To continue helping more people enjoy the power of EVs, in September 2025, GAC Europe opened the gate for European customers to test-drive and pre-order its latest EVs.
Among the growing lineup, two standout models, the HYPTEC HT and the AION Y, represent distinct directions in GAC’s innovation roadmap. At GAC, both models showcased in Europe highlight our commitment to blending smart mobility, design aesthetics, and sustainable technology. Yet, they serve different lifestyles and priorities.
So, in this article, we’ll take a closer look at how the GAC HYPTEC HT and AION Y differ in design, performance, technology, and their overall suitability for European drivers, helping you decide which GAC model fits your driving needs best.
HYPTEC HT vs AION Y: Exterior Design
In exterior styling, both the GAC HYPTEC HT and AION Y reflect GAC’s design DNA, yet they express it through distinct personalities.
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What are the Differences in Exterior Design between HYPTEC HT and AION Y?
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HYPTEC HT: Bold and Expressive Form
The HYPTEC HT combines strength and sophistication in every detail. Its quasi-supercar design offers an impressive opening height of 213 cm, which allows effortless loading and unloading, even when carrying large or tall items to the cabin.
And, supported by eight high-precision radars, the system provides 360° awareness of the surroundings, allowing drivers and passengers to open safely without any contact—demonstrating both convenience and intelligent engineering.
From the front, the Starlight Headlamps immediately capture attention with their sharp visual signature, while the Six-Star Taillights illuminate the rear with a sense of symmetry and motion. Together, these lighting elements embody GAC’s design philosophy—expressive, dynamic, and confident on every road.
AION Y: Futuristic and Family-Friendly Aesthetics
The AION Y follows a more futuristic, aerodynamic approach, staying true to the AION family’s signature EV design language. Its closed front fascia not only enhances recognizability but also improves airflow, achieving an impressive 0.278 Cd drag coefficient—a hallmark of energy-efficient electric vehicles. The electronic hidden door handles further contribute to its sleek silhouette, emphasizing both minimalism and advanced technology.
At night, the Angel Wing all-LED headlamps, crafted from 102 individual light beads, deliver a brilliant illumination. They integrate daytime running lights, high/low beams, and turn signals into a unified lighting system, improving visibility and energy efficiency while extending the lamp’s durability on this luxury all-electric SUV.
HYPTEC HT vs AION Y: Interior Comfort
Inside the cabin, both GAC HYPTEC HT and AION Y reflect GAC’s pursuit of human-centered design. But they still differ in detail.
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How Do HYPTEC HT and AION Y Interpret Comfort Differently?
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HYPTEC HT: Home-Like Comfort and Intelligent Seating
Step into the HYPTEC HT, and the first impression is homelike ease. The cabin is sculpted around a multi-dimensional space concept, so each occupant gets a defined “comfort bubble” rather than fighting for the same armrests or footwells.
Up front, the passenger seat is a highlight: 6-way electric adjustment with ventilation, heating, and massage, plus a four-way powered leg rest. Tap a single control and the chair glides into a relaxation/nap posture, turning long motorway stretches or ferry queues into genuinely restful breaks.
The net effect makes you at home, prioritizing well-being as much as aesthetics. It is particularly appealing for families and road-trippers who spend real time in their cars.
AION Y: Minimalism Style with Flexible Space
In contrast, the AION Y embraces simplicity and versatility through a clean, EV-style interior layout. Its column-mounted electronic shifter frees up the central console, creating more legroom and a clutter-free space that feels open and airy.
Compared with HYPTEC HT, AION Y has a highly adaptable seat layout. By removing the front headrests, both the front and rear seats can fold completely flat. So, the cabin can be transformed into a flexible, horizontal area suitable for resting, camping, or hauling large items. Plus, combined with a large panoramic glass roof, the AION Y’s interior exudes a sense of light and freedom that resonates with urban explorers and families who love spontaneous adventures.
HYPTEC HT vs AION Y: Battery and Electric Motor
For most car buyers, battery range and power performance are the ultimate deciding factors. And here, the HYPTEC HT and AION Y deliver impressive yet distinct driving characters that reflect their positioning within GAC’s lineup.
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What are the Driving Experiences in HYPTEC HT and AION Y?
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HYPTEC HT: Long Range and High-Efficiency Powertrain
The HYPTEC HT is built for drivers who value both endurance and performance. Its top configuration adopts GAC’s Magazine 2.0 LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery, renowned for its enhanced thermal stability and safety, providing a CLTC-rated range of up to 600 km on a full charge. This battery technology gives drivers the confidence to handle long-distance journeys without frequent charging stops, whether on European highways or rural routes.
Under the hood, the HYPTEC HT features a rear-mounted high-performance motor delivering between 180 kW and 250 kW of output. Combined with a next-generation electric drive system that achieves efficiency above 88.5%, HYPTEC HT ensures smooth power delivery with remarkably low energy consumption.
