Second-gen AION V is a LiDAR-powered SUV priced below RMB 190,000

Hello everyone, welcome back to our channel! Today, we're thrilled to introduce you to the latest marvel from GAC AION – the second-generation AION V, also known as the AION Dominator.

As GAC AION's first global strategic model, the new vehicle has been creating quite the buzz since it hit the market on July 23.

As a completely redesigned successor to the previous AION V, the AION Dominator comes in three range options: 520km, 650km, and a whopping 750km. Priced between 129,800 RMB to 189,800 RMB, it offers seven trim levels to suit different needs.

Today, we've got our hands on the top-spec model. Let's take a closer look at what makes this car stand out, both in terms of design and performance.

The new AION V's exterior is a total transformation, crafted by GAC AION's Milan design team. The front is inspired by the mighty Tyrannosaurus Rex, featuring a bold, square-shaped head with polygonal 'dragon claw' headlights and dual LED daytime running light strips. The closed grille and full-width heat dissipation vents give it a sporty edge. The central 'AION' logo adds a distinctive brand identity as well.

Up top, it boasts a watchtower-style LiDAR unit, hinting at its advanced smart driving capabilities.

The side profile is robust and powerful, with a strong, square body shape. The eight-spoke wheels resemble the firm grip of a dragon's claw. To cater to different preferences, various tire sizes are available. The floating roof, hidden door handles, and roof rack enhance its modern appeal.

In terms of dimensions, the new AION V is classified as a mid-sized SUV by the carmaker with a wheelbase of 2.775 meters. Thanks to the AEP 3.0 platform, it offers ample passenger space. With a ground clearance of 180mm, it's well-suited for the challenging terrains often found in Southeast Asian countries.

The rear of the new model uses a lot of horizontal lines, adding layers to its visual appeal. The taillight design echoes the 'dragon claw' motif of the front, with vertically arranged light strips that are highly recognizable when illuminated.

Inside, the second-generation AION V features a minimalist design inspired by modernist architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater. Soft materials cover all touchpoints, making it kid-friendly and ensuring comfort. Both front seats offer ventilation, heating, and an 8-point massage function, with adjustable intensity and modes.

The rear seats can recline up to 137 degrees with 18 adjustable levels, ensuring maximum comfort. You can even transform the front seats into a full bed for adults by using the car's system or voice commands.

The rear doors open nearly 90 degrees, making it easy to get in and out, even when holding a baby. The rear legroom extends up to 1,106mm with a height of 1,300mm, providing plenty of space for kids and pets to play.

Look up, and you'll see a massive 2.14 square-meter panoramic sunroof with an electric sunshade. The trunk is versatile with a three-layer storage system, offering a maximum volume of 427 liters, expandable to 987 liters when the rear seats are folded.

There's even a built-in car fridge with a 6.6-liter capacity, supporting freezing down to -15°C and heating up to 50°C.

Safety-wise, the integrated side airbags can be activated in just 0.008 seconds and remain inflated for 6 seconds to protect during rollovers. Some variants also feature far-side airbags between the front seats to reduce secondary collision injuries.

At the front, the SUV sports a sleek dual-spoke steering wheel with multifunctional buttons. Behind it, a narrow strip LCD instrument panel provides clear driving information.

The column-mounted shifter frees up space on the center console, which includes two phone slots and cup holders.

The second-generation AION V comes standard with a 14.6-inch central control screen featuring the ADiGO 5.0 human-machine interaction system and iFlytek voice assistant, supporting four-zone voice interaction. The user-friendly UI design makes finding common functions a breeze.

In terms of connectivity, the second-generation AION V supports both iOS and Android systems. This design enables drivers to easily project navigation, music, and other applications from their phone onto the central screen for a more convenient driving experience.

Now, let's take this vehicle for a spin and see how it performs on the road. We're testing the 650-km LiDAR version, with a front motor delivering 165kW of power and 240 N·m of peak torque. It accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in just 7.9 seconds, perfect for city driving and highway overtaking.

The highlight of this test drive is the ADiGO PILOT intelligent driving system, powered by the Orin-X high-performance chip platform. It includes 5 millimeter-wave radars, 11 high-definition cameras, and next-gen solid-state variable focus LiDAR. This system enables NAD (Navigation Driving Assist) and one-click remote parking without relying on high-precision maps.

On the road, the intelligent driving system impressed us with its confident acceleration and precise lane changes, even in heavy traffic. It handles routine scenarios like stop-and-go traffic, pedestrian avoidance, and obstacle detection seamlessly.

However, it faced some challenges with complex road conditions. For instance, when a large truck closely followed us, the system alerted us to the complex road conditions and the need to take evasive action. However, it did not automatically make the necessary maneuvers, requiring timely intervention from the driver. Additionally, we encountered a road maintenance truck spraying water. The system failed to change lanes in time and ended up following the truck within the solid line zone for a while. These instances indicate that the system still needs driver oversight in complex scenarios, but we believe that future OTA updates will make this smart driving system even smarter and user-friendly.

In terms of charging, GAC AION claims the second-generation AION V can gain 370km of range in just 15 minutes. We tested this with a 450A charging pile in 28°C weather, starting from 12.7% battery capacity. After 15 minutes, it added 337km of range, an impressive performance for its 400V silicon carbide platform.

The second-generation AION V brings multiple upgrades over its predecessor. With a striking design, a maximum range of 750km, and 3.3kW vehicle-to-load support, it opens up new possibilities for users. Plus, it makes advanced features like LiDAR available for under 190,000-yuan segment, offering an affordable entry into advanced smart driving. We’re excited to see how it performs in the market!

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