Do Okuyama design and Prodrive handling elevate this Chinese EV above the rest?
GREG KABLE
TESTED 29.3.23, LISBON, PORTUGAL ON SALE LATE 2024
Aiways is unusual in that, unlike any other Chinese EV manufacturer, it has chosen to establish itself in export markets before building a fundamental sales base and widespread recognition at home. It was founded only six years ago yet is already represented in 15 markets.
Up until now, the Shangrao-based firm’s volumes have been fairly limited. But with the launch of the U6, it is looking to build on its existing operations and enter more markets, including the UK.
There’s pedigree in the styling of this notchback SUV. It was overseen by Ken Okuyama, the ex-Pininfarina chief who is credited with celebrated cars including the Ferrari Enzo, plus some of Japan’s bullet trains. As such, the U6 has an eye-catching look as well as a class-leading drag coefficient of 0.25.
Among the distinguishing elements is what Aiways describes as a shark nose, with a blanked-off leading edge, thin horizontal LED daytime-running lights and vertically stacked headlights, all housed within a heavily structured bumper with a prominent splitter and small fins low on each side.
The U6 is 4800mm long, 1880mm wide and 1640mm tall, making it a touch larger in all directions than the Volkswagen ID 5, with a 29mm-longer wheelbase to suit.
The U6 has a uniquely styled five-seat interior featuring more tactile and higher-grade materials than those in the smaller, traditionally shaped U5. There is some hard plastic but mostly lower down, below the driver’s line of sight. Most surfaces reflect a more mature and upmarket positioning than for Aiways’ original model.
The basis for the U6 is a further developed version of Aiways’ More Adaptable Structure, as used by the U5. This steel and aluminium platform houses a 63.3kWh pack of lithium ion cells supplied by Chinese battery giant CATL and fitted within a flat floor. It can take rapid-charging rates of up to 90kW, which is some way off the pace now.
The material mix for the platform is crucial in providing the U6 with a surprisingly low weight of 1790kg.
Power comes from a single synchronous motor, mounted at the front. Developed and produced in-house by Aiways, it delivers 13bhp and 4lb ft of torque more than the motor used by the U5, at 215bhp and 232lb ft. Drive is transferred to the front axle via single-speed gearbox.
There’s no physical start button inside; as in the U5, a press of the brake pedal primes the electrics and gets the car ready to go.
Step-off is quite lively, and the U6 is brisk enough to prove
