It delivers a range of 520 km (323 miles) under the WLTP test cycle.
The chassis uses double-wishbone front suspension and a five-link independent rear arrangement. The EV rides on 245/50 R20 tyres. A 3.3 kW vehicle-to-load function allows the battery to power external electrical equipment.
Driver assistance features include adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring and lane departure prevention. A 360-degree camera system and rear parking sensors are also part of the kit.
Price & Release Date
GAC has not announced UK pricing, a release date or plans to import the Hyptec HT. However, if GAC introduced the car here, we estimate it would cost around £45,000 and appeal to buyers considering the Model Y who want a roomier, plusher car.
This year, GAC launched its Aion brand in Britain, starting with the Aion V, priced from £36,450. Deliveries of the second model, the Aion UT hatch, are scheduled to begin in October. We’d imagine that future decisions on products would hinge on the reception to these launches.
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.
