Shanghai-based personal mobility provider Aiways has confirmed technology enhancements, renamed trim levels and a new pricing structure for its first battery-electric vehicle (BEV), the Aiways U5 SUV.
The Chinese start-up has attracted attention with its direct-to-customer sales approach and affordable pricing, which make electric vehicle (EV) ownership more accessible. Customers in Europe who order an Aiways U5 SUV after April 15** will secure a 2022 model-year version of the zero-emissions SUV, which has been enhanced to meet current trends and appeal to the new generation of EV drivers.
The Aiways U5 SUV’s original style and sporty character remains intact, with the Aiways design team focusing on detail improvements such as placing the DAB+ antenna out of sight for an uninterrupted silhouette and an on-trend new grey body color.
The 2022 model-year Aiways U5 SUV will come with a universal ICCB charging cable for easy access to three-phase 11kW charging across Europe. The Aiways U5 SUV 63kWh battery pack can charge from 20 percent to 80 percent in just 35 minutes, with the fully charged entry-level XCITE model providing 410km of electric-only driving range (400km for the PRIME model).
The new pricing structure is dependent on trim; the entry-level Aiways U5 SUV XCITE (previously known as ‘Standard’) starts at an accessible €33,325 plus country-specific taxes. This model comes with a high specification as standard, including 17-inch alloys, dual-zone air conditioning and a host of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). The top-spec PRIME model (previously ‘Premium’) benefits from 19-inch two-tone alloy wheels, tailgate activation via remote- or foot-control, front parking sensors and Auto Parking Assist – all at a competitive starting price of €38,275, plus taxes. For the first time, motorists can specify their Aiways U5 SUV with a black roof, for an additional €672 plus taxes.
This pricing structure and direct-to-sales model allow Aiways to deliver exceptional value for money, making electric mobility a viable option for the majority of drivers. The 2022 model-year Aiways U5 SUV is available now in 14 countries across Europe.
Dr Alexander Klose, Vice President of Overseas Operations at Aiways, said: “These 2022 model-year changes inject fresh new style into our first model. The Aiways U5 SUV marked the beginning of the Aiways journey in 2019, and the latest changes will safeguard its continued popularity as we expand our presence across the continent.”
The cabin of the Aiways U5 SUV provides ample room for passengers and their luggage – including a trunk storage space of 496 liters (VDA) – ideal for embarking on road trips this summer. With the rear seats folded flat, the total capacity from floor to ceiling is a voluminous 1,619 liters, ensuring outstanding flexibility in the electrified SUV segment.
Aiways plans to make its product quality and technical strength widely recognized by users around the world, added by recent funding rounds, a senior-management restructure, and growing global partnerships, which combined will enhance Aiways’ brand and product profile on the international stage.
Aiways will expand its line-up with the addition of a second model later this year. March saw the Aiways U6ion concept embark on a European roadshow, visiting nine European countries in total. The Aiways U6ion is a very close representation of the production version of the Aiways U6 SUV-Coupé, which will go into production at the company’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Shangrao, China, later this year.
-Ends-
* €33,325 is the net price for the entry-level XCITE model before the addition of tax and/or VAT applicable to Germany in this case
** date can vary in each European country
High resolution images can be downloaded here: https://we.tl/t-XJCl7Ek4fT
About Aiways
Founded in 2017, Aiways is a Shanghai-based personal mobility provider with its European HQ in Munich, Germany. It was the first Chinese start-up to introduce an electric vehicle to the European market with the launch of the U5 in 2020 – a battery-electric SUV with impressive range, style, and quality. Aiways is rapidly continuing its expansion in Europe and beyond: order books are open in Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, France, Israel, Switzerland, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Sweden, Croatia, Faroe Islands, Iceland, and Slovenia – with more markets to follow. The U5 SUV is produced at Aiways’ smart production facility in Shangrao – one of the most modern car production facilities in China. The IT-controlled processes with challenging quality gates follow the standards of Industry 4.0. With an initial production capacity of 150,000 units per annum, Aiways can increase this number to 300,000 units when global EV demand rises. Aiways’ next model for Europe will be the battery-electric U6 SUV-Coupé. With a focus on sophisticated aerodynamics, highly connected driving, safety technology, and a sporty design, the U6 SUV-Coupé is just the next chapter of Aiways’ promising future.
