GAC Aion ES Review: Flaws Exposed or Hidden Gem?

GAC Aion recently launched an entry-level compact electric sedan in the UAE. Yes, we know there have been a lot of EV launches in the UAE recently, but this one is different. The GAC Aion ES is one of the most affordable and basic EVs you can buy right now in the UAE.

GAC

GAC Group, short for Guangzhou Automobile Group Co., Ltd., is a Chinese automaker known for blending innovation with affordability. Founded in 1954, it has become a key player in China, producing everything from conventional vehicles to cutting-edge electric cars. 

GAC’s commitment to EV technology is evident with its Aion sub-brand, which focuses on stylish, efficient electric vehicles targeting both domestic and international markets. The company’s strategy revolves around competitive pricing, solid quality, and advanced features to challenge established global brands. 

GAC’s rapid growth signals China’s rising dominance in the future of electric mobility.

Doesn’t Sit Quite Right!

Talking about the car’s exterior, you will probably notice something is off. But you can’t say for sure what it is. We’ll tell you. That’s the fender gap. The GAC Aion ES comes equipped with 17-inch wheels. Yes, these are for the base variant, but this is the only one in the UAE. 

The body looks sleek from the front and back. The headlights and taillights look like something from a Lexus. We mean that in a good way, of course. The DRLs look sharp and aggressive, accompanied by power-adjustable side mirrors. Driving in the rain? You’ll love the automatic rain-sensing wipers. 

You get ventilated disc brakes at the front and solid disc brakes at the rear. The car weighs only 1665 kg, which is surprisingly light for an electric sedan. Apart from that, there isn’t much worth discussing about the exterior. 

GAC Aion ES Price in UAE

The GAC Aion ES price in the UAE is as follows:

• GAC Aion ES priced at AED 99,900

That’s it. No upper trims, only a single variant. 

Slow and Steady

This isn’t a fast car; it wasn’t meant to be one. It was designed for people who want to join the EV driver’s circle while saving money. So, if you’re going to switch your Honda City or Toyota Yaris with something more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly, GAC Aion ES is your answer. 

Specs	GAC Aion ES
Battery capacity	55.2 kWh
Range (WLTC)	442 Km
No. of Electric Motors	Single electric motor
Drivetrain	Front Wheel Drive
Power	130 hp
Torque	225 Nm
0-100 km/h	12.1 seconds
Weight	1665 kg

 

The Aion ES tries to be your affordable electric buddy, but its charging speed feels like it’s stuck in slow-mo. With a max AC charging speed of 6.6 kW, you’re signing up for an overnight cuddle with the charger—any quicker, and it’s a pipe dream. 

The 60 kW DC fast charge can juice you up in about 35 minutes. But let’s be real, no one has a quick charger handy. If you’re a chill urban driver with patience and a comfy spot for your car to nap all night, you’re golden. Otherwise, it’s a test of endurance for you.

Basic Yet Roomy Interior

So far, we haven’t been surprised by the GAC Aion ES, but its under AED 100,000 price tag makes up for it. However, the interior of this car has some surprises for you. German car interiors inspire all major automakers’ interiors, and the interiors of its Japanese counterparts inspire the GAC Aion ES interior.

In some ways, it’s better than them; in other ways, it’s not. The car cabin has a lot of room, good for five people, including the driver. The rear floor is flat, so three passengers can comfortably ride in the back. The seats are made of leatherette upholstery with thigh support, which is rare for cars in this category.  

You get cup holders at the front and a central armrest with storage space underneath. Automatic dual air conditioning, Auto-Dimming Interior Rear View Mirror with USB Port, and 6-Way Driver’s Seat Adjustment are some of the features we like. What we don’t like is the analog speedo and the 8-inch 8.0″ Touch Screen Display. Wired Apple CarPlay is also a turn-off. 

PM2.5 Air Filter

The GAC Aion ES features a PM2.5 sensor that continuously monitors and filters fine particulate matter. This keeps the cabin air clean and fresh. Additionally, the system monitors CO₂ levels, adjusting ventilation to ensure ideal oxygen levels and reduce drowsiness during drives.

Its intelligent anti-fog and automatic defogging systems improve visibility and safety by preventing windshield fog in different weather conditions.

Safety and Driver Assistance Technology

The GAC Aion ES packs some decent tech and ADAS goodies like lane keep assist and adaptive cruise control, trying to play the smart car card. But here’s the kicker — it skimped on airbags. Safety-wise, that’s a big no-no in our book. 

You get typical tech features like wireless charging, but the absence of multiple airbags is a significant oversight that raises questions about GAC’s commitment forgot. So yeah, it’s tech-savvy, but don’t expect it to win any “safest ride” awards.

GAC Aion ES Competitors

• Toyota Yaris

A reliable, no-nonsense subcompact sedan known for bulletproof durability and low running costs. It’s budget-friendly and widely available, but it’s a gas car, so no electric perks here.

• Honda City

A class favourite for its spacious cabin, smooth ride, and substantial resale value. It’s a practical choice with solid performance but sticks to the conventional gas engine.

• Hyundai Elantra

Offers a sleek design, plenty of features, and a comfortable ride. It’s a bit pricier than the Yaris and City but balances style and value well. 

• Nissan Sylphy

Known for comfort and efficiency, the Sylphy is a practical sedan with affordable pricing. Like the others, it’s gas-powered in the UAE and doesn’t offer an EV option yet.

• BYD Qin Plus EV

A direct EV rival to the Aion ES with slightly better acceleration and advanced features. It’s competitively priced and appeals to those who want a more polished electric experience without the Tesla price tag.

Conclusion

The GAC Aion ES is an entry-level electric sedan with impressive range and affordability, making it a tempting choice for budget-conscious buyers. However, its slow charging times and lack of comprehensive safety features keep it from being a top contender. 

If you don’t mind waiting for a full charge and can overlook the missing airbags, it’s worth considering. Otherwise, there are better-rounded electric vehicles on the market that offer more in terms of performance and safety. Thanks for reading till the end. Let us know what you think about this in the comments below. Keep following the Arabwheels Blog for more content like this.