REVIEW: GAC AION Hyptec HT is the Accessible Luxury You’d Want to Get

Let’s say you’ve got S$250,000 to spend on a car. Now, by Singaporean standards, that’s not exactly a king’s ransom, thanks to our infamous car-lite policies. What can you get then with that budget? Probably an entry-level luxury Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) the likes of BMW X1, Mercedes GLB180 or Lexus UX . Nice cars, no doubt, but not quite luxurious.

It’s not an exaggeration to say that Singaporean car owners are somewhat disadvantaged when it comes to the quality of life in cars. We spend the money, but we often end up with something that feels less luxurious than what our overseas counterparts get.

But, that all changes with the arrival of the GAC AION Hyptec HT in Singapore. Hyptec is the luxurious sub-brand of GAC AION. It’s kind of like Lexus to Toyota, or Denza to BYD. The name ‘Hyptec’ combines ‘Hyper’ and ‘Technology’ to reflect GAC AION’s vision to combine cutting-edge technology with luxury. The Hyptec HT is the third model in the Hyptec lineup, following a supercar and a mid-sized sedan.

Now, luxury has just become accessible to the common Singaporean owner.

What Does Luxury Mean in a Car?

In my opinion, luxury in a car is all about how it serves you and how it makes you feel. The car should be designed to make your life easier in every car-like way, with a sense of great hospitality. When you step inside, you should immediately get a premium feel, as if you’re in a lounge — just one that happens to have wheels and the ability to take you places. Most importantly, the car should accelerate, brake, and corner smoothly, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable ride for you and your passengers.

In my four days with the AION HypTec HT Luxury, it delivered an unquestionably luxurious experience — one that truly lives up to the promise of modern elegance and practicality.

1. Luxurious Hospitality

Front Doors That Pamper

Let’s start with the automatic front doors. The level of ease and convenience here is next-level. Press on the door handle, and voilà — the door swings open by itself, inviting you in as if you are royalty. As if that wasn’t enough, the seats automatically slide back to give you more room to enter. And when you tap on the brake, the car closes the door automatically and adjusts the seat back into driving position.

For the passenger door, just tap the infotainment screen and watch the door swing open, letting your passenger in without them having to lift a finger. That’s luxury service at its finest. And the best way to pick up girls.

Automatic doors are something you typically only find in the highest end German luxury cars, like the 7 series.

Gullwing Doors

The rear doors are where the AION Hyptec HT Luxury takes things to a whole new level.

With the gullwing doors (yes, like those found on supercars) on the Luxury trim, opening them is an event in itself. A simple press of a button on the door or a double-press on your key fob, and you’re treated to the sight of these majestic doors unfolding. Every time I opened them, I couldn’t help but imagine an eagle spreading its wings — sleek, powerful and undeniably cool.

These doors draw plenty of curious glances from bystanders. And I felt proud of being associated with this car with a pair of majestic wings. Honestly, after experiencing this level of convenience, returning to my own car felt like a demotion back to peasant status. My car door doesn’t automatically close itself, so I have to stretch out, reach for the handle and close it myself. Now, I’m back to reality.

2. Luxurious Interior

Luxurious Interior: A Lounge on Wheels

From the moment you step inside the Hyptec HT, it’s clear that cheap plastic has been left out of the equation.

Almost everything is covered in leather and soft-touch materials, creating a cabin that feels both premium and refined. The roof and pillar linings are wrapped in what feels like premium suede, further elevating the luxurious atmosphere.

Both front seats are equipped with massage functions, which took our comfort experience to another level. In fact, our videographer commented that these are some of the best in-car massage chairs she’s ever tried.

There are multiple massage modes to choose from, including options like full back uncurl, waist massage, back relief,] and back relax. The intensity of the massage can also be adjusted, with settings ranging from gentle to standard and even strong for a more intense experience.

Space and Comfort: Room to Stretch Out

What is luxury without space? The Hyptec HT is a proper mid-size SUV, boasting generous external dimensions (4935 x 1920 x 1700 mm).

Thanks to Aion’s smart packaging, this results in an incredibly spacious interior for both the driver and passengers. There’s no struggle for leg space, knee room, headroom, or shoulder width— everyone has their own space, and there’s no tug-of-war for comfort, making long trips far more enjoyable.

The AION Hyptec HT takes rear passenger comfort to the next level with a host of thoughtful features that blend relaxation and productivity. The leg rests and working tray table make the rear seats feel like a true first-class experience. Whether you’re settling in for a long journey or need to get some work done on the go, these features make the ride as comfortable as it gets.

What’s more, the rear seats can recline further than most cars, offering you the flexibility to either lean back and relax or sit upright and get some work done. Whether you’re in the mood to unwind or work, the Hyptec HT ensures that the rear seating adapts to your needs. It’s the kind of car that’s ideal for both family adventures and chauffeured journeys.

