Aiways U5: Between elegance and sobriety
Our first impression of the U5
From the outside, the new SUV is quite imposing and voluminous. However, its size doesn't make it rude, since its particularly refined design makes it visually very appealing to most Europeans.
At 4.68 m long and 1.86 m wide, it parallels the format of the Audi Q5.
The technical platform is made of aluminum and high-strength steel. This earned it a 3-star rating in the Euro NCAP3 safety tests. What's the importance of this test? It ensures that, during use, the vehicle provides the necessary safety for its passengers in the event of any mishap.
The U5's aerodynamic design is enhanced by automatically retractable handles, which also smooth the vehicle's surface. And let's not forget the full LEd optics.
The vehicle charger is located at the front of the car, under the left-hand headlight.
The Chinese electric car is available on the market in both standard and premium formats.
Dimensions and weights
| Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Tare weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
4680 mm |
1865 mm |
1700 mm |
2800 mm |
1720 kg |
A spacious, comfortable interior
Comfort
- Voluminous trunk with dual storage: 432 L volume and additional storage for charging cables.
- Spacious vehicle, with head and legroom that : ensures unrivalled comfort in this class of vehicle.
- Comfortable seats: leather material + I-Size child seat attachment units
- Large panoramic sunroof: let the light in. You'll feel even bigger inside.
Equipment
- " Tri-fold display Suspended touchscreen: in three parts, tilted towards the driver, giving him an unobstructed view of the dashboard: displays battery charge status and regenerative braking status
- Dual-zone air-conditioning, controllable via the central display to enjoy the desired temperature. Fan. Works even when the engine is off.
Driving the U5
Let's get started and experience the new Chinese electric car.
The vehicle has neither a Neiman nor a Start button. To start the electric motor, simply turn the central control to "D".
Our Aiways U5 test also revealed that the pedal is very sensitive, so you'll need to learn how to handle it properly to avoid sudden stops.
Whether on short or long journeys, this Asian gem ensures a very decent level of "family" comfort. While this may not seem obvious from the outside, it becomes clear when you test-drive the vehicle.
Power and capacity: what's it worth?
Tenacious Autonomy
The range of this large electric SUV is around 400 km on the WLTP cycle.. However, its range is flexible and very resilient. Here's what the Chinese electric car's range is worth in different outdoor conditions (road, weather... ):
| Conditions | Autonomy |
|---|---|
|
City - Cold temperature* (*) |
340 km |
|
Freeway - Cold weather |
235 km |
|
Combined - Cool temperature* (optional) |
285 km |
|
City - Mild temperature |
505 km |
|
Freeway - Mild temperature |
300 km |
|
Combined - Mild temperature |
385 km |
Aiways U5 test drive - Batteries and motors
The U5 is powered by a 140 kW electric motor and, in the top-of-the-range version, by a 65 kWh battery, giving it a range of 450 km according to the NEDC cycle.
Other batteries with lower capacities will also be available. It also features three driving and energy recovery modes.
This Chinese electric car also features what is known as a sandwich battery. Its special feature is that its multi-layer structure inserts an insulating screen between the battery module and the cooling plate, thus separating the "dry zone" (battery module) from the "wet zone" (cooling plate).
This battery feature is the secret to preserving battery autonomy.
Made up of cells supplied by the CATL group
It consumes 17.4 kWh per 100 km, according to the WLTP cycle.
What's more, the brand offers an 8-year or 150,000 km warranty on batteries and engine.
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h | Top speed | Electrical range | Total power | Total Torque | Cv |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
7.5 seconds |
150 km/h |
335 km |
150 kW (204 hp) |
310 Nm |
190 |
Aiways U5 test: Fast, satisfactory charging
Located on the front left-hand side of the vehicle, the charging port accepts up to 6.6 kW of alternating current, for a charge in around 10 hours via a wall-box. In DC fast-charging mode, the system can climb to 90 kW for a 20-80% charge in 35 minutes.
Type 2 socket and congo for fast charging.
Charging is possible using an ordinary wall socket or a charging station. Public charging is always via a charging station. EV charging speed depends on the charging station (EVSE) used and the EV's maximum charging capacity. The table below shows all the possible options for charging the Aiways U5. Each option indicates how fast the battery can be charged from empty to full.
EV charging in Europe differs from country to country. Some European countries use mainly single-phase connections to the grid, while others use almost exclusively a three-phase connection. The table below shows all the possible ways of charging the Aiways U5, but some charging modes may not be available in certain countries.
