Aiways looks to lure Kia, Hyundai EV buyers with U5

The U5, the first model from the 4-year-old, Shanghai-based automaker, will start at 37,990 euros in Germany

July 19, 2021 11:54 AM

Edoardo Nastri

The Aiways U5 is powered by a 150 kilowatt (204 hp) electric motor on the front axle that drives the front wheels

Chinese automaker Aiways has given its U5 full-electric midsize crossover a competitive price to lure buyers away from more expensive rival models from Hyundai and Kia.

The U5, the first model from the 4-year-old, Shanghai-based automaker, will start at 37,990 euros in Germany, which is below the base price of the Kia EV6 (44,990 euros) and Hyundai Ioniq 5 (41,900 euros).

The U5 however will face stiff competition in Germany from the lower priced Volkswagen ID4 (37,415 euros) and the Skoda Enyaq iV (33,500 euros).

THE BASICS

Market launch: September 2020
Base price: 37,990 euros (Germany)
Where built: Shangrao, China
Platform: MAS
Main rivals: Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, VW ID4, Skoda Enyaq iV

Aiways executives say one of the U5’s strengths is that its high-end driver assistance features and advanced infotainment system are standard in the crossover while similar solution cost extra in many rival models.

The U5’s powertrain and regenerative braking system were developed in cooperation with Robert Bosch, which also provides the crossover’s adaptive cruise control and active lane assist systems.

Other advanced driver assistant systems in the U5 include blind spot monitoring, emergency braking that recognizes cars, pedestrians and cyclists, and traffic alert to warn the driver of danger when exiting a parking space.

The U5 is powered by a 150 kilowatt (204 hp) electric motor on the front axle that drives the front wheels only. An all-wheel-drive version is not expected until next year at the earliest.

FAST FACTS

Standard features: The Aiways U5 comes with driver assistance systems such as adaptive cruise control and traffic jam assist as standard. Also include is an app that allows the driver to remotely start the engine and control the headlights.
Digital cockpit: The Aiways U5 offer a fully digital cockpit with three displays (the main 7-inch screen is flanked by two 4.2-inch supplementary screens).
Dimensions: The U5 is 4680mm long, 1865 mm wide, 1684 mm tall and has a 2800 mm wheelbase. The truck has a 432-liter capacity and there is an additional 45 liters of space in under the hood.

The U5’s electric motor is powered by a 63-kilowatt-hour battery pack located in the floor.

The U5’s WLTP-certified range is 410 km, but Aiways executives say that by using the crossover’s Eco driving mode in urban setting can add an extra 20 km.

The batteries are supplied by CATL of China and guaranteed for eight years. It takes about 30 minutes to recharge the U5 to 80 percent capacity using a CCS Combo2 socket using 90 kW DC. The vehicle is equipped with a 6.6 kW AC on-board charger.

The driving mode can be selected from the 12.3 inch floating tablet, which has an intuitive interface and a clean design.
The crossover can accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in 7.5 seconds and has a top speed of 170 kph.

The infotainment system is equipped with Apple Car Play. Android Auto is not available, but customers with an Android device can use an app called Easy Connection to link their smartphones with the car.