Europe's latest new entrant
GAC design boss on first European launch
Fan Zhang, global VP of design at GAC, speaks to Car Design News about the Aion V, a compact SUV that was in fact designed for a global audience
Among the many, many new launches at this year's IAA was the Aion V, a compact electric SUV that visitors may have seen on show elsewhere. But this time was particularly significant as it marked its — and GAC's — first European launch.
Although it was originally designed for a global audience, the design team felt it would lend itself well to European tastes, with a particular focus on design execution, simple yet strong forms and no horizontal light bar at the front.
Visually, it cuts the appearance of a large hatchback more than an SUV, but is deceptively large inside — a plan from the start, says Zhang, to optimise comfort for longer journeys. A cornerstone of Chinese design that should resonate well in Europe.
The car itself promises a WLTP range of 510km and with the right fast charger can zip from 10% to 80% state-of-charge in just 24 minutes.
It may be the first European car from GAC, but the company has in fact had a presence in Milan since the opening of a new advanced design studio in 2022.
