Chinese carmaker Aion recently spearheaded its entry to the UK with the debut of the V all-electric SUV. Al Suttie heads behind the wheel to see if this new contender has what it takes to disrupt the highly competitive UK family EV market.

Aion V Premium Pack

List price (BiK): £37,880 (4%)  Economy: 317 miles  Test efficiency: 316 miles

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Takeaway One:

Aion has kept it conservative with the styling of its V, a mid-size SUV aimed at the likes of the Ford Explorer and Škoda Enyaq. While it’s never going to get the pulse racing or have you peering over your shoulder after you’ve parked up, it’s contemporary and inoffensive. It’s also simple to park due to its relatively boxy shape, making it easy to judge the corners. This is further aided by all-round parking sensors and a 360-degree camera included as standard.

Takeaway Two:

The spec of the Aion V deserves a bit of a mention. It is impressively comprehensive for the price, which is much the same as a Ford Explorer in long-range guise. Aion only offers a single trim, which comes with a lot of goodies included such as a panoramic glass roof, roof rails, electric front seat adjustment and reclining rear seats. Add the Premium Pack, which our test car featured at a cost of £1,495, and you get the CoolHot Box to chill or warm drinks, leather upholstery, front massage seats, and a large picnic table set into the back of the front seat.

Takeaway Three:

Despite a fair few miles on the motorway, which are often the enemy of EV range, the Aion V offered a range of 316 miles on a full battery. That compares to the company’s claimed combined range of 317 miles, so as near as nailed on exactly what it says on the tin. This makes life so much easier when you don’t have to do the mental arithmetic on the move to second guess how much battery charge is really left versus how far you need to travel.

Takeaway Four:

The Aion’s infotainment set-up is pretty much a cut-and-paste of what we find in most Chinese EVs. The 14.6-inch landscape-orientated screen is clear and easy to read, and it reacts swiftly to a tap of your finger. Some of the onscreen icons are a little on the small side, but at least the ventilation controls are permanently displayed along the bottom of the monitor. It’s a little disappointing that some functions are more buried in menus, though it is at least simple and logical to navigate through, unlike some we could mention.

Takeaway Five:

On the road, the Aion V gives a very good account of itself. Its performance is rooted in the real world, so don’t expect Tesla Model Y acceleration but do expect enough oomph for overtaking. It’s quiet and refined, rides over gritty surfaces in a calm and competent manner, and steers with a little more weight and feel than many electrically powered SUVs. Add in the generous space for all five passengers plus luggage and the V is a solid, sound choice.