After officially launching the sharp-suited GAC GS3 EMZOOM, WTC Automotif officially introduces the GAC AION Y Plus EV Crossover during the Malaysia Autoshow 2024. WTC Automotif is the sole distributor of the GAC AION EVs since January 2024.
For its exterior design, the GAC AION Y Plus merges both trendy SUV elements with a dash of high-tech intelligence. Key design touches include Angel Wing LED headlights, Skyline through-type LED taillights, powered stow-away door handles, a panoramic sunroof present across both variants, as well as stylish 17-inch (Elite) and 18-inch (Premium) alloy wheels design.
Underpinning the AEP 2.0 dedicated EV platform, said construct also houses GAC’s innovative 63.2 kWh Magazine Battery 2.0. With each full charge, this lithium iron phosphate (LFP) type battery in the GAC AION Y Plus EV is capable at delivering up to 490km (NEDC) of driving range. As for charging, the both 6.6kW AC (Type 2) and up to 80kW DC fast-charging (CCS2) inputs are accepted.
The ‘Magazine Battery 2.0’, in addition to being energy dense, sees its construction and housing stand as one of the world’s safest designs for energy stores as such. Part of its development saw the design being subjected to rigorous tests, including a shooting experiment using high-calibre, military-grade ballistics. In the said exercise, the battery was pierced through, but it did not explode or catch fire, highlighting its unique and safe design.
Both the Elite and Premium variants share the same front-mounted e-motor rated at 204ps and 225Nm that drive the front wheels. This setup grants the GAC AION Y Plus with respectably zippy performance as demonstrated by its 0-100kph acceleration time of 8.5 seconds. Crucially, the e-motor is also endowed with class-leading versatility thanks to the offer of up to four selectable driving modes that also includes an ‘i-Pedal’ single-pedal driving mode.
On board, the GAC AION Y Plus offers both drivers and passengers not just a class-leading spacious cabin, it is also richly brimmed with upmarket amenities and features to suit almost any urban lifestyle needs. Key highlights include a six-way power-adjustable driver seat, 10.25-inch digital instrumentation, keyless entry, automatic climate control with dedicated rear vents plus built-in PM2.5 air filter, and a 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment offering various connectivity functions on top of Apple CarPlay function.
Exclusively primed in the Premium variant are notable additions such as driver seat ventilation, power-adjustable front passenger seat, wireless smartphone charging pad, as well as a 32-colour Ambient lighting suite with music mode. As for practicality, split-folding rear seats enables boot space expansion from 405 litres up to a maximum of 1,200 litres, and the Premium variant adds convenient access to which via a hands-free powered tailgate.
Like its style and tech, safety is also kept at a high level in the GAC AION Y Plus. At the core of which are the presence of six airbags lining the cabin, along with anti-lock braking system (ABS), Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC), Hill-Hold Control (HHC), 360-degree View Monitor, and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), all primed as standard across both variants.
Exclusively equipped in the Premium variant are a barrage of Advanced Driver Assistance (ADAS) features that enable Level 2 semi-autonomous driving. Included here are 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).
PRICE AND SPECIAL EARLY BIRD BENEFITS
The GAC AION Y Plus EV Crossover is available in two variants – the Elite is priced at RM119,800 and the Premium is priced at RM135,800. There are seven exterior-colour options to pair with five interior colourways. In total, customers have 35 combinations to choose from.
Especially for the GAC AION Y Plus model, WTCA will include a comprehensive warranty and after-sales package that promises to make this crossover SUV the ideal plus one for anyone. Included are:
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- 8 Years/160,000 KM base vehicle warranty
- 8 Years/200,000 KM EV battery, Drive Motor and Electric Control warranty
In conjunction with its official launch at the Malaysia Autoshow 2024, WTCA also devised a tempting exclusive early bird offer for the first 200 bookings of the GAC AION Y Plus. These early adopters will be rewarded with:
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- Free 7kW Home Wallbox Charger (worth RM3,500)
- RM1,000 Free JomCharge Charging Credits
Part of these rewards were borne out of new partnerships forged by WTCA with EV Connection Sdn Bhd, or EVC for short. EVC is the largest EV charging network provider with over 1,000 chargers nationwide – together with their roaming partners Gentari and ChargEV. EVC is also the first CPO in Malaysia to implement the All New Autocharge Feature and GAC AION Y Plus customers will be among the first to have the privilege to enjoy such a premium feature. These collaborations were aimed at enhancing access to vehicle charging for customers and, at the same time, provide them with confidence and a seamless charging experience as well.
Additionally, while stocks last, early adopters will also get to choose from two specially curated accessories packages for their purchase of the GAC AION Y Plus. Amongst them are:
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- Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Set
A complete set of GAC AION-branded camping set and V2L Cable (for the usage of Premium variant only). This serves as a starter pack for customers with active lifestyles to enjoy an enhanced outdoor experience with an EV. - “Me-Time” Mobile Theatre Set
GAC AION in-car movie theatre set allows you and your loved one to indulge in a matinee in the spacious comforts of the GAC AION Y Plus powered by its versatile and innovative seat arrangements matched with a comfortable and cooling ambience.
- Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Set
WTCA will begin delivering the GAC AION Y Plus Elite variant starting June 2024. Deliveries of the higher-end Premium variant will commence from July 2024 onwards.
The arrival of the GAC AION Y Plus on local soil is the latest milestone for WTCA following the official launch of its GAC GS3 EMZOOM premium compact crossover in April this year. This is yet another fruit arising out of the close collaboration between WTCA and GAC Group as both continue to grow the GAC AION EV brand’s presence in Malaysia.
Both WTCA and GAC AION acknowledged the importance of an after-sales infrastructure network to better support its customers. Ahead of today’s launch, the firm spent the last four months establishing its network of 21 new showrooms and service centres nationwide, and more are set to become operational within this year.