GAC AION S Plus 2022 Review: $22,800 Electric Sedan with 510km Range, 0.211Cd
Three Highlights & Three Caveats
Three Highlights
0.211Cd drag coefficient, sleek design that turns heads
The AION S Plus features a low-drag design with just 0.211Cd, making it one of the most aerodynamic production sedans in its class. Its flowing body lines and tech-forward styling have received widespread praise from both domestic and international media since launch.
510km NEDC range, worry-free daily commuting
Powered by a 58.8kWh NMC (ternary lithium) battery pack, the AION S Plus delivers 510km NEDC range. Real-world city driving range exceeds 400km, and with 42-minute fast charging (30-80%), it's extremely practical for daily use.
Spacious interior, class-leading rear seat comfort
With a 2750mm wheelbase, rear legroom surpasses most price competitors. The 453L trunk offers cargo capacity that outperforms other compact EVs in its segment.
Three Caveats
Rear torsion beam non-independent suspension
While daily ride comfort is well-tuned, the torsion beam rear axle falls short of multi-link independent setups in continuous bumpy roads and rear-wheel tracking.
Room for improvement in smart features
The infotainment UI can lag occasionally. Only standard cruise control is included — L2 ADAS requires optional packages, placing it at the basic end of the smart driving spectrum.
Limited high-speed passing power
The 150kW/350Nm motor performs well at city and highway speeds, but acceleration above 100km/h tapers off noticeably. Leave extra room for highway overtakes.
Model Overview
The AION S Plus is a compact pure-electric sedan under GAC Aion New Energy Automobile, first unveiled in 2021 as a mid-cycle facelift of the original AION S. Compared to the pre-facelift model, the Plus version brings significant upgrades in exterior design, aerodynamics, and smart features.
Manufactured by GAC Aion New Energy Automobile (founded 2017), a subsidiary of GAC Group and one of China's mainstream NEV makers, the AION S series has been a hot seller since launch, consistently ranking among the top sellers in the 100,000-200,000 RMB ($14,000-$28,000) pure EV sedan segment.
Positioned as a family-oriented compact EV, it primarily competes with the BYD Qin PLUS EV, Geely Geometry A, and similar models. The exterior design draws inspiration from the Aion ENO.146 concept car, featuring minimalist styling, flush door handles, low-drag wheels, and a full-width taillight as standard.
You can get a complete walkaround of the exterior and interior through this video:
Spec Sheet
|
Parameter
|
Value
|
|---|---|
|
Model
|
AION S 2022 Plus 70 Smart Edition (NMC)
|
|
Powertrain
|
Pure electric
|
|
Motor
|
PMSM, 150kW (204 hp), 350Nm
|
|
Range (NEDC/CLTC)
|
510 km
|
|
Battery capacity
|
58.8kWh NMC (CALB / Magazine Battery)
|
|
Fast charge
|
42 min (30-80%, 100kW)
|
|
Slow charge
|
~10 hours
|
|
Energy consumption
|
12.9 kWh/100km
|
|
Top speed
|
160 km/h
|
|
0-100 km/h
|
7.6 sec
|
|
Dimensions
|
4810×1880×1515mm
|
|
Wheelbase
|
2750mm
|
|
Seats
|
5
|
|
Trunk volume
|
453L
|
|
Curb weight
|
1660kg
|
|
Drive
|
Front-wheel drive
|
|
Front suspension
|
MacPherson strut independent
|
|
Rear suspension
|
Torsion beam non-independent
|
|
Brakes
|
Front ventilated disc / Rear solid disc
|
|
Tires
|
235/45 R18
|
|
Drag coefficient
|
0.211 Cd
|
Battery covered by lifetime warranty for first owner (exclusions apply per official terms).
