GAC Aion S changes looks, dials up electric power

Facelifted GAC Aion S pics and specifications have been added to the China patent database. The car sports a revised front with a smaller logo, slide-out handles, and a rear with different taillights, bumper and an ‘Aion’ caption instead of badge.

The car has become marginally longer at 4,810 mm and less tall at 1,515 mm; the width (1,880 mm), wheelbase (2,750 mm) and ground clearance (125 mm) have stayed the same. The aerodynamic drag ratio now amounts to 0.245, and the trunk can hold 453 liters of stuff.

It remains to be seen whether the interior has changed much – or at all. The pre-facelift version had a pair of 12.3-inch displays, a two-zone climate control system, a dual-spoke wheel with a multi-function panel, and heated/ventilated front seats.

Engine performance rises from 184 PS (181 hp / 135 kW) to 204 PS (201 hp / 150 kW). Torque remains unchanged at 300 Nm (221 lb-ft). Driving range is still unknown, but the old version could do between 460 and 510 kilometers on a charge according to NEDC. Media in China are reporting that a larger battery is coming for the 2021 Aion S model.

The GEP 2.0 platform the sedan comes based on supports multi-link rear suspension, but Aion S makes do with a simple solid-beam axle design. The drive stays on the front axle.

The car will be fully revealed at the Shanghai expo starting in two days. The current version has been on sale in China only for two years, retailing for 146,800 – 179,800 Yuan depending on the spec.