Aion UT Cross unveiled at Paris Motor Show

The Aion UT Cross was unveiled for the first time at the Paris Motor Show. It is based on the Aion UT and adds an outdoor touch. Designed in Milan, this electric crossover is expected to offer 400 km of WLTP range and a reasonably fast charging speed.

Positioning as a light off-road crossover

GAC presents the UT Cross as a "light off-road crossover," a somewhat generic formula that combines the agility of a city car, the space of a station wagon, and some SUV attributes. The design is signed by the GAC Advanced Design center in Milan, and the version shown in Paris comes in Green trim, with a black interior.

Interior space and practical features

On paper, the habitability is based on a wheelbase of 2.75 meters. The trunk exceeds 350 liters and offers a flat floor when the rear seats are folded down. There are also 24 storage compartments and roof rails, enough to take camping equipment. The ground clearance is announced at 147 mm at full load. This is sufficient for a gravel road or a poorly paved sidewalk, but it remains modest to justify the term "off-road."

Battery and charging capabilities

Under the floor, the 60 kWh battery from the Aion UT is used, for a maximum of 400 km WLTP. The charge from 30 to 80% takes 24 minutes. It is not revolutionary, but it makes the car usable without a wallbox, relying on public charging stations.

Design and safety features

The body uses 71% high-strength steel. A V-shaped side curtain airbag, 2.1 meters long, covers the entire length of the passenger compartment. On board, a Qualcomm platform manages two screens, for entertainment information and instrumentation. No information is given at this stage on the quality of the interfaces or on the richness of the driving assistance systems, two points on which new entrants are often judged.

GAC's strategy in Europe

GAC sees this model as a way to become known on the continent. In France, the range includes the electric sedan Aion UT and the electric SUV Aion V. Two vehicles that are assembled in Austria at Magna Steyr, like the Xpeng.