AION S Plus: A Game-changing 150K RMB EV Pioneer

By Gao Shangpei

Currently, the sales distribution of electric vehicles presents a very interesting phenomenon, that is, “two ends” of the market are large, and the middle is small, showing a “barbell-shaped” distribution. In other words, EVs priced at the low and high ends sell the best, while those with moderate prices have mediocre sales, which is quite contrary to conventional wisdom. The most typical phenomenon is the 200K-300K RMB EV market, where most people first think of Tesla Model 3. However, in the price range of around 150K RMB, which is the mainstream consumer market, there seems to be a lack of a representative leading model.

Why is there no masterpiece of a 150K RMB new energy vehicle? I believe that there are two main reasons: first, major car companies have chosen to lay out products priced at around 300K RMB to improve brand image and counter Tesla; second, the explosive growth of low-end products priced at tens of thousands of RMB has made car makers flock to this market, ultimately resulting in the neglect of the mainstream consumer market priced at 150K RMB, and stagnation in product iteration.

In the past two years, the persistent hot-selling Guangzhou Automobile Aion S has insightfully observed this situation, and in June of this year, they took the lead in launching the “King of 150K RMB Coupe” – AION S Plus. The new car has become a leader in the 150K RMB-level market as soon as it hit the market, with its stronger product strength and more friendly price, capable of competing with Tesla Model 3.

For consumers with a budget of around 150K RMB, they are not only sensitive to prices, but also very demanding on the conditions for choosing a car. There are four main aspects: flaunting the car, enjoying the car, driving the car and using the car. Flaunting the car is for “face and personality”, enjoying the car pays attention to the “quality of life inside the car space”, while driving and using the car pay attention to “driving experience, comfort, endurance and safety”. We will conduct a comprehensive analysis of the AION S Plus based on these four points.

Flaunting the Car: A 300K RMB-grade Look for 150K RMB

Although Tesla has a strong sales performance, its appearance and interior design have not changed after more than three years on the market, remaining at the level of several years ago. The reason why Tesla Model 3’s sales have been climbing is mainly due to constant price reductions. However, by today’s aesthetic standards, Tesla Model 3 is obviously not up to the standards that a 200K RMB-level EV should have, especially in terms of the interior design, which differs from traditional cars with its overly simplistic style, and is not acceptable to all consumers, like a bare shell house.

Looking at AION S Plus, the brand-new design is derived from ENO.146, the concept car boasting the lowest aerodynamic drag globally. The vehicle features a futuristic design resembling a starship with its active air grille and perfect coupe streamlined design, making it more appealing than the “round” design of Tesla Model 3. Additionally, AION S Plus is not only in line with current trendy aesthetics but also incorporates innovative elements that are easier to accept.

Furthermore, AION S Plus is available in two exclusive colors: the light-refracting “holographic silver” and the “metallic ice pink,” both of which are standard without any additional cost. This is noteworthy because all of Tesla’s vehicle colors, except black, cost an extra CNY 8,000.

As for the interior, there is a large soft wrap and seamless craftsmanship, coupled with a more technological feel of a full LCD instrument panel that exudes a “simple but not ordinary” style that adds to the level of sophistication. The AION S Plus impresses with its comfortable seats, soft padding, and delicate leather. This impressive display is consistent for both the front and rear seats and is unmatched by Tesla Model 3. The look and feel of the exterior and interior can easily meet the standard of cars priced at CNY 200,000 to even CNY 300,000. In addition, AION S Plus has a “big borderless” panoramic roof that is 1.9 square meters larger than Tesla Model 3, allowing drivers to enjoy the starry sky and feel ultimate romance.

This panoramic sunroof is not made of ordinary glass. It uses third-generation flexible electrochromic technology, the same technology used in Boeing 787 jets and Ferrari models, but those two use an outdated technology. AION S Plus panoramic sunroof supports a continuous adjustment of 10%-60% light transmittance, which does not affect lighting or viewing, a function that ordinary sunroofs cannot achieve. It is like a movable panoramic starry sky room.

Driving: 600+ km range for 150,000 RMB, superior range capability

For electric vehicles, range capability is one of the most important concerns for consumers. According to the current classification of range levels, AION S Plus’ 602 km and Tesla Model 3’s 605 km are both in the first-tier range level, with over 600 km of range capability that is not much different from that of gasoline vehicles, and even surpasses the range capability of many gasoline vehicles, completely alleviating range anxiety.

Although their ranges are similar, their prices are quite different. The AION S Plus long-range version is priced at only 159,600 RMB, while the Tesla Model 3 Performance AWD with a range of 605 km is priced at a whopping 339,900 RMB, more than double that of the AION S Plus. For almost the same range capability, it seems unreasonable not to choose the AION S Plus.

AION S Plus is also the longest range pure electric sports sedan in the 150,000 RMB price range.

Enjoyment: Different strengths in technology configurations

Although Tesla’s Autopilot system is leading globally, its aggressive promotion and settings have also attracted many negative reactions, such as system crashes and failure to automatically reduce speed during the Autopilot process, which to some extent affects user safety. In addition, Tesla Model 3 seems to lack many highlight features especially in functions to enhance the driving experience and user’s comfort except for the Autopilot system, resulting in a significant shortfall.

Compared to other car models, GAC AION places a greater emphasis on safety and intelligent interaction experience. AION S Plus was the first to be equipped with an all-perception interactive system (IBCM), making it the “laziest and happiest car” to operate. With no need to take out the key or phone, the car automatically unlocks and enters the welcome mode when the driver approaches it. The seat will automatically adjust to the most comfortable position, and there is no need to start the car since it will start automatically when getting in and engage the gear when shifting, making the start-up process extremely convenient for the user. This series of functions makes users highly dependent on the car, which can automatically complete the operation steps when getting on and off the car.

In addition, AION S Plus is equipped with a 14.6-inch screen that offers a multidimensional entertainment experience. It enables 5G Douyin uploads, karaoke, video, and game playing for a hassle-free and enjoyable journey. The car system is also easy to operate, thanks to the intelligent voice system that supports smartphone integration.

Regarding intelligent driving functions, AION S Plus is on par with Tesla, which can achieve automatic follow-up, large vehicle avoidance, deceleration in bends, intelligent overtaking, and smart lane changing. It also supports one-key remote parking using a smartphone, even for beginners who face no driving challenges.

If Tesla is an intelligent mobile carrier, then AION S Plus is a travel companion that offers more convenience and fun.

When it comes to daily usage, AION S Plus models are equipped with GAC AION’s proprietary safe battery technology called the magazine battery system. It is not only safer and more reliable, but the battery will not catch fire even if pierced by sharp objects. In terms of power consumption and winter range, it is significantly better than Tesla Model 3, which uses a lithium iron phosphate battery. Additionally, all AION S Plus models offer a lifetime warranty on the battery, motor, and electronic control unit, which alleviates user concerns.

In conclusion, AION S Plus offers users a safe, convenient, and enjoyable travel experience.In recent years, through the continuous efforts of independent new energy vehicle companies, we have basically achieved a “breakthrough”. Nowadays, independent new energy vehicle models are blooming, ranging from around 30,000 yuan to several hundred thousand yuan, and some representative leading models can be seen. And in the 150,000-yuan sports car market, AION S Plus, with its outstanding product strength, is leading the industry transformation in this important segmented market, moving from high growth to explosive growth at the quantum level, leaving others in the dust.

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.