The curious Chinese electric SUV inspired by the Tesla Model

China has been demonstrating that it is prepared to compete in the premium automobile segment.

Oliver Thansan
Oliver Thansan
27 October 2023 Friday 11:22
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The curious Chinese electric SUV inspired by the Tesla Model

China has been demonstrating that it is prepared to compete in the premium automobile segment. The latest model to arrive from the Asian giant is the new GAC Aion Hyper HT, an electric SUV with gull-wing type doors and four different versions with up to 770 kilometers of autonomy, whose peculiar aesthetics aim to clone that of the well-known Tesla Model X.

The Chinese company GAC Aion is willing to become a global benchmark. For this reason, it has just unveiled the third creation in just one year of its high-performance electric sub-brand Hyper. After the launch of the GT and SSR sports sedans, the HT SUV arrives with a minimalist design, rounded shapes and striking rear doors that open upwards and imitate those of the aforementioned North American model.

In terms of dimensions, the new model measures 4.94 m long, 1.92 m wide and 1.70 m high, and sits on a chassis with a wheelbase of 2.93 m. To contribute to its sobriety, the car lacks a front grille and the conventional front doors do not have a frame. It offers two discreet side electric charging inputs, wheels up to 20 inches, a large panoramic roof and conventional mirrors.

The interior of the vehicle has the finishes and technology that correspond to a luxury vehicle. The driving position is minimalist and very clear, with a slightly flattened steering wheel and a raised instrument panel that comes with a large central touch screen from which the different functions of the car are controlled.

The reclining seats are surprising, especially in the rear seats. These are spacious, have a generous inclination that allows you to relax while traveling and contemplate the possibility of deploying a footrest from the backrests of the front seats. If you wish, there is even the option of folding down the passenger seat in order to form a long armchair on which to stretch your legs.

There are four different alternatives available in the GAC Aion Hyper HT range. The basic version comes with a 400-volt electrical system, has a rear motor with 241 HP and 355 Nm of power and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds. It has a battery range of approximately 600 kilometers, according to brand data. With just ten minutes of charging, the unit can travel up to 140 kilometers.

The three upper versions have the same 800-volt electrical system, 335 HP of power and 430 Nm of rear axle torque, with the ability to reach 100 km from a standstill in 5.8 seconds. The two middle models offer a range of 670 kilometers, while the top one reaches 770 kilometers before needing to be plugged in again. This alternative can charge enough to travel 450 kilometers in just ten minutes.

The top-of-the-range version is the only one that incorporates LiDAR sensors, so it has more advanced driving assistance technology than the rest.

The GAC Aion Hyper HT will soon go on sale starting at 28,000 euros, a price below German or American cars in the premium segment. You can learn more specifications of the vehicle in the video that accompanies this article.