- U6ion to start with visits to nine European markets, starting in Belgium.
- SUV-Coupé concept previews second BEV from Aiways; set for production in China soon.
- Exterior design features sporty, muscular lines with fastback style roofline.
- Well-appointed and energetic interior inspired by lightweight themes.
- New Aiways U6ion images available here
Shanghai/Munich, March 3, 2022- Shanghai-based personal mobility provider Aiways has embarked on a European roadshow with the U6ion. The SUV-Coupé concept has started its tour in Antwerp, Belgium, and will visit a further eight European countries over the coming months. As part of the roadshow, media and public will be offered the chance to explore the U6ion – a concept which previews a second battery electric model from Aiways set for European launch later this year.
The roadshow follows an excellent start to the year for Aiways, having secured new funding and strengthened its executive team in January, providing fresh management impetus and helping accelerate the company’s growth plans. The new investment is accelerating development of the Aiways business globally – with particular focus on new market launches, products and sustainable mobility, enhancing the user experience and developing the brand’s digital capabilities.
Aiways is basing its growth plans on the introduction of one new model per calendar year, starting with the U6 SUV-Coupé in 2022. The U6ion is a very close representation of the final U6 production model, with production starting at the company’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Shangrao, China, soon.
Dr Alexander Klose, Vice President of Overseas Operations, commented: “The start of the U6ion roadshow builds on the momentum gained in recent months. We’re selling in 10 European markets, soon to be more, and this is our promise to people that there is more to come from Aiways very soon. We expect the production version of the U6 SUV-Coupé to help propel us to new heights and secure five-figure sales in Europe.”
U6ion: exterior design
Designed from the outset to be a wide-body coupé, the U6ion features sporty and muscular lines. A fastback style roofline incorporates a dome glass surface that finishes in a sharp-edged C-pillar. Flared haunches add to the visual theatre initiated by the sleek and purposeful front fender, which incorporates a number of functional aerodynamic elements. Uniquely styled LED headlights are paired with a daytime running light system that includes position lights and turn signals. Underneath each headlight is an independent air intake that directs flow to the braking system for cooling.
Aerodynamic performance was a key focus of the Aiways design team. The rear fender and wheel arches follow pneumatic engineering principles, using shark fins and lipped edges to ensure a clean separation of airflow, thereby reducing drag. Toward the rear of the vehicle is a two-tone curved spoiler that accentuates the U6ion’s sleek design. The 21-inch, two-tone, low-drag sports wheels not only look distinctive, they also provide excellent heat dissipation and aerodynamic performance, all while being relatively lightweight.
Dongfei Luo, Vice President of Design, explained: “The U6ion brings youth and dynamism to the SUV segment with its dramatic coupé design. Its width provides ample space to sculpt muscular features, bold haunches to attract younger buyers to the zero-emission SUV market. The U6ion evokes a connection between modern design and the technology of the future – a symbol of our ambition as an electric mobility pioneer.”
Interior design
The well-appointed and energetic interior highlights the technology-focused design of the U6ion and draws from lightweight themes. Reinforcing the sporty styling of the external surfaces, the interior features striking colors and interesting details.
When the driver first sits down, they are greeted by a squared multi-function sport steering wheel, providing an immediate idea of the vehicle’s capability and intent. Behind the wheel sits a 7-inch floating gauge cluster that provides the driver with essential driving and system information. The ‘grip shift’, down by the driver’s side, is a unique drive selector design inspired by the throttle levers in power yachts.
Racing style ‘tab’ door handles complement the four integrated sports seats. Rear passengers can make use of safety grips behind the front seats, which are accompanied by another ‘tab’ that details the owner’s ‘exclusivity number’.
For control of the vehicle settings and multi-media system, the U6ion uses a freestanding 14.6-inch touchscreen mounted centrally in the dashboard. Mounted atop the dashboard is a ‘little robot’ – a human machine interface with advanced voice recognition that can talk and listen to occupants and be used to control numerous vehicle and entertainment features. Alongside the touchscreen, a number of easy-access controls are mounted below the ‘grip shift’ using capacitive touch glass.
The doors are able to showcase the owner’s personality with customizable backlit panels. Considerations have even been made for all-weather use, with capsule umbrellas stored integrally within the doors.
A series of inventive storage solutions highlight the intended market for the U6ion. Specific drone and remote-control stowage spaces sit between the rear passengers, ensuring that U6ion users never miss an opportunity to take the perfect shot. In the boot, Aiways has fit a hidden compartment specifically for the quick and easy deployment of an electric scooter.
European roadshow
The U6ion European roadshow will give media and prospective EV buyers the opportunity to get up close to the SUV-Coupé concept and enjoy a taste of what Aiways is bringing to their markets later this year.
Having started in Belgium on 2 March, the tour will move on to cities in Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal, France, Denmark, Sweden and others over the next weeks and months.
