On November 6, GAC’s Aion RT hit the electric vehicle scene with a lineup that’s got something for everyone, from tech fans to budget-conscious buyers.
Priced between 119,800 yuan (around $16,700) and 165,800 yuan ($23,200), the Aion RT makes a strong case for a well-rounded, capable EV, offering five trim levels each bringing unique features to the table. So, what makes this new player stand out?
A Design with the “Velociraptor” Spirit
GAC didn’t shy away from a bold design statement with the Aion RT, nicknamed the “Big-Eyed Little Palmei” by younger fans. Inspired by the swift and aerodynamic Velociraptor, the Aion RT’s 0.208 drag coefficient is one of the best in its class.
The sleek, closed-off front grille—an EV trademark—is paired with those “Danfeng Eye” headlights, which combine aesthetics with purpose. Alongside smoked rear lights and subtle ducktail styling, it’s a design that whispers performance rather than shouting it.
With seven color options—purple, beige, black, white, silver, gray, and red—the Aion RT has something for every style preference. At 4,865 mm in length, this mid-size sedan offers an attractive balance between compactness and spaciousness.
Thanks to thoughtful details like the raised C-pillar for headroom and sleek pop-out handles, the Aion RT’s exterior is both stylish and functional.
Intelligent Driving: High-Tech Safety Meets Convenience
The Aion RT packs impressive smart driving tech, with the higher-end 520 and 650 LiDAR trims leading the way.
Equipped with a 126-line variable-focus LiDAR sensor and the NVIDIA Orin-X chipset, these models support advanced features like map-free navigation, remote parking, memory parking, emergency lane keeping, and more—essentially giving drivers an L2++ autonomous experience. If full autonomy is the future, the Aion RT is getting close.
For those not needing full LiDAR, the 520 and 650 Zhihao trims offer solid smart driving capabilities, with adaptive cruise control, lane assist, automatic emergency braking, and traffic sign recognition.
This lineup provides high-end driver assistance features at price points that are impressively accessible.
Power and Performance: Two Motor Options, Endless Fun
Depending on the trim, the Aion RT offers two motor setups. The 520 trims come with a 150 kW motor, while the 650 trims kick things up to 165 kW. Both configurations deliver a respectable 240 Nm of torque, allowing for smooth, responsive driving.
Acceleration times hover around the 7.5-second mark, not jaw-dropping but certainly quick enough for city traffic.
Battery capacity varies with the model—55.1 kWh for the 520 km range and 68.1 kWh for the 650 km version—giving drivers options that fit different lifestyles.
The 650-km range, combined with a recharge time of just 18 minutes from 30% to 80%, means weekly charging could be a reality for many drivers.
Inside the Aion RT: Minimalist and Modern
Inside, GAC has opted for a sleek, minimalist vibe. A 14.6-inch central control screen and an 8.8-inch instrument panel come standard, along with Apple CarPlay, Huawei HiCar, and Carlink connectivity. The layout is functional, with strategically placed air vents and a wireless charging pad in the center console.
Front seats can be laid flat, transforming into a “big bed” setup when combined with the rear seats—a quirky yet practical feature for road trips. Color choices include beige/black, brown/black, and pure black, catering to various style preferences without overcomplicating options.
Seat ventilation and heating, standard across all trims, further enhance comfort, and a high-efficiency heat pump air conditioning system ensures efficient climate control.
Charging and Range: A Quick Recharge and Impressive Mileage
Charging is quick. The 520-km trims offer 160 km of range in just 10 minutes, while the 650-km models can recharge 200 km at the same time.
For EV newcomers or those with range anxiety, these fast charging capabilities ease worries about lengthy downtime, making the Aion RT as convenient as it is capable.
Safety First: Built to Withstand and Protect
The Aion RT doesn’t just focus on tech and speed; it’s also built with robust safety features. GAC’s “magazine battery safety” technology is designed to prevent thermal runaway, ensuring that the Aion RT is one of the safest EVs on the market.
With additional passive safety systems and up to six airbags, including rear V-shaped side curtain airbags, passengers can feel secure on every journey.
The Takeaway: Smart, Stylish, and Ready to Roll
For buyers seeking a well-rounded electric sedan, the Aion RT delivers on multiple fronts. With a focus on intelligent driving, safety, and comfort—all wrapped in a design that commands attention—it’s a formidable option in the EV market.
