GAC Aion has launched pre-sales for its new Ray 7 electric sedan, the first model in the brand’s Ray series. With prices beginning at $19,228 (~AUD 27,681), the Ray 7 offers two range options and advanced tech features, aiming to appeal to a new generation of EV buyers.
Ray 7 Launch and Model Overview
GAC Aion, a subsidiary of GAC (HKEX: 2238), opened pre-sales for the Ray 7 on Saturday. The Ray 7 is the debut model in Aion’s new Ray series and is also the first to showcase the brand’s redesigned logo.
Five variants are available, with pre-sales prices ranging from $19,228 (~AUD 27,681) to $23,707 (~AUD 34,129). The Ray 7 was first announced in July and made its public debut in August.
Design and Interior Features
The Ray 7 is a 5-seat sedan measuring 4,960 mm (~195 inches) in length, 1,900 mm (~75 inches) in width, and 1,455 mm (~57 inches) in height, with a wheelbase of 2,920 mm (~115 inches). Its exterior features fastback styling and semi-concealed door handles.
Inside, the Ray 7 is equipped with a digital instrument cluster, a floating central touchscreen, wireless phone charging, and integrated front sport seats.
Performance, Range, and Battery Options
Buyers can choose between two main CLTC range options: 530 kilometers (~329 miles) and 702 kilometers (~436 miles). All variants use Huawei’s DriveONE integrated electric drive system with a single rear-mounted motor.
The 530-kilometer variants use a 45.58-kWh lithium iron phosphate battery supplied by Aion’s Yinpai Battery unit, while the 702-kilometer versions feature a 62.98-kWh battery from CATL (HKEX: 3750) with Aion’s magazine battery safety technology.
With the optional high-performance package, the 702-kilometer variants offer a CLTC range of 600 kilometers (~373 miles). Energy consumption is rated at 9.7 kWh per 100 kilometers for the 530-kilometer versions and 9.8 kWh for the standard 702-kilometer variants.
All Ray 7 models deliver a peak motor output of 180 kW (241 hp) and maximum torque of 235 Nm. The 530-kilometer and 702-kilometer versions accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.4 seconds and 6.9 seconds, respectively.
Advanced Driver Assistance and LiDAR Options
Three of the Ray 7 variants are equipped with LiDAR, offering navigation-assisted driving on both urban roads and highways. These versions start at $20,721 (~AUD 29,831).
LiDAR-equipped models feature 27 sensors, including a 192-channel LiDAR unit, three 4D millimeter-wave radars, eleven cameras, and twelve ultrasonic sensors.
The top trim, priced at $23,707 (~AUD 34,129), uniquely features Huawei’s DriveONE chip-level integrated drive-and-brake architecture and an EMB fully electric brake-by-wire system. The remaining four variants use a Onebox integrated braking control system.
Sales Performance
GAC Aion reported sales of 39,667 vehicles in September, marking a 45.32% increase year-on-year and the seventh consecutive month of year-on-year growth. From January through September, the brand sold 283,747 vehicles, up 56.41% compared to the same period last year.
Why this matters
The launch of the Ray 7 expands GAC Aion’s lineup with a model that offers a combination of long range, advanced driver assistance features, and competitive pricing. The introduction of LiDAR-equipped variants and the use of Huawei’s electric drive technology highlight the brand’s focus on integrating cutting-edge technology.
Strong recent sales figures suggest that GAC Aion is gaining momentum in the Chinese EV market, and the Ray 7 could help sustain this growth.
What this means for buyers
Buyers interested in a technologically advanced electric sedan now have a new option in the Ray 7, with multiple range and feature configurations to suit different needs. Those seeking the latest in driver assistance and safety technology may find the LiDAR-equipped versions particularly appealing.
With pre-sales now open, prospective customers can secure early access to the Ray 7 and choose from a range of trims and battery options.
Key Specs
- Pre-sales Price Range: $19,228 (~AUD 27,681) to $23,707 (~AUD 34,129)
- CLTC Range Options: 530 km (~329 miles) / 702 km (~436 miles)
- Battery Capacity: 45.58 kWh (530 km) / 62.98 kWh (702 km)
- Motor Output: 180 kW (241 hp)
- Maximum Torque: 235 Nm
- Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 7.4 seconds (530 km) / 6.9 seconds (702 km)
- Dimensions (L x W x H): 4,960 mm x 1,900 mm x 1,455 mm (~195 x 75 x 57 inches)
- Wheelbase: 2,920 mm (~115 inches)
Images sourced from: cnevpost.com, elcarrocolombiano.com
