GAC AION Yue 7: The Chinese off-roader with 536 hp and 188 km of electric range that attacks the Land Rover Defender. How much would it cost in Romania?
Chinese manufacturer GAC (Guangzhou Automobile Group) is massively expanding its global offensive. After the AION brand officially landed on the Romanian market with two 100% electric models at the end of July, the Asian manufacturer has revealed the first images and official specifications of the new Yue 7 (also known in the Chinese market as the GAC Trumpchi Yue 7) — a massive off-roader with plug-in hybrid propulsion and extreme off-road capabilities.
Designed as a direct rival for iconic models such as the Land Rover Defender, but also for Asian competition such as the Denza B5 (FangChengBao Bao 5) or the Tank 400, the new Yue 7 proposes an interesting mix between classic utility aesthetics, authentic off-road capabilities and a record electric range for its category.
Exterior design: Square lines and modern utilitarian DNA
For the new Yue 7, the GAC design team adopted a stylistic language called "Octagonal Design Language", characterized by firm geometric shapes. The square edges and short front and rear overhangs provide excellent approach (30°) and departure (33°) angles for overcoming difficult obstacles.
- Crossing capabilities: The variant equipped with adaptive air suspension can offer an impressive ground clearance of up to 310 mm in water fording mode.
- Light signature: Square Matrix LED headlights with textures inspired by phased array radar, accompanied by a 5-element light signature for the daytime running lights (DRL).
- Autonomous technology: On the roof, you can see the LiDAR sensor developed in collaboration with Huawei (high-precision sensor with 896 lines), intended for advanced autonomous driving functions.
- Versatility for adventure: The rear cargo area features a side-opening door (on which a spare tire is mounted), 37 special tie-down and modification points, and a towing capacity of 1.6 tons. The interior can be converted into a perfectly flat, 1.9-meter-long sleeping platform.
Interior: Cutting-edge technology contained in ergonomics with physical buttons
Unlike the current trend in the Chinese market to include all functions in touch screens, the new GAC Yue 7 retains over 40 physical controls and buttons on the center console and dashboard, allowing quick operation of off-road functions and the climate control system, even with protective gloves.
- Panoramic Head-Up Display (P-HUD): A 1.1-meter-wide panoramic display is mounted at the base of the windshield, a concept similar to that used on the latest Bavarian models (such as the new BMW iX3).
- Multimedia System: 15.6-inch central touchscreen with 2.5K resolution, compatible with Over-The-Air (OTA) updates and Huawei HiCar integration.
- Retro displays: Behind the steering wheel are 3 classically inspired digital dashboard clocks.
- Comfort equipment: Double wireless charging surface for phones at a power of 50W and three interior color options (Sand Gold, Black and Cloud White).
Under the hood: 536 hp hybrid architecture and up to 188 km in electric mode
The new Yue 7 is powered by the new-generation GMC 3.0 plug-in hybrid system developed by GAC, combined with i-4WD intelligent all-wheel drive.
| Specification | GAC Yue 7 Details (2026) |
| Internal Combustion Engine | 1.5-liter Turbo petrol (4 cylinders) – 125 kW / 168 hp / 245 Nm |
| Electric Motors | 2 electric motors (one on each axle) |
| Combined Output | 400 kW (536 hp); top speed 200 km/h |
| Battery | Capacities of 28.3 kWh, 38.9 kWh, or 46.0 kWh (LFP) |
| Electric Range | Between 116 km and 188 km in 100% electric mode |
| Transmission & Off-Road | 3 locking differentials (front, center, rear), 5x low-speed torque reduction gear |
GAC claims that the traction system can maintain vehicle forward motion even if three of the wheels completely lose traction.
What models does GAC AION sell in Romania and at what prices?
At the end of July, the Chinese manufacturer GAC AION officially entered the Romanian market, launching two fully electric models:
GAC AION UT (electric hatchback segment B/compact):
- Designed as a direct rival to the Volkswagen ID.3, Renault 5 E-Tech and Cupra Born.
- Equipped with a battery of approximately 60 kWh, offering an estimated range of between 330 and 400 km and fast DC charging options.
- Estimated price on the local / European market: Starting from around €27,990.
GAC AION V (100% electric Compact-Medium SUV, length 4.60 m):
- The base model of the European GAC range, rated 5 stars in Euro NCAP safety tests.
- Equipped with a 75.3 kWh battery that provides an official WLTP range of up to 510 km.
- Official starting price in Europe: Starting at €35,990.
How much would the new GAC Yue 7 cost if it were launched on the Romanian market?
So far, GAC officials have not confirmed a fixed launch date for the Yue 7 on the European market, with the model scheduled for commercial debut in China in the third quarter of 2026.
Positioning in China: In its home country, the Yue 7 is estimated to be priced at the equivalent of EUR 35,000 – 42,000.
Price estimate for Romania / Europe: If we analyze European customs duties for vehicles manufactured in China, the 19% VAT applied in Romania, homologation costs, transportation and distribution margins, the new GAC Yue 7 would have an estimated launch price between €52,000 and €65,000 (depending on battery capacity and equipment level).
Conclusion
If it reaches the Romanian market at an estimated price of around 55,000 - 60,000 Euros, the GAC Yue 7 would offer an unbeatable price/performance ratio: a power of 536 HP, air suspension, 3 locked differentials and 188 km of purely electric autonomy, all at less than half the price of a similarly equipped Land Rover Defender 110 (which frequently exceeds 100,000 - 120,000 Euros).