Aiways U6 Electric cross-coupe to launch in Europe this year [Update]

Update: ‘Release Date’ section updated.

The Aiways U6 electric SUV is facing delays, and instead of late 2021, it will go on sale in Europe this year. In China, it completed validation in Q3 2021. The U6 will be the second product for Aiways, a Shanghai-based electric-car maker founded in 2017.

In June 2021, it emerged that Aiways started manufacturing pre-production units of the U6 SUV coupe at its factory in Shangrao (located in the northeast Jiangxi province), China. The company says that the series-production units will retain many of the show car’s features, such as the rear light matrix and the panoramic dome roof. Pre-orders are open in China.

Design

The Aiways U6 is expected with a 400+km range (NEDC), and a 214 hp electric motor. Image: Aiways

Aiways used U6 pre-production prototypes to optimize and debug production equipment and perform a series of tests to perfect sub-system functions, optimize calibrations, and verify performance. Aiways held a Graphic Design Content with the theme “U6 in Your Mind,” and the winning entry, called “Aiways Man,” was used on the pre-production prototype last year.

The Aiways U6 electric is inspired by the concept U6 ion, which virtually debuted in March 2020. The electric car was designed with guidance from Ken Okuyama, responsible for the designs of the Ferrari Enzo and Maserati Quattroporte.

Interior

The U6 is based on the same platform as the U5 SUV, which is available for lease in European markets. Image: Aiways

The Always U6 features an interior geared towards digitalisation with most controls integrated into the 14.6-inch HD touchscreen panel. That, along with the compact steering wheel featuring a flattened bottom section, the sleek dashboard, the discreet AC vents, and the compact, 8.2-inch instrument cluster integrated into the dashboard, helps the cabin look clean and spacious. A 2.1 square-metre panoramic glass roof lets in plenty of natural light, great for sky gazing, and helps the cabin feel roomier. A premium sound system from German company Magnat is another highlight of the electric SUV-coupe’s interior.

Specifications

Aiways has planned the U6 on the MAS (More Adaptable Structure) platform of the U5. According to a report from hz.auto.sina.com.cn, the U6 will sport an in-house developed ‘AP4000’ electric motor that produces 160 kW (214 bhp) of power and 315 Nm (232 Lb.-Ft.) of torque. It will be able to accelerate from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in under seven seconds. There’s no word on the battery pack’s energy content, but the range, as per this report, will be 650 km (404 miles), assumed to be in the NEDC metric.

When Always sent the U6 to China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) for approval ahead of its domestic launch, more specifications surfaced online. According to MIIT data, the U6 measures 4,805 mm in length, 1,880 mm in width, and 1,641 mm in height, and it has a 2,800 mm wheelbase. A new revelation on the performance front is the EV’s top speed – 160 km/h.

AspectAiways U6 SpecificationLength4,805 mmWidth1,880 mmHeight1,641 mmWheelbase2,800 mmFront Track1,594 mmRear Track1,594 mmFront Overhang988 mmRear Overhang1,017 mmApproach Angle15°Departure Angle24°Tyre Size235/45 R20Kerb Weight1,820 kgGross Weight2,195 kgMotor Power160 kW (218 PS/214 bhp)Top Speed160 km/h (99 mph)

Aiways U6 specifications (Source: MIIT)

Release Date

The Aiways U6 cross-coupe celebrated its debut at Auto Shanghai 2021, held in April 2021. Recently, it went through the winter testing program for three months in Inner Mongolia, China. Aiways successfully tested the U6’s power, charging, transmission, power, suspension, braking, and other aspects in the extremely cold weather for three months straight. The company didn’t reveal the temperatures in which it conducted the testing and validation, though.

Aiways is running a European roadshow of the U6 SUV-coupe, but in a concept version called U6ion. Images: Aiways

Meanwhile, in Europe, Aiways launched a roadshow of the U6 with a near-production concept called U6ion on 2 March 2022. The company showcased it in Belgium first, and over the next weeks and months, it plans to display it in Sweden, Denmark, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, and others.

Initially, Aiways had confirmed the start of U6 sales in Europe and China from later in 2021, but it couldn’t deliver. The Chinese launch could take place in the next few months, followed by the European rollout.

Meanwhile the Aiways U5 electric SUV is now available in several key Euro auto markets, including France, Germany, Belgium, Sweden, Denmark, Italy, Portugal, Switzerland, Spain, and the Netherlands. The European campaign will build momentum this year, with the expected entry into Norway, where Aiways would sell both crossovers. The company plans to launch one new model in Europe every year, and the U6 is one earmarked for this year.

Images showing the Aiways U6 receiving approval from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). The SUV’s domestic launch is imminent. Image Source: MIIT

In Switzerland, the Aiways U5 SUV is already available, and the U6 SUV-coupe could follow in Q4 2022 (October-December 2022). Aiways has appointed Alcomotive, a joint venture company of Spain-based Bergé Auto and Belgium-based Alcopa, as its exclusive distributor in the Swiss market. Aiways has been eyeing Switzerland for a while, Dr. Alexander Klose, the Executive Vice President of the company’s Overseas Operations said.

Price

Like for the U5, Aiways may plan on a lease-only model for the U6. As of mid-2020, the U5 was advertised to cost less than 400 EUR/month, making it the equivalent of a 35,000 EUR electric SUV.

Aiways new investment & board restructuring

Chinese reports say that Aiways has received new investment amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars from long-standing shareholder Chen Xuanlin and his company Dongbai Industrial Group. With the new investment, the company’s board has seen restructuring. Chen Xuanlin has joined as the Chairman and Zhang Yang, a former VP of NIO, is now the CEO, the reports add.

According to a Reuters report, the company previously received investments from ride-hailing giant Didi Chuxing and battery maker CATL, though the quantum of these investments is not public knowledge.

More details on the Aiways U6 should surface in the coming weeks.

Aiways U6 FAQs

What is the Aiways U6 release date?

The Aiways U6 will likely go on sale in China by June and in Europe in H2 2022.

What will be the Aiways U6 price?

Similar to the U5, the Aiways U6 should be available for leasing only, at around 400 EUR/month.

What are the Aiways U6 rivals?

The Aiways U6 will challenge the VW ID.5 & Skoda Enyaq Coupe in price.

Featured image: Aiways

Keyword: Aiways U6 Electric cross-coupe to launch in Europe this year [Update]