2026 Aion V Review : 8 Years of Everything???

The arrival of the Aion V in the UK marks another serious push from China into the mainstream electric SUV market. Backed by GAC Group, this is not a budget experiment — it’s a deliberately positioned family EV aimed squarely at established players like the Skoda Enyaq and Volkswagen ID.4.

Having now driven the car at its UK launch, the Aion V feels less like a disruptor trying to shock the market, and more like a carefully calculated entrant. It’s competitively priced at around £36,500, packed with standard kit and designed to appeal to buyers who want a simple, comfortable electric SUV without overthinking the decision. It also had an ace up its sleeve, a pretty stunning standard ownership package.

Design, Interior & Technology

The Aion V doesn’t try to reinvent the SUV formula. It’s clean, modern and slightly anonymous, but importantly, it looks like it belongs in this segment. At around 4.6 metres long, it has proper road presence and sits comfortably alongside key rivals.

Inside is where the car makes its strongest first impression. The cabin feels spacious, well-built and genuinely very premium for the price. There’s a minimalist layout dominated by a large central touchscreen, with very few physical controls — a theme that’s becoming increasingly common, though not always welcome.

Material quality is solid rather than exceptional, but nothing feels cheap. There’s a clear focus on comfort and usability, with loads of space in both rows and a light, airy feel throughout.

Higher-spec versions lean heavily into “lifestyle” features, including massaging seats, a built-in cool box and even a fold-out rear table. It’s slightly quirky, but it does give the Aion V a bit of personality in a class where many interiors feel interchangeable.

That said, the reliance on touchscreen controls can be frustrating, and like many cars of this type, it lacks the intuitive simplicity of more established rivals.

Performance, Range & Ownership

The Aion V uses a single front-mounted electric motor producing around 200–220bhp, paired with a 75kWh battery. Performance is perfectly adequate, with a 0–62mph time of roughly eight seconds, but it doesn’t feel particularly quick once up to motorway speeds.

Range is competitive, with official figures of around 310–320 miles (WLTP), making it well suited to both daily driving and longer journeys. Charging is a strong point, with up to 180kW DC capability allowing a 10–80% charge in roughly 25 minutes under ideal conditions.

On the road, the focus is firmly on comfort. The ride is generally well judged, refinement is good, and it’s an easy car to drive in everyday conditions. It doesn’t offer much in the way of driver engagement, but for most buyers, that won’t be a priority.

Practicality is another strength. The rear seats offer plenty of space, and the 427-litre boot is competitive for the class. It’s a genuinely usable family SUV.

One of the biggest highlights is the ownership package. The Aion V comes with an eight-year package covering warranty, battery, servicing, MOTs and roadside assistance. It’s a standout offering that significantly reduces running costs and adds reassurance for buyers considering a new and relatively unknown brand.

Be sure to check the current lease prices over at Leasing.com.

Verdict

The Aion V is a well-judged addition to the UK electric SUV market. It doesn’t try to lead the class in driving dynamics or design, but it delivers where it matters most — comfort, space, equipment and overall usability.

It may lack standout character, and the brand is still establishing itself in the UK, but the combination of competitive pricing and an exceptionally strong ownership package makes it a compelling option.

For buyers who prioritise ease of use, practicality and value over badge appeal or driving excitement, the Aion V makes a lot of sense.

✓ PROS

Strong range and fast charging
High level of standard equipment
Spacious and family-friendly
Outstanding ownership package with 8-year warranty, free servicing, MOTs and roadside assistance

✓CONS

Lacks a bit of driving engagement
Touchscreen-heavy controls
Unproven brand in the UK
Design doesn’t stand out in a crowded segment