Battery and charging
| Battery capacity | Usable battery |
|---|---|
|
63 kWh |
63 kWh |
Europe
| Features | Data |
|---|---|
|
Charging port |
Type 2 |
|
Port location |
Front - right |
|
Charging power |
6.6 kW AC |
|
Charging time (O→335 km) |
11h15min |
|
Load speed |
30 km/h |
|
Fast charging port |
CCS |
|
Fast-charge port slot |
Front - right |
|
Fast charge power (max) |
90 kW DC |
|
Fast charging time (34→268 km) |
40 min |
|
Fast charging speed |
350 km/h |
|
Autonomy range |
335 km |
|
Energy consumption |
188 Wh/km |
|
CO2 emissions |
0 g/km |
|
Vehicle fuel equivalent |
2.1 L/100 km |
NEDC ratings
| Autonomy range | Energy consumption | Vehicle consumption | CO2 emissions | Fuel equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
503 km |
138 Wh/km |
125 Wh/km |
0 g/km |
1.6 L/100km |
WLTP ratings
| Autonomy range | Energy consumption | Vehicle consumption | CO2 emissions | Gasoline vehicle equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
410 km |
166 Wh/km |
154 Wh/km |
0 g/km |
1.7 L/100km |
Safety (Euro NCAP)
| Safety assessment | Occupant Adult | Occupant Child | Evaluation year | Vulnerable road users | Safety assistance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
73 % |
70 % |
2019 |
45 % |
55 % |
Aiways U5 chargers
Type 2
Mennekes - IEC 62196
| Load point | Max. power | Power | Time | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Wall socket (2.3 kW) |
230V / 1x10A |
2.3 kW |
32h15min |
10 km/h |
|
1-phase 16A (3.7 kW) |
230V / 1x16A |
3.7 kW |
20h15min |
17 km/h |
|
1-phase 32A (7.4 kW) |
230V / 1x29A |
6.6 kW † |
11h15min |
30 km/h |
|
3-phase 16A (11kW) |
230V / 1x16A |
3.7 kW † |
20h15min |
17 km/h |
|
3-phase 32A (22 kW) |
230V / 1x29A |
6.6 kW † |
11h15min |
30 km/h |
Fast charge (10 -> 80%)
Fast charging enables longer journeys, adding as much range as possible in the shortest possible time. Charging power decreases considerably once the 80% state of charge has been reached. A typical fast charge rarely exceeds 80% SoC. The fast charge rate of an electric vehicle depends on the charger used and the maximum charging power the electric vehicle can handle. The table below shows all the details for fast charging the Aiways U5.
Max. Power: maximum power supplied by the load point
Avg. Power: average power supplied by the charge point over a session from 10% to 80%.
Time: time required to charge from 10% to 80%.
CCS Combo 2
| Load point | Max. power | Power | Time | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
CCS (50 kW DC) |
50 kW |
40 kW † |
70 min |
200 km/h |
|
CCS (100 kW DC) |
90 kW † |
70 kW † |
40 min |
350 km/h |
|
CCS (150 kW DC) |
90 kW † |
70 kW † |
40 min |
350 km/h |
You can now buy the Aiways U5 in Europe
Unbeatable rates
On the European continent, Aiways u5, the new Chinese electric car, is currently available for rental. In France , the SUV has made its first appearance on the small island of Corsica. You can rent it through the Hertz subsidiary, which has a fleet of 400 vehicles.
Secondly, the brand of former CFO of the giant Shanghainese automotive giant SAIC - Gu Feng - and former boss Fu Qiang - will make its product available exclusively through direct sales. It will be available here very soon!
It's a tactical choice, since the Chinese SUV is unique in its segment, and currently faces no competition whatsoever. Whether from a technical point of view or in terms of its price ranking among competitors, it's the only one to offer such a thing, if we take into account the vehicle's strengths.
The Aiways U5 with 50 kWh battery starts at €37,100 . Alternatively, with a 64 kWh battery, the price rises slightly above this to €41, 000. What's more, if you take advantage of government subsidies such as the bonus écologique and the prime à la conversion, you can deduct up to €14,000 from the initial price. Find out more about all these aids for buying an electric vehicle.
Technical data and inspection
In France
In France the Aiways U5, the Chinese electric SUV, will be serviced by the Feu Vert, Go Mécano and bodybuilders AD and Albax.
At first glance, the Aiways U5 seems perfectly suited to satisfy the demands of European customers. 😊
Finally, the hardest part for the Chinese brand will be convincing customers, compensating for the lack of a brand image and a genuine distribution network.
As we understand it, the Aiways U5 is made up of aesthetic and practical elements, designed to suit multiple uses for the majority of Europeans. So, despite its lack of brand recognition, the vehicle has a lot going for it.
