Brussels – September 10, 2026 -- Euro NCAP has awarded a five-star safety rating to the AION UT, a fully electric hatchback from Chinese automaker GAC, under its newly tightened 2026 testing standards.

The AION UT is among the first mass-produced Chinese models to pass the revamped 2026 protocols, which significantly raised the bar for vehicle safety assessment compared to previous years. The car scored strongly across all four Euro NCAP categories: safe driving, crash avoidance, occupant protection during impact, and post-crash safety.

The body structure relies on 71% high-strength steel

GAC built the AION UT's chassis using a body composed of 71% high-strength steel, featuring a one-piece, hot-stamped double-ring design. The front end includes a 180mm extra-wide crash box paired with a high-strength bumper beam, engineered to withstand significant impact loads.

Side airbags stretch 2.1 meters along the cabin

For occupant protection, the AION UT is equipped with 2.1-meter-long V-shaped side airbags and opposite-side airbag coverage, features GAC says exceed typical offerings in this vehicle class.

Beyond the physical structure, the car integrates active safety algorithms designed for varying driving conditions, a precision chassis with wide tires, and what GAC describes as ultra-safe battery technology. Cabin monitoring is handled through CPD, DMS, and OMS systems tracking driver and occupant status.

GAC calls the rating a new benchmark for small EVs

Euro NCAP's five-star certification is considered one of the most authoritative independent safety endorsements available to automakers selling in Europe. GAC positioned the result as evidence that Chinese-manufactured vehicles can meet rigorous international safety benchmarks, particularly within the compact, fully electric vehicle segment.