Ownership Cost & Service
Warranty
-
Vehicle warranty: 4 years or 150,000 km
-
Battery warranty: Lifetime for first owner (exclusions apply)
Charging Cost
Based on global average residential electricity rate of $0.170/kWh (Global Petrol Prices, 2025):
-
Full charge (58.8kWh): ~$10.00
-
Per 100km (12.9kWh/100km): ~$2.19
-
vs gasoline: at 8L/100km, $1.0/L gasoline = $8.00/100km. EV is ~27% of fuel cost
EV Incentives
|
Country/Region
|
Policy
|
Notes
|
|---|---|---|
|
China
|
Purchase tax exemption (extended 2025)
|
Eligible NEVs exempt
|
|
Thailand
|
EV subsidy up to 150,000 THB (~$4,200)
|
Tiered by price & range
|
|
Malaysia
|
Full import duty exemption, 50% excise reduction
|
Through 2025
|
|
Vietnam
|
50% registration fee reduction
|
For BEVs
|
|
Indonesia
|
10% VAT reduction
|
Subject to local content requirements
|
Source: IEA Global EV Policy Explorer
Competitive Comparison
AION S series spans multiple model years and trims. Below is a comprehensive comparison of the four models specified:
Basic Parameters
|
Parameter
|
AION S 2022 Plus 70 Smart (Main)
|
AION S 2019 Xuan 530
|
AION S 2023 Plus 70 Smart Drive
|
AION S 2024 MAX 80 Starlight
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
MSRP (USD)
|
~$22,800
|
~$19,400
|
~$23,000
|
~$21,600
|
|
Launch
|
2022.01
|
2019.04
|
2023.03
|
2024.06
|
|
Class
|
Compact
|
Compact
|
Compact
|
Compact
|
|
Energy
|
BEV
|
BEV
|
BEV
|
BEV
|
|
Power
|
204 hp
|
184 hp
|
204 hp
|
204 hp
|
|
Range (km)
|
510
|
410
|
510
|
610
|
|
Fast charge
|
42min (30-80%)
|
40min
|
42min (30-80%)
|
30min (30-80%)
|
|
Battery
|
58.8kWh NMC
|
49.4kWh NMC
|
58.8kWh NMC
|
67.1kWh LFP
|
|
Battery tech
|
Magazine Battery
|
—
|
Magazine Battery
|
Magazine Battery
|
|
Max power
|
150kW
|
135kW
|
150kW
|
150kW
|
|
Peak torque
|
350Nm
|
300Nm
|
225Nm
|
235Nm
|
|
Top speed
|
160km/h
|
130km/h
|
160km/h
|
163km/h
|
|
0-100km/h
|
7.6s
|
—
|
—
|
7.5s
|
|
Consumption
|
12.9kWh
|
12.9kWh
|
12.9kWh
|
12.7kWh
|
Body & Space
|
Parameter
|
2022 Plus 70
|
2019 Xuan 530
|
2023 Plus 70 Smart Drive
|
2024 MAX 80
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Length (mm)
|
4810
|
4768
|
4810
|
4863
|
|
Width (mm)
|
1880
|
1880
|
1880
|
1890
|
|
Height (mm)
|
1515
|
1530
|
1515
|
1515
|
|
Wheelbase (mm)
|
2750
|
2750
|
2750
|
2760
|
|
Curb weight (kg)
|
1660
|
1575
|
1640
|
1730
|
|
Trunk (L)
|
453
|
453
|
453
|
453
|
|
Drag coefficient
|
0.211Cd
|
0.245Cd
|
0.211Cd
|
0.23Cd
|
Chassis & Safety
|
Parameter
|
2022 Plus 70
|
2019 Xuan 530
|
2023 Plus 70 Smart Drive
|
2024 MAX 80
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Drive
|
FWD
|
FWD
|
FWD
|
FWD
|
|
Front suspension
|
MacPherson
|
MacPherson
|
MacPherson
|
MacPherson
|
|
Rear suspension
|
Torsion beam
|
Torsion beam
|
Torsion beam
|
Torsion beam
|
|
Front brakes
|
Ventilated disc
|
Ventilated disc
|
Ventilated disc
|
Ventilated disc
|
|
Rear brakes
|
Solid disc
|
Solid disc
|
Solid disc
|
Solid disc
|
|
Tires
|
235/45 R18
|
215/55 R17
|
235/45 R18
|
235/45 R18
|
|
Spare tire
|
Space-saver
|
Space-saver
|
Space-saver
|
Space-saver
|
|
ABS+EBD
|
Standard
|
Standard
|
Standard
|
Standard
|
|
ESC
|
Standard
|
Standard
|
Standard
|
Standard
|
Safety & ADAS
|
Feature
|
2022 Plus 70
|
2019 Xuan 530
|
2023 Plus 70 Smart Drive
|
2024 MAX 80
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Airbags
|
4
|
4
|
4
|
4
|
|
Lane departure warning
|
—
|
—
|
Standard
|
Standard
|
|
Forward collision warning
|
—
|
—
|
Standard
|
Standard
|
|
AEB
|
—
|
—
|
Standard
|
Standard
|
|
Lane keep assist
|
—
|
—
|
Standard
|
Standard
|
|
Traffic sign recognition
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
Standard
|
|
Driver fatigue detection
|
—
|
—
|
Standard
|
Standard
|
|
360° camera
|
—
|
—
|
Standard
|
Standard
|
|
Cruise control
|
Standard
|
Standard
|
—
|
—
|
|
Adaptive cruise
|
—
|
—
|
Standard
|
Standard
|
Smart Features
|
Feature
|
2022 Plus 70
|
2019 Xuan 530
|
2023 Plus 70 Smart Drive
|
2024 MAX 80
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Display
|
12.3"
|
12.3"
|
12.3"
|
12.3"
|
|
Connected car
|
Standard
|
Standard
|
Standard
|
Standard
|
|
OTA
|
Standard
|
—
|
Standard
|
Standard
|
|
Voice control
|
Standard
|
Standard
|
Standard
|
Standard
|
|
Remote control
|
Standard
|
—
|
Standard
|
Standard
|
|
Panoramic roof
|
Standard
|
—
|
Standard
|
Standard
|
Comparison Summary
The AION S series has evolved through multiple iterations. The 2022 Plus 70 Smart Edition sits in the middle of this lineage: compared to the 2019 model, it brings a completely new exterior, lower drag (0.211Cd vs 0.245Cd), stronger power (150kW vs 135kW), and Magazine Battery safety tech. Compared to the 2023 Smart Drive edition, it lacks L2 ADAS. Compared to the 2024 MAX 80, it has 100km less range and a smaller battery. The 2022 Plus 70's core advantage is value balance — it offers the signature AION S Plus design and interior, 510km range for daily needs, but with basic-level smart features.
