A New Chapter in Electric Mobility: GAC Unveils the AION UT Cross in Paris

With Milan-led design and a focus on European lifestyles, the AION UT Cross makes its global debut at the 2026 Paris Motor Show.

Design, technology and the freedom to explore came together at GAC’s presentation at the 2026 Paris Motor Show. Opening on October 12 at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, the event provided the setting for the global premiere of the AION UT Cross—a model developed with young European customers in mind.

Alongside new energy vehicles across its three brands, GAC introduced “GAC. THE ENGINEERS,” its European brand proposition. The presentation outlined a vision of mobility that connects engineering expertise with the changing demands of everyday life.

Milan-Led Design, European Inspiration

The AION UT Cross was developed under the leadership of GAC’s design centre in Milan, placing a European perspective at the heart of its creation.

Its intended setting is varied: daily urban commuting, weekend getaways and outdoor activities. That combination reflects a lifestyle in which the car moves between practical routines and opportunities to discover somewhere new.

At its Paris debut, the model’s teal bodywork, contrasting light-coloured roof and distinctive lighting gave it a recognisable visual identity. The presentation brought colour and personality to GAC’s engineering message, with a design story rooted in how younger European customers live and travel.

An Expanding Electrified Line-Up

The AION UT Cross shared the spotlight with the AION UT, AION V and GAC GS7 PHEV, demonstrating GAC’s presence across passenger-car and SUV segments.

The wider product strategy encompasses battery-electric, plug-in hybrid and range-extended powertrain options, responding to different journeys and driving requirements.

Among the models presented, the GAC GS7 PHEV is the first production vehicle built on the company’s EV+ new-energy vehicle platform. GAC highlights driver assistance, refined handling and a comfortable, premium smart cabin as its principal strengths. Already introduced in several markets across South America and Central Asia, the model is planned for a future European introduction.

Technology with an Everyday Purpose

GAC’s European plans also include the introduction of technologies such as ADiMOTION, ADiGO SPACE and X-SOUL Architecture 4.0. The company positions these developments within its ambition to deliver greener, smarter and more enjoyable mobility.

A planned European research and development centre, scheduled for 2027, will support that ambition with local capabilities spanning customer research, product development, chassis tuning, digital ecosystems and road testing.

Together with the European debut of GAC CARE+, these initiatives form part of a broader localisation strategy that extends beyond the vehicles themselves to services and the experience of ownership.

Connecting with European Culture

The Paris presentation also marked the signing of GAC’s partnership with Chelsea FC, establishing the company as the club’s Official Automotive Partner. The agreement builds on earlier cooperation during Chelsea’s 2026 pre-season tour and follows GAC’s partnership with Villarreal CF.

Football offers another point of connection with European audiences, complementing the company’s investment in design, technology and local development.

For the AION UT Cross, Paris marked the beginning of a new chapter. With Milan-led design and an emphasis on the journeys that shape everyday life, its debut gave a distinctive face to GAC’s longer-term European ambitions.