Chinese carmaker GAC locks in date to join Aussie market
After months of test car sightings and whispers about vehicle approvals, Chinese automaker GAC has finally put firm dates to its Australian debut, joining other Chinese giants such as BYD, Chery and MG, and fellow newcomers to the local market like Geely and Zeekr.
Until now, the news about GAC’s entry into Australia centred on a drip feed of reports on its three-model stable. Today’s announcement goes one step further, revealing a multi-model entry and naming Cheney Liang as deputy general manager for GAC Australia, the first official voice for the brand on local soil.
The company, which sold two million vehicles (largely in China) in 2024, has also confirmed a November 2025 launch for Australia, kicking off with three vehicles – the all-electric Aion V SUV, the plug-in hybrid M8 people mover, and the compact Emzoom SUV.
Three drivetrains kick off launch stable
Instead of taking a cautious one-car (and one drivetrain) approach, GAC plans to launch three models at once across a range of segments.
GAC pitches the Aion V as its “urban and smart SUV,” bringing a package that tries to balance range, comfort and tech in a compact electric form. According to the specs on its model page, the Aion V offers a WLTP range of up to 510km, which is generous for its class.
While GAC is yet to update official specs for Australia on its website, the 4.6-metre Aion V will lead the charge as a mid-size electric SUV, with Premium and Luxury variants and an expected WLTP range of around 510km.
Charging is interesting: the Aion V supports DC fast charging from 30 to 80 per cent in 16 minutes for a 75kWH LFP battery, with a top charge rate of 180kW. The car also supports a 7kW charging rate and is expected to come enabled for V2L (vehicle to load) functionality – useful in camping, tailgating or emergencies.
Alongside it, the 5.2m M8 brings seven seats and a focus on family buyers – it's a full-size luxury people mover with plug-in hybrid power. One striking figure is the combined range of 1032km, targeting long-distance usability. On pure electric, GAC lists a WLTC electric range of 106km, which is solid for a PHEV in its class.
The smaller 4.4m Emzoom SUV will target a younger, city-based audience, with overseas specs indicating a 1.5-litre turbocharged seven-speed dual-clutch petrol engine, delivering 130kW/270Nm through the front wheels.
Local specs and pricing will be announced in the coming weeks.
How GAC's Australian launch fits into the bigger picture
GAC’s global rollout has been methodical. The company showed the Aion V at last year’s Mobility Live in Sydney, has begun distribution in the UK, and is adjusting European plans in response to tariffs. Against that backdrop, Australia’s right-hand-drive market appears increasingly important – particularly given the strong demand for value-focused EVs below the $60k mark.
The timing also puts GAC on a collision course with other fast-growing Chinese brands, including BYD, MG, and Chery. But where most of those started with budget models before climbing upmarket, GAC’s three-pronged entry suggests it’s going for credibility across multiple price points from day one.
What’s next
When pricing, warranty and local specs drop, we’ll see whether GAC can compete in the increasingly competitive local market.
For now, the key takeaway is that this isn’t a toe in the water. GAC’s Australian debut looks set to make waves across several segments at once, provided it can back up today’s confidence with solid aftersales support and competitive pricing.
