The Aiways U5 will hit the German market in 2020: an SUV with an electric drive that is particularly interesting in terms of price. First photos, information and prices.
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Available in Germany from around 40,000 euros
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Innovative battery with 63 kWh capacity
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400 km range possible according to WLTP
It was a very special maiden voyage when two prototypes of the Aiways U5 left China for Europe on July 17, 2019 . After 53 days of driving, the two electric SUVs arrived in Frankfurt am Main. The distance covered was around 15,000 kilometers.
The average travel load per day was 283 kilometers . Not much compared to what you are used to from a petrol or diesel car. But the road and traffic conditions weren\\\’t always the best on the route. And you certainly couldn\\\’t fall back on a perfectly developed network of quick charging stations . In this respect, the journey was a real pioneering achievement.
Future base price still unclear

The price is certainly a strong argument for the Aiways U5 . So far, the media has given 35,000 euros. And that would be an unrivaled low competitive price. But when asked, it turns out that the car will not be available from us under 40,000 euros (basic version), said the press officer for Germany.
The scope of equipment included in the basic price will only become apparent when the configurator is activated. At least it is clear that the basic version will only have front-wheel drive . After all, the key technical data should now be reliable.

Performance and speed are sufficient
The Aiways U5 is not particularly powerful, but is sufficiently motorized for everyday use . The electric motor is to provide 140 kW (190 hp) and 315 Nm torque. The sprint from 0 to 100 km / h is done in 10.0 seconds according to the manufacturer, the top speed is 160 km / h.
At 4.68 meters long , the Aiways U5 is the same size as a Jaguar i-Pace , but at least offers more space in the back seat. The range is specified as 400 kilometers according to the WLTP standard .
Battery with special temperature control

It is interesting that Aiways not only buys the electric motor, but many parts and components such as the assistance systems from German suppliers such as Bosch . Which proves that cars that are built in China no longer have to be cheap in terms of “poor quality”.
In contrast, all industrialized nations are completely dependent on Asian know-how for battery cells. The Aiways cells come from Catl, a Chinese company that also supplies German car manufacturers.
The special thing about the Aiways U5 is that the battery pack is assembled in a new type of sandwich construction, with a multi-layer protective layer inside the cells and an insulation plate between the battery module and the cooling plate.
This means that the battery can be tempered much more efficiently – the be-all and end-all in a modern lithium-ion battery. The insulation of the battery should ensure that the Aiways U5 can travel 300 kilometers on a single charge even when the outside temperature is below freezing. Tip is also the electric motor , because he put his compactness, its power density and its weight standards in, the company said.
Comfort is the key in the Aiways U5

The body of the Aiway consists of 52 percent aluminum and 48 percent extremely high-strength steel. These lightweight construction measures have obviously borne fruit: Aiways specifies that the curb weight is 1730 kg. This is very little for an electric SUV: the elaborately developed Jaguar i-Pace weighs 2.2 tons.
But the Aiways is nowhere near as sporty and agile as driving with a pre-production car has shown. The developers in China obviously focused on the highest possible driving comfort . This is reflected in many details: the adaptive cruise control, the automatically dimming LED headlights, the traffic jam assistant and the assistant for parking.
Another important feature is the extensive voice control . The digital speedometer display shows all desired driver information. The 12.3-inch touchscreen on the center console forms the center for navigation and infotainment. There is even facial recognition that authorizes the driver, as well as camera surveillance of what is happening in the back seat – with a warning if a child drops his toy into the footwell.
And, of course, the driver can use the app to carry out certain functions remotely , for example unlocking the vehicle, switching on the heating or controlling charging when the car is charging. In addition, Aiways promises a good sound experience thanks to the audio system with eight speakers and a generous feeling of space thanks to a panoramic glass roof .
The Aiways U5 will certainly not become a cheap special offer from China. But it will be interesting to see to what extent the first extensive test drives can confirm the interesting paper values. However, test drives with the finished production car are still a bit of a wait: The market launch is planned for August 2020 .
Technical Specs Aiways U5
Manufacturer information | |
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Motor / drive |
Electric motor with 140 kW / 190 hp, 315 Nm |
Battery capacity |
63 kWh |
Mileage |
10.0 s at 100 km / h, 160 km / h top |
Consumption (according to WLTP) |
16.3 – 17.4 kWh / 100 km, 0 g CO₂ / km |
Dimensions |
L 4.68 / W 1.87 / H 1.70 m |
Trunk |
432 – 1555 l |
Empty weight / payload |
1825 / – kg |
Trailer load (unbraked / braked) |
nb |
Battery warranty |
nb |
Price |
from approx.40,000 € |