Chinese auto giant GAC launches three new models – RACQ

Chinese car maker GAC confirms electric, hybrid, and ICE models to spearhead its Australian brand launch.
Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC) is the latest in a wave of Chinese brands to call Australia home, with the car maker readying three new models ahead of its local launch in late November.
Spearheading GAC’s local ambitions are the Aion V, an all-electric medium SUV; the EMZoom, an internal-combustion (ICE) powered compact-SUV; and the M8, a seven-seat people mover with a plug-in hybrid powertrain.
While new to Australia, GAC is well established in its Chinese domestic market, where it started building commercial vehicles in the late 1990s in partnership with Toyota and Honda, before branching out into its own passenger cars in 2010.
The brand is ranked among the top five or six Chinese car makers with annual sales of more than two million vehicles, with design centres in Milan, Los Angeles, Shanghai and Guangzhou, and a growing presence in over 70 markets internationally.
Deputy General Manager of GAC Australia Cheney Liang said the brand’s Australian launch reflected GAC’s ambitions as one of the world’s fastest-growing carmakers.
“Launching GAC in Australia is an exceptional milestone for our brand. I have no doubt that Australian customers will welcome our range of high-quality, innovative models with keen interest, and become accustomed to the elevated ownership experience we are set to offer,” Mr Liang said.

Spearheading the brand’s launch lineup is the battery-electric Aion V, a mid-sized SUV based on a proprietary 400V electric architecture that will be offered in Premium and Luxury trims
Featuring a 75.26kw/h LFP battery and a single front-mounted electric motor that delivers 150kW/210Nm, the Aion V has a claimed driving range of 510km range (WLTP).
The vehicle is capable of DC fast charging at up to 180kW and can charge from 10-80 per cent in 24 minutes. It is also V2L (Vehicle to Load) capable, allowing it to power camping equipment and electrical appliances.
Externally, the Aion V showcases a muscular, modern look with distinctive ‘dragon claw’ lighting signatures front and rear.
Inside, the minimalist design is apparently inspired by the flow of a natural waterfall, with a 14.6-inch central screen, an expansive panoramic roof, and key touchpoints cloaked in soft materials.
Both front seats can be fully reclined to create a queen bed environment to allow for comfortable short naps, while 4mm acoustic glass ensures the interior is cossetted from the sound of semis thundering past your highway rest stop.
Standard equipment includes driver and front passenger massage seats with heating and ventilation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, electric sunscreen for the panoramic roof, and an electric rear tailgate with proximity-sensor auto-opening function.
An additional neat feature of the Luxury-spec model is a 6.6-litre refrigerator within the central armrest that holds up to 12 cans and can cool to –15°C or warm to 50°C.

The launch lineup also includes smartly designed EMZoom – a tech-packed compact-SUV that will be offered in a single luxury trim level and is powered by a 1.5-turbo petrol engine.
The engine sends its 125kW/270Nm to the front wheels via a seven-speed ‘wet’ dual-clutch transmission, returning claimed combined cycle fuel consumption of 6.6L/100km
Inside, the EMZoom features a 14.6-inch LED central control screen, driver’s ventilated seat, multi-colour ambient lighting and six-speaker DTS audio system.
Other standard features include 50W wireless charging, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, LED automatic headlights, powered tailgate, and a panoramic glass roof.
The EMZoom comes equipped with six airbags and a raft of standard safety features including Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane-Departure Warnings, Adaptive Cruise Control, 360° panoramic assisted parking and Blind Spot Warning.

The third prong of the trident in GAC’s Australian launch is the M8, a luxury seven-seat people mover that will be offered here in two grades GX and GL, both with a plug-in hybrid powertrain.
Australian details have not yet been confirmed for this model but in China the M8 PHEV combines a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with an electric motor, delivering combined outputs of
247kW/630Nm, with a 25kWh battery providing up to 100km of pure-electric driving and a combined range of over 1,000km.
Measuring 1,823mm high, 1,893mm wide and 5,212mm long, the M8 is about the size of a Kia Carnival, which will be one of its main competitors.
Outside, the M8’s enormous chrome grille is among its key distinguishing features, while inside the interior is generously equipped, with second-row ‘captain’s chairs’ that resemble leather lounge chairs with built-in armrests, electric adjustment and air-pump massage function.

Pricing and warranty information for the full GAC vehicle range will be made available upon the brand’s market launch later in November.

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