GAC launch trio priced for Australia from $26K

NEW entrant GAC will introduce a three-model line-up in Australia at the end of this month, having confirmed local pricing of its launch trio of two SUVs and one MPV at a glamorous brand-launch bash this evening.

Guangzhou Automotive Group, abbreviated GAC, had already announced its initial line-up for Australia, consisting of the price-leading, petrol Emzoom small SUV, fully electric Aion V, and up-spec plug-in hybrid (PHEV) M8 minivan.

The Emzoom, priced in a single grade at $25,590 plus on-road costs, serves as the brand’s opening act, positioned as a conventional combustion-only SUV with a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 125kW/270Nm.

Squeaking in with the Euro V-emission rated powerplant just ahead of a 1 December 2025 type approval deadline that will see cleaner Euro 6d engines mandated locally, the Emzoom is unavailable with hybrid powertrains.

The $26K price sees the Emzoom positioned between cheaper Chinese rivals such as the MG ZS (from $25,990 driveaway) and Chery Tiggo 4 (from $23,990 d/a), but well below the likes of familiar nameplates such as the Toyota Corolla Cross (from $37,440 + ORCs).

Measuring 4410mm long on a 2650mm wheelbase, the Emzoom is a relatively generously proportioned small SUV with a standard sunroof, power tailgate, 14.6-inch touchscreen, heated/cooled driver’s seat and wireless charging.

Sitting above the petrol Emzoom is the sole GAC launch model from its premium BEV sub-brand—the Aion V. Built around the marque’s 75.2kWh fire-retardant ‘Magazine Battery 2.0’ lithium iron phosphate battery, the Aion V is front-wheel drive and makes 150kW/210Nm with a 510km (WLTP) range claim.

Priced in a two-grade line-up ($42,590/$44,590 + ORCs), the 4605mm-long Aion V will compete squarely with the Kia EV5, Skoda Elroq and MGS5 EV.

The Aion V has relatively brisk DC fast-charging capability for a 400-volt BEV, with GAC quoting a 16-minute 30-80 per cent replenishment (averaging 141kW), while an 11kW onboard AC charger will allow a full recharge at home overnight—with orders placed before 31 December seeing a 22kW wallbox throw in.

Equipment for the Aion V includes 19-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof, heated/cooled vinyl seating, reclining second row seats, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a heat pump and wireless charging.

The up-spec Luxury grade adds niceties like genuine leather trim, massaging front seats, tray tables for back seat passengers, and a 6.6-litre fridge up front that can run for 24 hours at 4ºC while consuming a claimed 0.5kWh, or less than one per cent of the battery.

Country buyers, in particular, will appreciate that the Aion V offers the option of a space-saver spare (with spares being very rare for BEVs), replacing the standard-fit tyre repair kit.

A third launch model, the M8 MPV, will for now be GAC’s flagship in Australia, entering the slowly flourishing premium people-mover segment at a significant discount to current luxury van benchmarks like the Lexus LM or Zeekr 009.

The M8 uses a PHEV system pairing a Euro 6-compliant 2.0-litre turbo ‘four with an electric motor for (relatively modest) combined outputs of 140kW/330Nm, directed through a two-speed hybrid transmission to the front wheels.

Energy is stored in a 56-litre fuel tank and 25.5kWh LFP battery, enabling the M8 to claim 106km EV range and 1032km combined range, with ‘dead battery’ efficiency of 6.1L/100km (WLTP).

DC charging is possible for the M8, with a zero to 80 per cent session requiring 30 minutes (40kW average speed), though AC charging is capped at 6.6kW.

The M8 will be sold in Premium ($76,590 + ORCs) and Luxury ($83,590 + ORCs) guises. All include 18-inch alloys, dual power sliding doors, acoustic glass, 12.3/10.1-inch instrumentation, a 360-degree camera and full parking sensor coverage.

The Luxury variant rewards a $7000 up-spend by adding massaging second-row seats, real leather, a fragrance dispenser, tray tables, additional sunshades, hushed acoustic tyres, a heated steering wheel and 3.3kW vehicle-to-load functionality said to use an auxiliary battery.

2026 GAC launch range pricing*:

*Pricing excludes on-road costs.