Author: Novice Driver

When it comes to AION S, many people are familiar with it, and some even say “I often ride this car”. It seems that most people’s stereotype of AION S is “ride-hailing car”? No, this is not what GAC wants. On the evening of June 23, the GAC Aion S Plus was officially launched, with a total of 5 models and a price range of 139,600 to 172,600 yuan after subsidies. As a mid-term facelift model of the AION S, its changes are comparable to a new generation, and perhaps this is also GAC Aion’s ace in the hole to get rid of its ride-hailing car label. Let’s take a look together, is AION S Plus worth buying and which configuration should you choose?

Purchasing Benefits

Users can enjoy three exclusive privileges:

• Lifetime warranty for three powertrain components (annual mileage ≤ 30,000 km)

• Lifetime free car networking service (6G/month)

• Lifetime free roadside rescue

There are also two financial plans for purchasing:

• Enjoy 2 years of 0% interest and 3 years of 0% replacement

• Get a subsidy of 5,000 yuan for replacement

Previously, we have conducted a test drive and filmed a related video of GAC Aion S Plus in advance. Friends who are interested can click to watch: “AION S Plus first test: Variable color sky and ultra-low wind resistance! Is this the popular electric family car? “

How to Choose Among the 5 Models?

Range and Power

Firstly, let’s talk about the most concerned aspect of range and power configuration. There are 3 range options for this model, 410km, 510km, and 602km, of which only the 410km range model is equipped with a lithium iron phosphate battery, while the other models are equipped with ternary lithium batteries.

The naming of AION S Plus models can be confusing at first glance, but the easiest way to differentiate them is based on the first two digits in their names. Models starting with “60” have a range of 410 km, models starting with “70” have a range of 510 km, and models starting with “80” have a range of 602 km.

Similarly, the peak power of each model’s electric motor can also be differentiated in the same way:

• “60” model: 100 kW
• “70” model: 150 kW
• “80” model: 165 kW

For those who are interested in driving performance, the “80 Super Long Range” and “80 Technology” models may be more suitable. Additionally, as a pure electric family sedan, the price of 13.96 million yuan for the “60 Intelligent Leader” model is very attractive. However, if it’s not solely for commuting purposes, it’s not highly recommended. Now, let’s take a look at the comparison of the configurations of all models.

Comparison of vehicle configurations

When it comes to configurations, it can be difficult to compare the differences among the five models, just like choosing electronic products such as phones or computers. Although adding a few more bucks can give you a little more, the final price may exceed your initial budget, and it may not even be necessary.

The lowest configuration “60 Intelligent Leader” and the highest configuration “80 Technology” have a difference of 33,000 yuan. So, what are the differences between these five models? Are they major or minor?

1. Comparison of exterior configurations

In terms of exterior configurations, there are almost no differences among the five models, making it difficult to differentiate them visually. Only the wheel hub, tire, and engine compartment shield have two specifications, which are equipped on different models. Only the “70 Technology” and “80 Technology” models use 18-inch aluminum alloy rims and 235/45 R18 tires, while the other models use 17-inch aluminum alloy rims and 215/55 R17 tires.

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1. Comparison of Configuration Differences

It is easy to distinguish that the 70 Tech Edition and 80 Tech Edition are high-end models from the image. It should be noted that the lowest configuration 60 Smart Edition cannot be equipped with automatic headlight induction. This is the disadvantage of choosing a lower configuration. If a function is missing, even if you only need one of the functions, it cannot be added even with additional money.

In addition, the entire series can be equipped with a large size spare tire (1000 yuan) and ultra-low wind resistance package (2000 yuan). The ultra-low wind resistance package includes a 17-inch Starstorm wheel hub and a protective plate under the spare tire slot.

2. Comparison of Interior Configuration Differences

There are significant differences in the interior design between AION S Plus and AION S, and the entire series adopts a central control layout similar to AION Y. The entire series is equipped with a 14.6-inch central control large screen, 10.25-inch LCD instrument panel, automatic dual-zone air conditioning, PM2.5 filter element, 4/6 proportional folding rear seats, front power and USB interface, Tony Bongiovi brand audio, integrated racing seats, one-key remote sterilization, and other functions as standard.

From the interior configuration, we can see that there are still significant differences between the 60 Smart Edition and other models. It is not equipped with PM2.5 sensors or sun visors with lighted makeup mirrors, while other models are standard. In addition, the light-sensing panoramic sunroof cannot be equipped, but other models need to pay an additional 9600 yuan, and delivery will start in October.

It is worth noting that the two models named “Tech Edition” have more abundant configurations than other models, including a central headrest in the rear, UV one-key sterilization, in-car air purifier, negative ion generator, and car interior fragrance device, all of which are not equipped in other models.

3. Comparison of Intelligent Configuration Differences

The design concept of AION S Plus is “Starship”. It easily reminds us of spaceships with advanced technology that we see in movies. What kind of intelligent configuration does AION S Plus have? The intelligent features that come standard in all AION S Plus models include 12 items, such as AI intelligent voice, IBCM non-sense start, 360° panoramic imaging, reversing radar, OTA remote upgrade of the vehicle system, etc.

These standard configurations are relatively common in electric vehicles today. Furthermore, for the high-end versions, they are even more expensive than the low-end versions. The question is, are these features worth the extra cost?

