The Chinese brand Airways has just presented a new vehicle. It’s called the U6 and it’s a coupe-looking SUV, or a coupe-inspired SUV, as the brand defines it. It is the second vehicle that the brand will sell in Europe – after the Aiways U5 – and it is built on a dedicated platform called MAS (More Adaptable Structure). In this article we are going to tell you what the new Aiways U6 is like, and why not only other European electric SUVs should fear itIf not, why does the Aiways business model also attack the European establishment head-on?
The Aiways U6 is a big car. It measures 4.80 meters, and due to its positioning and dimensions, we could consider it a rival to cars such as the Volkswagen ID.5 or the Polestar 2. Although it is an SUV, its “raised saloon” appearance brings it a little closer to the latter. Its design is technological and according to its brand, it is inspired by sharks, especially with regard to its front, with sharp optics and without a radiator grille. To visually lighten the car, dark side skirts and a roof contrasting with the rest of the bodywork have been used.
The Aiways U6 has a peculiar look, almost straight out of a comic.
By the way, he has a drag coefficient of only 0.248, very creditable for a vehicle of its size. Inside we find a very technological vehicle. The dashboard is minimalist and all the controls, except for a few data such as speed or autonomy, are grouped together in one 14.6-inch center screen. Its operating system is based on Android and it has extensive customization possibilities, as is the case with its configurable widgets.
It is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and since it is always connected to the internet, it shows information in real time, for example, to plan routes. Aiways affirms that its interior takes great care of the quality of materials and finishing, in addition to having configurable lighting and many storage spaces. The color selection of the seats, yes, is a bit more striking than I would like – but for tastes, literally colors. Its trunk has 472 liters of capacity according to the European VDA measurement.
An interesting detail: with a weight of 1,790 kilos, it is a relatively light car for its weight.
On a technical level, the Aiways U6 has a battery manufactured by CATL, with a capacity of 63 kWh and composed of 24 modules. This battery supplies power to a self-developed motor. Its power is 218 hpIt has 315 Nm of torque and allows a 0 to 100 km/h time of 7.0 seconds. According to the European WLTP cycle, its combined autonomy is 400 km exact. In alternating current it can be charged at a maximum power of 11 kW, and in direct current the charging power reaches 90 kW – in this case, the charge will go from 20% to 80% in 35 minutes.
Furthermore, it has state-of-the-art driving assistance, such as semi-autonomous driving on expressways. The price of the Aiways U6 has not been announced, but its equipment is very extensive, and with help from the MOVES Plan, its brother, the Aiways U5, barely exceeds 40,000 euros. This price is very competitive and is supported by a peculiar way of selling cars: the sale is carried out exclusively via the Internetwhile delivery and maintenance is carried out by the national distributors with whom Aiways works and their associated workshops.
The Aiways U5 battery is guaranteed for 8 years or 150,000 km, at 75% of its original capacity. It’s the same battery as the U6.
In the case of Spain, it will rely on the commercial network of Astara, former Grupo Bergé. This business model will allow Aiways to expand rapidly and cheaply, and is considered one of the brand’s competitive strengths.