Real-World Testing
Strengths
1. Impressive ride quality despite torsion beam
Despite the rear torsion beam, the AION S Plus's suspension tuning stands out for comfort. Reviewers note that the damping is crisp and composed — on city roads, it's nearly impossible to tell the torsion beam from a multi-link setup. One owner, a former Infiniti Q50 driver, commented: "The torsion beam in the AION S Plus rides more comfortably than the independent suspension in my Q50."
2. Excellent NVH
Thanks to the electric powertrain and extensive sound deadening, cabin quietness is a highlight. Measurements show that at 80km/h, normal conversation requires no voice raise, with wind and road noise levels better than ICE cars at similar prices.
3. Spacious interior, especially rear seats
With the 2750mm wheelbase and dedicated EV platform, rear legroom is outstanding. Overseas media noted that three adults can sit comfortably in the back, and the 453L trunk fits four carry-on suitcases.
Weaknesses
1. Torsion beam limits handling limits
On high-speed corners and continuous rough roads, the torsion beam's limited rear-wheel tracking becomes apparent. Compared to multi-link rear suspension rivals at similar prices, the AION S Plus shows more body roll during spirited driving.
2. Significant highway range reduction
Real-world testing shows that at 120km/h cruising, real range is about 65-70% of rated, or ~330-360km. Compared to 85% city driving retention, the highway drop is notable. Winter temperatures further reduce range.
3. Occasional infotainment lag
Some owners report touchscreen lag after continuous use, occasionally needing a system restart. While the infotainment ecosystem covers common apps, launch speed and smoothness lag behind key competitors.
Test Scenarios
Scenario 1: City commuting
In Beijing winter (-5°C to 5°C/23°F-41°F), real-world range measured ~380-420km, or about 75%-82% of rated. Using cabin heating reduces range by ~15%, but still sufficient for a week of daily commuting.
Scenario 2: Highway trip (Beijing-Zhengzhou, ~750km)
One owner's real-world test: at 120km/h cruise, charging every 340-350km, one mid-trip stop needed. The 42-minute fast charge to 80% fits well with rest stop rhythm. Total charging cost ~$10-15, far less than a comparable ICE trip.
Real Owner Feedback
Positive
Space & Comfort
Owners consistently praise the spaciousness and comfort, especially rear seat room and seat support.
"The whole family came when we bought the car — all four of us sat inside together, and it was very roomy. That's why we bought it. The trunk storage is also excellent!"
"The space exceeded expectations. I assumed it was a compact and didn't expect much, but rear legroom is even more generous than my friend's Passat."
Range & Running Costs
Most owners are satisfied with range. City range reaches 400+ km, and running costs are dramatically lower than ICE.
"The official number is 510km. In the city I get 400-430km, so one charge per week is enough. And charging at home is so cheap — my monthly electricity bill is less than half of what I used to spend on gas in two weeks."
"A full charge costs only 35 RMB (~$5). After a trip to the suburbs I still have more than half of the battery left. My dad spends at least 200 RMB on fuel for the same trip — now everyone fights to take my car when we go out."
Design
The low-drag shape and minimalist design are key purchase reasons for many owners.
"The looks are unbeatable. People often ask me what car it is. From the side, the flowing lines give it a coupe-like vibe. The full-width taillight looks great at night."
"The minimalist design won't age quickly — it doesn't look overstyled. Flush door handles and a panoramic glass roof are rare in cars under 200,000 RMB."
Negative
Infotainment glitches
Some owners report lag, freezing, or feature malfunctions.
"The screen would freeze while I was using it, and the navigation stopped responding — I had to hold the power button to restart. It happens once or twice a month. Not a safety issue, but very annoying."
"Voice recognition accuracy is just average. Navigation addresses are often misrecognized. After a few tries I just went back to using my phone for navigation."
Torsion beam affects ride quality on rough roads
On specific road conditions, the torsion beam's limitations become noticeable, especially for rear passengers.
"It's fine on smooth roads, but over consecutive speed bumps or rough roads, the rear feels bouncy. Compared to my friend's BYD Qin PLUS with independent suspension, there's a gap."
"With two people in the back, it's okay on bumps. But with three adults in the back on rough roads, you can feel the rear wheels affecting each other — more body movement than expected."
References
-
Global Petrol Prices (2025). World Average Electricity Prices, USD / kWh. Retrieved from https://www.globalpetrolprices.com/electricity_prices/
-
IEA. Global EV Policy Explorer. Retrieved from https://www.iea.org/data-and-statistics/data-tools/global-ev-policy-explorer
-
Wikipedia. Aion S. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aion_S
-
CarsbyML (2022). 2022 GAC Aion S Plus in-depth Walkaround. YouTube. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qi0bu9peKc
