Aion V: £36,000 Family EV with a Luxe Twist – Tested by Ray Massey

Aion V: A Futuristic Electric SUV with Unique Features

Charlize Theron might not be the first name that comes to mind when thinking about cars, but her role as Aeon Flux in a skin-tight body suit in 2005 has an interesting connection to the Chinese car brand Aion. Although the spelling is slightly different, the similarity caught my attention when Aion recently launched in the UK. Intrigued, I decided to take the Aion V for a test drive.

The Aion V is an all-electric family SUV that stands out with its futuristic design and practical features. It starts at £36,450, and with added options such as the Premium Pack (£1,495) and Galaxy Blue paint, the price increases to £38,620. This vehicle offers more than just style; it provides a unique driving experience.

Spacious and Comfortable Interior

One of the standout features of the Aion V is its generous legroom and space for rear passengers. I found myself with more room than in some chauffeur-driven limousines. The ‘lounge’ mode allows rear passengers to lie down and stretch across the front passenger seats, creating a chaise longue-like experience—though this feature is only available when the car is stationary.

The interior is minimalist, featuring a Tesla-like dashboard with a central 14.6-inch touchscreen that controls most functions. The driver also has an 8.8-inch instrument panel. A full-length panoramic roof adds to the sense of openness. While the leather seating trim felt good, it looked somewhat plain.

The front seats offer heating and ventilation, while the rear seats provide reclining and heating with massage features. Another unique feature is the 6.6-litre ‘CoolHotbox’, which can keep drinks cool or warm food. There are even two ‘curry hooks’ in the passenger footwell for takeaway meals.

Practicality and Performance

The Aion V’s boot is highly flexible, expanding from 427 litres to 1,368 litres when the rear seats are flat. This makes it ideal for carrying large items. The vehicle is powered by a 204hp (150kW) electric motor and a 75.3kWh LFP battery. It accelerates from 0 to 62mph in 7.9 seconds and has a top speed of 99mph. The claimed 317-mile range should be sufficient for a trip from London to Newcastle on a single charge.

However, there are some downsides. The abundance of touch-screen controls can be overwhelming, and the in-car camera monitoring system often beeps when the driver is distracted by the screen itself. Safety alerts, common in many Chinese cars, can be turned off or adjusted. Despite this, the tight turning circle makes parking easier.

Interior Quality and Charging

The upmarket interior features are somewhat let down by silvered plastic air vents and door handles that feel cheap. Bigger wheels would help balance the car’s size, as the 19-inch alloys seem small for the vehicle. Charging is efficient, with a DC fast charger taking 18 minutes to charge from 30 to 80 per cent, and a domestic AC charger requiring eight-and-a-half hours.

Total Value Proposition

The Aion V offers more than just a competitive price. With PCP finance options starting from £379 per month over 18 to 48 months, the total package includes a fully transferable ‘Great 8’ deal covering eight years of support for warranty, servicing, roadside assistance, and MOT.