Photos by IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: The all-electric GAC Aion Y Plus crossover sport utility vehicle (SUV) is due to be launched in Malaysia in the first half of 2024, featuring a travel range of 490km (NEDC) or 430km (WLTP).
The Chinese battery electric vehicle (BEV) was on display at a recent preview of the GAC Emkoo C-segment SUV, and GS3 Emzoom compact SUV.
The preview was organised by WTC Automotif (M) Sdn Bhd (WTCA), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Warisan TC Holdings Bhd.
WTCA is the sole and exclusive distributor of GAC AION vehicles in Malaysia.
"We are eager to offer our guests an insight and preview of the GAC line up that WTCA will be introducing in Malaysia later this year", said Warisan TC Holdings CEO Tan Keng Meng.
"GAC Aion represents the future of electric mobility. This collaboration underscores our dedication to providing the Malaysian market with innovative and eco-friendly mobility solutions,” said Tan.
The Aion Y Plus was also launched in Thailand in September 2023, where it is offered in two variants (490km range with 63.2kwh battery, and 550km range with 68.3kwh battery).
Prices range from 1,069,900 baht (RM142,485) to 1,299,990 baht (RM173,128).
According to GAC, the Aion Y Plus uses a world-first Magazine Battery technology which sets new standards for safety, validated by bullet penetration tests which subjected the battery to severe impacts, with no incidents of ignition or explosion.
The battery cells feature an innovative stacked-shell design, enabling exceptional travel range.
Features include an i-pedal single-pedal driving mode, which can extend driving range by up to 23% and enhances convenience in stop-and-go traffic.
The Aion Y Plus also has advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) such as Highway Driving Assist, automatic braking, car-following functions, as well as intelligent parking and a 360-degree panoramic camera.
Other features include LED headlights, segment-leading wheelbase of 2,750mm and a spacious cabin with a full flat floor for rear passengers, class-defining front seats that can fully recline - transforming into a generous 1.8-metre wide double bed, segment-leading legroom of up 1,022mm as well as rear doors that can open nearly 90 degrees, thus easing getting in and out of the car.
