Launched: 2024 GAC Aion Y Plus – CBU, 2 Variants, From RM119K

WTCA debuts its first EV model, the 2024 GAC Aion Y Plus, at the Malaysia Autoshow 2024, priced from RM119,800.

WTC Automotif (M) Sdn Bhd (WTCA), the sole distributor of the GAC AION electric vehicles in Malaysia, has welcomed its first all-electric offering today at the Malaysia Autoshow 2024 in the form of the new 2024 GAC Aion Y Plus. Fully-imported (CBU) from China, this all-electric crossover arrives in two guises for our market, namely the entry-level ‘Elite’ and the top-spec ‘Premium’ variants.

Regardless of variants, the Malaysian-spec Aion Y Plus harnesses the same lithium iron phosphate (LFP) 63.2-kWh battery pack that uses GAC’s innovative Magazine Battery 2.0 technology, with the marque claiming said battery pack is able to take on bullets without exploding or catching fire. Granted, this pack supplies the Aion Y Plus with a decent NEDC range of 490 KM (or 430 KM on the stricter WLTP standards), while supporting both AC 6.6 kW and 80 kW DCFC charging methods.

Additionally, both variants also share the same powertrain setup in the form of a single, front-mounted (FWD) e-motor rated at 201 HP (150 kW) and 225 NM. This setup allows this EV crossover to accelerate from 0-100 KM/H in a respectable time of 8.5 seconds, complemented with four selectable driving modes, including the ‘i-Pedal’ single-pedal driving mode.

On the design front, the Aion Y Plus boasts this unique, MPV-esque crossover body. Key design highlights present here include its unique ‘Angel Wing’ LED headlights that house seven light bars, Skyline through-type LED taillights, and powered stow-away door handles, while the 17-inch (Elite) and 18-inch (Premium) alloy wheel options separate the two variants.

Measuring 4,535 MM long, 1,870 MM wide, and 1,650 MM tall, the Aion Y Plus is roughly the same size as its two local Chinese-badged counterparts while boasting a segment-leading wheelbase of 2,750 MM – the latter fact allowing plenty of cabin and cargo spaces. In fact, the Aion Y Plus’ standard 405-litre cargo space can be expanded to 1,200 litres once you fold down the rear seats.

On the topic of cabins, GAC Aion engineers have made use of the Y Plus’ spacious interiors by equipping them with a slew of tech and comfort amenities. As standard, the EV crossover gets a six-way power-adjustable driver seat, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a larger 14.6-inch touch infotainment display, keyless entry, automatic climate control with dedicated rear vents and a built-in PM2.5 air filter, plus an expansive panoramic sunroof.

Opting for the top-spec Premium variant adds some extra equipment, including a ventilated function on the driver’s seat, a power-adjustable front passenger seat, a wireless smartphone charging pad, and a 32-colour ambient lighting suite with music mode.

As for the safety features, the GAC Aion Y Plus is brimming with both active and passive safety features. Capable of supporting Level 2 semi-autonomous driving, the Aion Y Plus’ list of ADAS functions includes the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Stop & Go function and Intelligent Cruise Assist, Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane-Departure Warning (LDW) with Lane-Keeping Assist (LKA), as well as Traffic Jam Assist (TJA).

Now available for purchase, the all-new 2024 GAC Aion Y Plus is priced at RM119,800 for the baseline Elite model and RM135,800 for the top-spec Premium variant. Included with said prices are the standard 8-year or 160,000 KM basic vehicle warranty, plus a separate 8-year or 200,000 KM warranty for its EV battery, drive motor, and electric control units.

As for deliveries, WTCA will begin delivering the GAC Aion Y Plus Elite variant starting June 2024, followed by the higher-end Premium variant later from July 2024 onwards.

In conjunction with its official launch at the MAS 2024, WTCA is offering a special early bird offer for the first 200 bookings of the new GAC Aion Y Plus. These early adopters are entitled to a complimentary 7 kW home wallbox charger worth RM3,500 and free JomCharge EV charging credits worth RM1,000.

On top of that, early adopters will also get to choose from two specially curated accessory packages for their purchase of the GAC Aion Y Plus. The first package is the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle set, which comprises a tent with lighting, a foldable table and chairs, a picnic mat, V2L Cable (for Premium variant only), and an electric cooking stove.

Meanwhile, the second package, cordially named the “Me-Time” Mobile Theatre set, adds an in-car movie theatre set that combines with its versatile and innovative seat arrangements to deliver a comprehensive movie experience with a comfortable and cooling ambience.