AION i60

Overview

The 2026 GAC AION i60 is a compact electric crossover that starts at around $28,990 (converted from 209,800 CNY) and delivers 310 miles of CLTC range from a 69.9 kWh battery. It is aimed squarely at families who want Tesla Model Y space without the $44,990 price tag. The killer stat: it charges from 30% to 80% in just 16 minutes at 150 kW, which is faster than a 2025 Volkswagen ID.4 Pro at 135 kW.

Performance

The single-motor front-wheel-drive i60 produces 201 hp (150 kW) and 165 lb-ft (225 Nm) of torque, enough for a 0-60 mph sprint of 7.9 seconds and a top speed of 99 mph (160 km/h). That is 1.4 seconds slower than a dual-motor Tesla Model Y Long Range (6.5 seconds) but 0.3 seconds quicker than a base 2025 Nissan Ariya Engage (8.2 seconds). The i60 prioritizes efficiency over drag-strip bragging rights, drawing just 13.8 kWh per 100 km on the CLTC cycle.

Range & Charging

The 69.9 kWh usable battery returns 310 miles (500 km) on the optimistic CLTC test, which translates to roughly 248 miles on the stricter EPA cycle. At a steady 70 mph on the highway, expect about 215 miles of real-world range, or 69% of the CLTC figure. DC fast charging peaks at 150 kW, taking the pack from 30% to 80% in 16 minutes and adding 124 miles of range in 10 minutes. A standard 11 kW onboard charger refills the battery from 0% to 100% in 6.5 hours.

Practicality & Interior

With 17.2 cu ft (487 liters) of cargo space behind the rear seats and 51.4 cu ft (1,455 liters) with the 60/40 split bench folded, the i60 beats the 2025 Kia Niro EV by 3.4 cu ft in the trunk. Rear legroom measures 35.4 inches, and the flat floor means three adults can sit abreast for short trips. The 14.6-inch central touchscreen runs GAC's ADiGO 5.0 system with wireless Apple CarPlay, while a 8.8-inch digital cluster sits ahead of the driver. Standard safety kit includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency braking, though the i60 has not been rated by Euro NCAP or IIHS as of early 2026.

Pricing & Value

At 209,800 CNY (about $28,990), the i60 undercuts nearly every compact electric crossover on sale. The table below compares it to two key rivals.

The i60 saves you $10,610 versus a Niro EV and $16,000 versus a Model Y, while giving up 0.8 seconds to 60 mph against the Kia. For buyers who prioritize purchase price and charging speed over acceleration, the math is compelling.

Tips & Tricks

1. Precondition before fast charging: Use the navigation to route to a 150 kW station at least 20 minutes ahead, which can raise the charge rate by up to 25% in 5 degrees C weather.
2. Cap daily charging at 80%: Setting the limit to 80% preserves battery health and still gives you 248 miles of CLTC range for daily driving.
3. Use the 11 kW home charger overnight: A full 0-100% charge takes 6.5 hours, so plug in at 11 PM and wake up to a full battery at 5:30 AM.
4. Fold the rear seats for IKEA runs: Dropping the 60/40 bench opens 51.4 cu ft, enough for a 65-inch TV box and two flat-pack bookcases.
5. Check for the 3.3 kW V2L adapter: The i60 supports vehicle-to-load at 3.3 kW, enough to run a 1,500 W camping kettle for 2 hours from a 50% charge.

Verdict

The 2026 GAC AION i60 is the value king of compact electric crossovers, delivering 310 miles of CLTC range and a 16-minute 30-80% charge for $28,990. Its biggest strength is the price-to-range ratio, which beats the Kia Niro EV by $10,610, while its biggest trade-off is a 7.9-second 0-60 mph time that trails every dual-motor rival. Buy it if you want maximum range per dollar and can live without sports-car acceleration.