Your Definitive Guide to the GAC AION UT Electric Car Lease (and the Rolls-Royce Nightingale EV)

The New GAC AION UT Electric Car Lease and the Rolls-Royce Nightingale EV - Your Definitive Guide 

Today (15 April 2026) is a mix of stories, with the announcement of both a cheap / cost-effective electric car and a prestigious luxury option too. Two very different vehicles have been confirmed, with the Rolls-Royce group confirming that their new 2-seater Project Nightingale will be a 100-unit special offering for a limited amount of UK customers.

As reported in the BBC  the Rolls-Royce Project Nightingale will be a luxury 2-seater convertible option, which supplements their Spectre , and is available for deliveries circa 2028. While the group had previously been somewhat underwhelmed with the ZEV Mandate and the uptake of electrification within their group, the latest announcement is a welcome update for the e-car team.

While their engineers would be pushing zero-emission in 2030 and beyond, there was an expectation for petrol V12 to be the backbone of the company offering. But the 5.76m Nightingale, which is roughly the same size as the Phantom, will be an experimental vehicle with a “torpedo” appearance and will bring back memories of the company’s Art Deco era.

Known as a Coachbuild Collection car within their group, which you can see on the Rolls Royce website, this EV will be defined by its “grand proportions” and glamour. Prices on this EV are set to be between £500,000 and £2 million. Very much the epitome of luxury electric transport!

Yet in another story, we had confirmation at e-car that a new manufacturer and cheaper hatchback EV would be joining the automotive network later in 2026.

The GAC AION UT is a stylish and intelligent urban crossover which is aiming to bring another affordable zero-emission proposition to the leasing market. Unlike the RR noted above, the £25,000 price tag for the entry model will be a more digestible solution for many personal and business customers.

The Guangzhou Automobile Group CO, or GAC Group, is a Chinese automotive manufacturer, which is headquartered in Guangzhou, and is one of the nation’s largest vehicle producers. With a number of innovations and joint ventures, the GAC group were responsible for over 2 million sales in 2021.

In 2025, the team linked up with Huawang Automotive Technology to create more high-end and luxury car options plus it is collaborating with Huawei for the latest in technology, ecosystem and branding. Yet, for the UK and European market, very little was known about this team.

However, what began as a dream in the People’s Republic of China as a “car for the people” is now transferring into our market. We have a manufacturer with an intention to provided advanced passenger car models with price competitiveness.

While the official GAC UT announcement began in Milan the onward journey around Europe will now begin starting with the Aion UT hatch. This family hatchback will feature big owl inspired headlights, Milan inspired fashion and finish plus playful pixel lights.

The car remains distinctive with the porthole design in the D-pillar to resemble an aircraft tailfin and soft and spacious interior will provide class-leading space and comfort. Quite obvious is the ultra-large panoramic roof with the wide-open views and space.

The car will include top-tier dual 14.6” and 8.8” touchscreens, smartphone app remote control, navigation entertainment systems, wireless projection, full suite of ADAS safety protection systems, adaptive cruise, high beam control, forward collision warning, front and rear parking sensors, 360 degree camera, 6-speaker sound system, wireless phone charging, 6-way power adjustable driver seat, heated seats, heated steering wheel, anti-glare glass, PM2.5 air filter and a heat pump.

Exterior colours include the Red/White, Jade/White, Silver, Beige and Violet. Interior choices include the French Aura, Monet Garden and Modern Noir.

How will the new GAC AION UT EV perform?

As per below:

• 60kWh - with a usable battery of 60 kWh this FWD Hatchback offers 150kW (201hp), top speeds of 99mph and 0-62 times of 7.3 seconds. Real-world ranges suggest a combined 170 miles in colder weather with warmer temperatures to allow for 230 miles (on a full charge) - 205 miles combined . The 11kW AC allows for 0-100% charging times of 6 hours and 30 minutes with the 87kW DC enabling 10-80% in 33 minutes. The UT has Bidirectional charging with a 3.3kW AC Type 2 exterior outlet (V2L). It has a 138mpg equivalent, 440L cargo volume (1600L with the seats down) but no towing capabilities. The heat pump is available as a standard option. 

Want to know more about going into a GAC?

Head to our dedicated special offers section or speak to our experts directly on 01942 910 001 or by emailing us at [email protected]