As shown in the chart, the 60 Intelligent Leader Edition has much fewer configurations than the “Fully Configured” 70 Techno Edition and 80 Techno Edition. Moreover, it doesn’t even have the standard Bluetooth key and heated external rearview mirrors, and you cannot even choose to have automatic induction wipers.

Even the 70 Intelligent Leader model and 80 Extended Range model, which are in the mid-range position, have a significant difference from the high-end models, not to mention the “beggars’ feast” 60 Intelligent Leader model. With that said, we can already tell that the two “Techno Edition” models are almost identical in terms of configuration. So, where do their differences lie?

4. Intelligent driving
   In terms of the intelligent driving configuration of AION S Plus, except for the lowest-end 60 Intelligent Leader model, all other models require it as an optional feature. One-key remote parking and ultrasonic memory parking cost RMB 12,400 and RMB 19,800 respectively. Ultrasonic memory parking will be delivered successively in February 2022. On the other hand, ADiGO 2.0 automatic driving assistance system is only a standard feature in the “Techno Edition”; you can also choose to have it in the 70 Intelligent Leader edition and 80 Extended Range by paying RMB 12,800. This function will be available in August this year.

In addition, ADiGO 2.5 automatic driving assistance system (on sale in October this year) and 5G Pioneer Suite (delivered in September this year) can only be optional for the highest-end 80 Techno Edition at RMB 19,600 and RMB 9,600, respectively.To have a powerful intelligent driving experience, it is undoubtedly a wise choice to choose the “Technology Edition” model of AION S Plus. However, the more advanced posture assist system and 5G network service can only be optional in the 80 Technology Edition, which is also expensive. Therefore, the selection needs to be based on one’s own needs.

How to choose from 5 models

AION S Plus has a starting price of 139,600 yuan, which reduces the threshold for purchasing electric sedans. The top model with various rich configurations has a competitive price of 172,600 yuan among the same level of intelligent cars.

After comparing the interior, intelligent configuration and driving assistant function of the 5 vehicles, the difference is clear at a glance. Friends who want to choose the AION S Plus model already have an idea in their minds.

Here is a brief analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of each model of AION S Plus:

60 Intelligent Edition

NEDC Driving Range: 410 km

As the lowest configuration in the series, the advantage is of course that it is cheaper. However, the price reduction comes at the cost of reduced configurations. When you compare it with all the configurations of the other models, you will feel as if everything that should have been there is gone, and there is only a shell that can run. Even the optional packages for this model cannot be selected. Not only the intelligent configurations cannot be enjoyed, but the 410km driving range can only meet daily city travel. Compared with other models, the 60 Intelligent Edition has the lowest cost performance.

70 Intelligent Edition

NEDC Driving Range: 510 km

As another variant of the “Intelligent Edition”, this middle-level configuration model only has a little more configurations than the lowest-specification 60 Intelligent Edition. Unlike the lowest configuration, it can choose more configurations. If no configurations are selected, it is not much better than the lowest configuration, but it is priced 9,000 yuan higher. In other words, for 9,000 yuan more, the driving range can be increased by 100 km. Is it worth it?

70 Technology Edition

NEDC Driving Range: 510 km

After comparing the configurations, this 70 Technology Edition is arguably the most cost-effective car in this model range. It is 20,000 yuan more expensive than the lowest configuration but 13,000 yuan cheaper than the highest-specced 80 Technology Edition. However, its configurations are almost the same as the 80 Technology Edition, and you can fully experience the intelligent driving assist system and internal functions. This version can almost meet all needs. Overall, this model is the recommended choice.

80 Long Range Edition

NEDC Driving Range: 602 kmThe price of this model is the same as the second-top model 70 technological edition, but the differences between the two models are very obvious. The so-called 80 Super Long Endurance version has an increase of 92 km in endurance, but the configuration inside the car is the same as the 70 Intelligent version, and the price difference is 11,000 yuan. Similarly, it is not worth buying 92 km of endurance with 11,000 yuan.

80 Technological Edition

NEDC Endurance: 602 km

The 80 Technological Edition, which is fully equipped, can easily see that it is designed for fans of intelligent driving assistance systems, and can be equipped with an advanced version of the ADiGO 2.5 automatic driving assistance system in the future. The standard configuration is the same as the 70 Technological Edition, with an increase in endurance of 92 km and a price difference of 13,000 yuan. The cost performance will be slightly lower, and the difference is not very large. Whether to choose the 80 Technological Edition is a matter of personal opinion.

Summary

Overall, the price of the 60 Intelligent version is cheap but the cost performance is low, and the intelligent configuration cannot be selected. It is not recommended to choose this model. The 70 Intelligent version and the 80 Super Long Endurance version have relatively low cost performance, but intelligent configuration and interior can be installed according to needs. However, scattered optional installation is not as satisfying as one-stop installation, and the cost of optional installation may not necessarily be low. Among the 70 Technological version and 80 Technological version, the editor thinks that the 70 Technological version is the most suitable. It has almost the same configuration as the top model, and there is no need to consider which things to choose. The standard configuration can meet all daily driving needs. As for the 80 Technological version with higher-level driving assistance systems, it is left for people with higher aspirations to choose.

This article is a translation by ChatGPT of a Chinese report from 42HOW. If you have any questions about it, please email bd@42how.com.