GAC Philippines aggressively expands its electric vehicle lineup with the official launch of the GAC AION UT, positioning the compact electric hatchback directly into the country’s burgeoning sub-PHP 1 million EV market. This entry marks a strategic shift for the brand, moving from its established premium family movers into the high-volume, tech-focused urban commuter segment.
As the local automotive market shifts toward electrification, driven by tax incentives and expanding charging infrastructure, the AION UT arrives to challenge established entry-level EV players. By squeezing a massive wheelbase into a small exterior footprint, GAC looks to disrupt traditional expectations of hatchback utility and cabin space.
Defying Compact Dimensions with Class-Leading Space
The defining characteristic of the GAC AION UT is its packaging efficiency. Built on a dedicated electric vehicle architecture rather than a converted internal combustion engine (ICE) platform, the hatchback maximizes interior volume while maintaining an agile urban footprint.
The model features a 2,750 mm wheelbase that pushes the wheels to the absolute corners of the vehicle, 905 mm of rear legroom that rivals larger compact sedans and crossovers, and 440 liters of standard cargo space that expands significantly with the rear seats folded.
This dedicated EV layout eliminates the traditional transmission tunnel, allowing a completely flat floor. For city drivers, this translates to easier maneuverability in tight metro traffic without sacrificing passenger comfort during longer weekend drives, reinforcing GAC Motor’s emphasis on space efficiency and urban-friendly electric mobility design.
Feature Specs: Advanced Safety and Digital Cockpit
Instead of stripping down features to hit a lower price point, GAC equips the Aion UT Elite variant with a comprehensive digital and safety suite. The cabin centers around a 14.6-inch Touch Control Central Screen supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, paired with an 8.88-inch LCD driver display.
Safety is heavily emphasized through an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) suite designed for tight urban environments. The vehicle features Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, and Lane Departure Warning. Notably, it includes 2.1-meter V-shape side curtain airbags and a 360-degree surround-view camera system to aid parking in tight city slots.
Battery Technology, Range, and Competitor Positioning
The GAC AION UT Elite runs on GAC’s proprietary Magazine Battery 2.0 technology, utilizing a 47.1 kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) chemistry. The electric motor generates 100 kW (136 PS) and 145 Nm of torque, driving the front wheels.
Total range exceeds 400 kilometers on a single full charge, with DC fast charging capable of replenishing the battery from 30% to 80% in approximately 30 minutes. It also features Vehicle-to-Load (V2L), allowing the car to function as a mobile power source for external electronic devices.
With a footprint and range targeting daily commuters, the GAC AION UT Elite enters a competitive segment against models like the BYD Dolphin and Wuling Bingo. GAC’s advantage lies in its longer wheelbase and an 8-year or 160,000 km EV warranty (extending up to 200,000 km for the core electric assembly), aimed at addressing consumer concerns over battery durability and long-term reliability.
GAC AION UT Pricing and Availability in the Philippines
The GAC AION UT Elite enters the market with a standard retail price of PHP 1,068,000. However, to capture early market share, GAC Philippines is offering an introductory price of PHP 998,000 valid until June 30, 2026.
An additional special promotional discount of PHP 20,000 is available for the first 400 units sold nationwide. The hatchback comes in four gemstone-inspired single-tone colors—Champs-Elysees Beige, Emerald Green, Rococo White, and Seine Silver—along side a two-tone Rococo White and Emerald Green option. Bookings and reservations are currently open across all 30 operational GAC dealerships in the country.
