As GAC AION's "Intelligent Long-Range Pure Electric Flagship," the AION LX Plus was launched on January 5, 2022, with four trims: 80 Zhizun, 80D Flagship, 80D Max, and Thousand-Mile Edition, starting at 286,600 RMB after subsidies.
- Dimensions: 4,835×1,935×1,685mm with a 2,920mm wheelbase, offering spacious interior.
- Powertrain:
- Entry and Thousand-Mile trims: 180kW front-mounted single motor (310N·m).
- AWD trims: Dual motors with 360kW combined power (700N·m).
- Battery Technology:
- Standard 80/80D: 93.3kWh "MagLev" battery (650km/600km CLTC).
- Thousand-Mile Edition: 144.4kWh sponge silicon anode battery (205Wh/kg energy density, 1,008km CLTC).
- Drivetrain: AWD trims feature a dual-gear dual-motor "4-in-1" drive system with >90% efficiency.
- Intelligence:
- 7nm 8-core Snapdragon 8155 chip + ADiGO 4.0 system.
- 15.6-inch HD central screen + 3 second-gen variable-focus lidars, 35 intelligent driving sensors, and 200TOPS computing platform for urban NDA.
- Ultra-Long Range: 1,008km CLTC range (Thousand-Mile Edition) leads the industry, easing range anxiety for long trips.
- Extreme Performance: AWD trims achieve 2.9-second 0-100km/h acceleration with dual-gear drive technology, entering the 2-second club.
- Advanced ADAS: World's first mass-produced vehicle with 3 second-gen lidars (250m detection, dynamic refresh/resolution), enabling precise road sensing.
- Luxury Cockpit: 10-speaker Alpine audio, Nappa leather seats, rear leg rests, IBCM keyless start, and AR navigation create a premium experience.
- High-Speed Power Limitation: Some users report muted power response at high speeds, typical of EVs.
- In-Vehicle System Gaps: Limited entertainment apps and less intuitive voice assistant affect user experience.
- Interior Odor Issue: New-car smell and material odor are common feedbacks requiring improvement.
- Configuration Cost-Effectiveness: Lidars are exclusive to the 80D Max (over 400,000 RMB), reducing affordability compared to rivals.
Against Tesla Model Y: Longer range (especially Thousand-Mile Edition) and richer comfort features, but weaker brand recognition.
Against NIO ES6: More price-competitive with better range, though NIO's battery swap service stands out.
Recommendations:
- Frequent long-distance users: Thousand-Mile Edition for 1,008km range.
- Performance enthusiasts: 80D Max with lidars and extreme power.
- Budget-conscious buyers: 80 Zhizun for daily commuting and basic features.
The AION LX Plus competes strongly in the mid-large pure electric SUV segment with its ultra-long range, powerful performance, and advanced intelligence. Its unique design, luxury interior, and GAC AION's lifetime warranty form core strengths. However, high-speed power tuning and in-vehicle system limitations need optimization. As NEV technology advances, addressing these issues and enhancing brand influence could solidify its position in the premium EV market.