The result is an EV that blends acceleration strength with outstanding energy optimization, perfect for those who want responsive driving without compromising range.
AION Y: Agile Power with Urban Efficiency
Meanwhile, the AION Y takes a slightly lighter, city-focused approach while still offering remarkable performance for its class. Equipped with a 63.2 kWh Magazine 2.0 battery, it can achieve up to 490 km of NEDC-rated range, making it well-suited for daily commutes and weekend getaways alike.
Powering the AION Y, one of the best compact SUVs in Europe, is a 150-kW electric motor that delivers 225 N·m of peak torque, enabling brisk acceleration: 0 to 50 km/h in just 4.1 seconds! This quick responsiveness rivals that of a traditional 2.0T petrol vehicle, giving drivers a sporty feel without any emissions.
HYPTEC HT vs AION Y: Safety
Safety has always been one of GAC’s top priorities, and both the HYPTEC HT and AION Y deliver strong protection through structural engineering, intelligent systems, and safety features.
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What is the GAC’s Safety Philosophy in HYPTEC HT and AION Y? While the HYPTEC HT and AION Y are positioned in different segments, they share the same safety philosophy rooted in GAC’s “safety by design” principle. Both vehicles are developed under rigorous testing standards to ensure protection from the inside out—starting with a reinforced body structure, an intelligent energy-absorbing design, and comprehensive airbag coverage for every passenger. |
HYPTEC HT: Structural Strength and Intelligent Protection
The HYPTEC HT is engineered to protect the drivers and passengers from every possible angle. Its body integrates large-section extruded aluminum door sills and a continuous cross-seat beam that reinforces the cabin against side and pole impacts. Even under extreme collision conditions, the battery pack remains shielded from deformation—ensuring that both passengers and key components stay safe.
Inside, the HYPTEC HT comes standard with six airbags across all trims, ensuring consistent safety across all configurations. The side curtain airbags maintain inflation for up to six seconds during a rollover, providing continuous cushioning that minimizes secondary injuries and guarantees all-around protection.
Beyond passive safety, the HYPTEC HT incorporates an L2-level intelligent driving assistance system that features automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping support.
These systems work seamlessly to reduce driver fatigue and respond to hazards in real time, adding an extra layer of confidence in complex driving conditions. More safety diameter, please check:
https://www.gacgroup.com/en-eu/configuration/hyptec-ht/2024
AION Y: Rigid Structure and Smart Visibility
The AION Y, on the other hand, focuses on structural integrity and visual safety. It adopts GAC’s second-generation energy-absorbing body design with an integrated closed-loop cabin structure and a high proportion—20%—of hot-formed steel around key zones such as the passenger compartment and battery housing. This robust configuration efficiently disperses impact energy, safeguarding both occupants and the power system beneath.
Complementing its solid structure, the AION Y comes equipped with Dual Front Airbags, Front Side Airbags, and Side Curtain Airbags, delivering multilayer protection for all passengers. To support safe control under different braking conditions, it also includes Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and Auto Hold, which stabilize the vehicle on inclines and in stop-and-go traffic.
When it comes to driving visibility, the AION Y takes safety further with four wide-angle cameras providing a 360° HD panoramic view. The display overlays real-time motion trajectories, eliminating blind spots and aiding tight parking maneuvers—an essential feature in dense urban environments. You can also check the safety features in:
https://www.gacgroup.com/en-eu/configuration/aion-y/2024
HYPTEC HT vs AION Y: Which One Fits You Best?
Here’s a chart to understand the differences clearly one more time:
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Category |
HYPTEC HT |
AION Y |
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Type |
Intelligent crossover |
Compact electric SUV |
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Range |
600 km (CLTC) |
490 km (NEDC) |
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Power |
180–250 kW rear motor |
150 kW motor, 0–50 km/h in 4.1 s |
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Interior |
6-way powered seat with heating, ventilation & massage |
Flat-folding seats, panoramic roof |
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Design |
213 cm tailgate, 8 radars, Starlight lights |
Closed front, hidden handles, Angel Wing LEDs |
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Safety |
6 airbags, L2-Intelligent driver assist |
Full airbag system, EBD, Auto Hold, 360° camera |
Conclusion
Both the HYPTEC HT and AION Y reflect GAC Group’s core values of safety, technology, and user comfort—just expressed differently. The HYPTEC HT is built for those who seek long-range performance and luxury-like comfort, while the AION Y appeals to urban drivers who value flexibility, efficiency, and futuristic design.
Whichever you choose, both models deliver GAC’s commitment to smart, safe, and enjoyable electric driving for European roads.
Want to experience the power and smartness of GAC’s vehicle? Register for a test drive now!