Aiways U6ion Concept: No flash in the pan

With Chinese automotive start-ups it is sometimes very similar to flash in the pan. They whirl through the scenery for a short time and then it suddenly becomes quiet. Aiways started with far less fanfare than some of its competitors and now, with the U6ion Concept, provides proof that you are anything but a flash in the pan. The study itself announces itself as an SUV coupe. “You can look forward to the production model, the exterior of which is almost identical to that of the study,” says Dr. Alexander Klose, Vice President Overseas Operations, adds: “With the Aiways U6, which will be launched at the end of the year, we are showing that the brand is alive and we are keeping our promise of releasing a new model every year.” The second Aiways model is also based on the MAS platform of the U5, so it has front-wheel drive and is around 4.70 meters long. The drive train is also taken over and so the Aiways U6 should have at least 150 kW / 204 hp, a torque of 315 Newton meters and a battery with a capacity of 63 kilowatt hours. However, it is quite possible that the technicians get more out of the electric drive and have improved the battery management. Thus, more than the 410 km range of the U5 could be possible.

The exterior is a logical continuation of the design language of the Aiways U5: the coupé is sleek and angular with the flared rear wheel arches and the coupé-like sloping glass roof. The striking impression is not an end in itself. In the SUV coupe study, the designers placed greater value on the aerodynamics, because aerodynamics are a key factor in increasing the range of an electric vehicle. Therefore, with the help of the air intakes at the front, the underbody and the fins, the air flow is guided in such a way that the SUV coupé engine has to fight less against air resistance. However, in terms of aesthetics, it is to be hoped that the designers will do without the upper rear spoiler.

With the light-flooded interior with the glass dome, not every detail should make it into the series. For example the large automatic gear stick, which is reminiscent of a thrust lever on a motor yacht. The steering wheel, which is open at the top and is more reminiscent of a Formula 1 valance, should also be replaced by the well-known rectangular steering wheel of the Aiways U5. The same applies to the net-like light veins in the doors, which look great in a study, but cost too much money in the production model. After all, the Chinese start-up wants to continue to impress with a particularly good price-performance ratio in the future. The front seats are futuristic chic, but hardly suitable for long journeys. There is enough legroom in the rear, but above a height of 1.85 it becomes significantly narrower around the head than with the Aiways U5.

Aiways has apparently taken a close look at the models of the Chinese competitor Nio and placed a Nomi-like emoji ball on the dashboard as a voice input assistant. It will certainly be well received in China, but installing such an infotainment system is not cheap. It will be exciting to see whether the friendly companion will appear in the production model at the end of the year. It looks completely different with the large 14.6-inch infotainment monitor that we expect in the production model. The animations suggest that there should be a navigation solution. However, it is not yet clear whether the electronic pilot will be permanently integrated or will work via an app. It is quite possible that Aiways will continue to rely on mobile phone navigation. The base price of the upcoming model should be around 39,000 euros.