GAC exhibited the Aion UT Cross at the Paris Motor Show, which represents an adventurous edition of the electric hatchback already sold in Brazil since June. This new model was designed at GAC's design center located in Milan, Italy, and is scheduled to be launched in Europe in 2027, although the brand has not yet confirmed its availability in the Brazilian market.
The UT Cross features visual and structural improvements, including a raised suspension and a design reminiscent of SUVs, while maintaining the proportions of a hatchback. Specifically, it has 2 centimeters more ground clearance compared to the conventional model, which facilitates passage over speed bumps, ditches, and steep inclines.
Aesthetically, the vehicle features matte plastic trim applied to the wheel arches and the lower body, a silver protector on the front bumper, a white painted roof with black longitudinal bars, and exclusive wheels equipped with 22.5 cm wide tires. This finish evokes the look of adventurous hatchbacks popular in Brazil, such as the Renault Sandero Stepway and the Volkswagen CrossFox.
In terms of performance, the mechanical setup remains identical to that of the Elite version sold in the country: a front electric motor generating 204 hp and 21.4 kgfm, operating with a 60 kWh battery. GAC reports that the UT Cross achieves up to 400 km of range under the European WLTP cycle, representing a reduction of approximately 30 km compared to the standard hatchback in the same test standard. This difference is attributed to the higher body and accessories that increase aerodynamic resistance.
In the Brazilian context, the UT Elite offers a range of 310 km according to the stricter Inmetro cycle, and its system allows for fast charging from 30% to 80% in just 24 minutes. The overall dimensions of the vehicle remain unchanged, totaling 4.27 meters in length and 2.75 meters in wheelbase. The trunk space varies, showing 440 liters in Europe, compared to the 340 liters declared for the hatchback in Brazil.
The prices for the UT Cross have not yet been disclosed. As a price reference, the conventional model in the United Kingdom starts at £28,950, which is equivalent to about R$ 199 thousand. In Brazil, the Aion UT Premium, which competes with models like BYD Dolphin and Geely EX2, has a 44.1 kWh battery and costs R$ 139,990.