GAC to launch in Australia next month

CHINESE car brand GAC (Guangzhou Automobile Group Co.) is slated to enter the Australian new car market next month (November) with a line-up comprising three new models.

Headed Down Under are the all-electric mid-sized Aion V SUV, the compact Emzoom SUV, and, later, the M8 PHEV MPV.

GAC says its vehicles are pioneers in quality, sustainable design, each offering advanced safety, cutting-edge powertrains and premium features.

While the brand has yet to confirm pricing or specifications for all models, GoAuto understands the Aion V will seat five, be offered in two grades, and will be priced from around $45,000.

The importer’s Australian website reveals the Aion V measures 4605mm in length, 1854mm in width, and 1868mm in height. It rides on a 2775mm wheelbase and tips the scale at 1880kg.

The Aion V is powered by a 150kW/210Nm electric motor fed by a 75kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery that is said to deliver a driving range of 510km on the WLTP scale. AC charging is rated to 11kW and DC charging 180kW. A 10-80 per cent charge time of 24 minutes is quoted.

The model rides on a MacPherson strut (front) and torsion beam (rear) suspension arrangement and is halted by four-wheel discs. Braked towing capacity is not listed, however the Aion V is said to offer between 427 and 978 litres of cargo space.

Range highlights include 19-inch alloy wheels, LED dusk-sensing lighting, artificial leather upholstery, powered front seat adjustment and heating, a heated steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, LED ambient cabin lighting, an 8.8-inch digital instrument panel, a 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, digital radio, and nine-speaker sound.

Safety equipment includes seven airbags, adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, an alcohol interlock device, child presence monitoring, ISOFIX child seat preparation, lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition, rear cross-traffic alert, and more.

The M8 PHEV – which has also been announced without pricing – measures 5212mm in length, 1893mm in width, 1823mm in height, and 3070mm in wheelbase. It has a kerb weight of 2192kg.

The mode is powered by a 140kW/330Nm turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with electrical assistance, with drive via an eight-speed automatic transmission. No range or battery capacity figures are known at this time.

Locally, the GAC M8 PHEV offers equipment highlights including seating for seven, 18-inch alloy wheels, LED lighting, dual sliding doors, an electric tailgate with kick sensor, tri-zone climate control, powered first and second row seating, a choice of PVC or leather upholstery (grade dependent), a 12.3-inch digital instrument screen, 10.1-inch multifunction infotainment touchscreen, eight-speaker sound, and both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity.

Safety equipment is much the same as that listed for the Aion V.

Finally, for the compact Emzoom SUV – which is yet to be detailed on GAC’s Australian website – we find a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine making 130kW/270Nm and driving the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

The model is said to offer a 0-100km/h time of around 8.0 seconds and consume as little as 6.0 litres of fuel per 100km. The Emzoom measures 4446mm in length and tips the scale at 1415kg.

GAC says that while the brand is new to Australia, it is one that is “steeped in industry expertise”.

It says that by “leveraging partnerships with global leaders such as Toyota and Honda, alongside its own R&D achievements, the company has established world-class manufacturing capabilities and a comprehensive multi-energy portfolio of vehicles”.

“Launching GAC in Australia is an exceptional milestone for our brand,” said GAC Australia deputy general manager Cheney Liang.

“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.

“Beyond our commitment to delivering exceptional products, our team is passionate about building meaningful relationships with our customers, dealers, industry and the broader community here in Australia, and we can’t wait to get started.”

More information on the GAC range is expected to be announced closer to the brand’s November launch.