The rear boot is just as spacious, offering an impressive 672 litres of storage. Whether you’re packing for a weekend getaway or simply need space for groceries, the Hyptec HT provides plenty of room for all your luggage and belongings.

Touchscreen Interface: Intuitive and Fast

The expansive touchscreen in the centre console is another highlight. It offers a smooth, brisk response with zero lag— something we truly appreciated.

This screen serves as the hub for controlling, customising, and personalising almost everything in the car, ensuring that you can tailor the experience to your preferences.

The user interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, though the breadth of options available means it takes some time to explore all the features and locate exactly what you’re looking for. But once you get familiar with it, it’s clear that the system is top-notch, providing both functionality and ease of use.

Curious to see more, go ahead and pinch, zoom and pan on the 360-degree interior view below:

3. Luxurious Drive

In terms of drive settings, the Hyptec HT goes beyond the usual comfort settings or sports mode you’d expect in most cars. This car offers a fully personalised driving experience with custom settings for acceleration, braking response, regeneration, and steering. It’s not just about choosing from a simple 3- or 5-level selector.

The UI features sliders for each setting, allowing you to fine-tune each element to your exact preferences. For instance, I found that setting the accelerator to about 60% gave me the perfect balance of smooth acceleration, which kept my passengers comfortable, while still providing more than enough power compared to most internal combustion engine (ICE) cars.

For those who dislike the aggressive regeneration braking found in many electric vehicles (EVs), the Hyptec HT allows you to adjust the regeneration to a low level, which results in a much smoother ride without the jerkiness typically associated with EVs.

Handling is another standout feature. Despite the 2,250kg weight of the Hyptec HT, it never feels heavy. Driving and manoeuvring this car is simple and effortless, making it ideal for city driving as well as longer trips.

The suspension is tuned to manage the car’s weight efficiently, providing excellent support without unnecessary body rolls, which further enhances the overall ride quality. You get all the comfort of a luxury sedan with none of the sluggish handling that usually comes with larger cars.

Even the WLTP range estimate is accurate – not having range anxiety or worrying about having to urgently charge your battery is a luxury in the EV space, too.

In short, the AION Hyptec HT offers a luxurious ride that blends personalised driving settings with effortless handling, ensuring that every journey feels like a first-class experience.

The S$30,000 question: To Gullwing or Not to Gullwing?

One of the standout features of the Hyptec HT are the gullwing doors. Do note that this is only available on the luxury trim, which costs roughly S$ 30,000 more than the premium version.

How do you decide if you should opt for the version with or without those doors? The table below may help:

Pros	Cons
Unique and Stylish: Gullwing doors make a bold, futuristic statement.	Higher Cost: The Luxury trim is S$30,000 more expensive than the premium trim.
Convenient Access: Automatic front doors and gullwing rear doors for easy entry and exit, without effort	Potential Mechanical Issues: Complex mechanisms may require repairs or maintenance.
Elevated Luxury: Adds a premium, exclusive touch to the car, making it feel special.	Added Weight: Gullwing doors add weight, which could slightly affect handling or efficiency.
Impressive for Passengers: Rear gullwing doors provide wide, unobstructed access for passengers.	Requires Space to Open: Gullwing doors need extra clearance to open fully, limiting practicality in tight spaces and picking up passengers in low multi-storey carparks.
	Chassis Rigidity: Under hard acceleration and cornering, it is possible to hear some audible flexing around the doors

Conclusion: A Luxurious Masterpiece

The Hyptec HT truly redefines what it means to drive a luxury vehicle in the modern age. From its breathtaking design to its luxurious interior, every aspect of this car is crafted to deliver an unparalleled experience.

The automatic doors and gullwing rear doors set the tone for an entry into a world of effortless convenience and high-tech luxury.

Inside, the car wraps you in premium materials, with personalised settings that let you fine-tune every aspect of your drive, from acceleration to regeneration. This car doesn’t just take you from point A to point B — it ensures you do so in absolute comfort.

The smooth handling and well-tuned suspension make driving the Hyptec HT a seamless experience, while its generous space ensures that both the driver and passengers are never left wanting.

In a world where luxury can often feel out of reach, the AION Hyptec HT makes it accessible, offering the perfect balance of innovation, comfort, and style — a true masterpiece on wheels.

What’s to like Head-turning gullwing doors Automatic doors an accessible luxury at this price point Luxurious, spacious interior Nothing that the car does badly Accurate WLTP rating

What’s holding it back There’s really nothing to say here

Key Figures

Battery Capacity	83kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate
Range (WLTP)	520 km
Torque	430 Nm
Power	230 kW (335bhp) 5.8s (0-100km/l)
Boot Space	672 L
Price (with COE)	Premium: S$ 226,988 (July 2025) Luxury: S$ 256,988 (July 2025)

Curious to experience the GAC AION Hyptec HT for yourself? Book your test-drive with AionEV today.