GAC Aion V vs Land Rover Defender 130

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP's published record does not give the Land Rover Defender 130 a rating. With no pair of ratings to compare, the active-safety features in the spec table above are the fairer comparison.

Recalls on our record

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

Charging times

How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to a DC fast charger, estimated from battery size and the car's own maximum charge rates.

Feature Showdown

The GAC Aion V features a 14.6-inch touchscreen paired with a 8.9-inch digital dash, while the Land Rover Defender 130 gets a 11.4-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The GAC Aion V stands out with Apple CarPlay, panoramic roof, ventilated seats, power tailgate and V2L — features our data doesn't list for the Land Rover Defender 130. The Land Rover Defender 130 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Meridian audio and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the GAC Aion V gets pvc upholstery while the Land Rover Defender 130 offers leather. Climate control is 2-zone in the GAC Aion V and 3-zone in the Land Rover Defender 130.

Drivetrain

The GAC Aion V uses a Electric producing 150kW and 210Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9 seconds.

The Land Rover Defender 130 responds with a 3.0 i6 D350 Diesel Mild Hybrid making 257kW and 700Nm, paired to a 8-speed automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.8 seconds.

The Land Rover Defender 130 has the clear power advantage at 257kW vs 150kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Land Rover Defender 130 is 2.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The GAC Aion V measures 4,605mm long on a 2,775mm wheelbase, 494mm shorter than the Land Rover Defender 130 at 5,099mm (3,022mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Land Rover Defender 130 generally means more rear legroom.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the GAC Aion V's turning circle is 1.6 m tighter, 11.2 m against 12.8 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, electricity for the GAC Aion V costs about $816 a year (17 kWh/100km) and fuel for the Land Rover Defender 130 about $2,309 a year (8.1 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh.

Warranty: 8 years / Unlimited (GAC Aion V) and 5 years / Unlimited (Land Rover Defender 130). Capped-price servicing: no data (GAC Aion V), 5 years (Land Rover Defender 130).

Where each one leads

The GAC Aion V: the lower starting price ($42,590 against $136,000) and the longer warranty (8 years against 5).

The Land Rover Defender 130: more power (257kW against 150kW).

The Verdict

GAC Aion V scores higher, 75 vs 64

The GAC Aion V scores 75 to the Land Rover Defender 130's 64 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 3 of the 6 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: value (GAC Aion V ahead by 40 points), performance (Land Rover Defender 130 ahead by 34 points), safety (GAC Aion V ahead by 27 points). Warranty: 8 years on the GAC Aion V, 5 on the Land Rover Defender 130.

Common questions