Aiways U6: A Daring Coupe SUV to Relaunch the Brand

Two years after the first electric U5 model, the Chinese manufacturer is counting on this Aiways U6 to attract a wider customer base.

In 2020, besides MG Motor, another Chinese brand attempted to penetrate the French automotive market. The startup Aiways, founded only in 2017, launched its first vehicle, the U5, a family SUV. To support and expand its catalog, the manufacturer unveils the new U6.

An Aiways U6, a more stylish U5?

If the U5 played it safe in style, with a touch of modernity in its lighting treatment, the Aiways U6 dares more. This model plays more with its headlights, partially concealing them to highlight the horizontal daytime running lights.

At the rear, the sloping roof makes it stand out among coupes SUVs. Its light band shaped like an “N” is also more original. And to top it off, Aiways paints it yellow to leave a lasting impression. Ultimately, this is a large SUV measuring 4.80 meters in length, comparable to a Peugeot 408.

The designers could have gone with an identical interior, but the inside is entirely different from that of the U5. The steering wheel has two spokes and appears more upscale, and a large 14.6-inch screen breaks up the straight dashboard.

Between the seats, the U6 features an aircraft-style joystick, with contrasting colored door panels and seats. A little creativity doesn’t hurt. The trunk benefits from an extra 12 cm, with 472 liters under the parcel shelf, 40 more than the U5.

More style, more watts

The Aiways U6 does not adopt the U5’s propulsion system. It relies on its 160 kW motor (compared to 123 kW), or 218 horsepower, with a torque of 315 Nm. However, the battery remains the same, with a capacity of 63 kWh. The electric SUV could cover about 400 kilometers per charge with this on the WLTP mixed cycle. That’s the same as its cousin.

The 100 kW fast charging remains, providing 20% to 80% in just 35 minutes. The onboard charger displays up to 11 kW in three-phase AC, which, according to Aiways, would allow a full recharge “overnight”.

The price of the Aiways U6 under €47,000?

It remains to be seen when this Aiways U6 will arrive in France. End of 2022 in Europe for the brand, and very likely early 2023, while the price should try to stay below €47,000. Because at this price, it’s the assurance of the full €7,000 bonus that Emmanuel Macron promises for the median households. Production takes place in the same Shangrao (China) plant as the U5, with an annual capacity of 150,000 vehicles (compared to the initial target of 300,000).

Its rivals? The MG Marvel R, the Skoda Enyaq Coupé, or maybe the Tesla Model Y under €50,000.

Also read: Test of Seres 3, the Chinese electric SUV