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The development of a new vehicle, if you follow the rules of the old automobile world, takes about 7 years. The Aiways brand was founded in 2017, the company's debut, the U5 was launched in China in December 2019. You can buy the Aiways in Germany since mid-2020. How does it work? And what does the Aiways U5 offer its buyer?
The Aiways U5 - an E-SUV with exciting performance data
A lot helps a lot. This is the motto of the young Aiways brand when it comes to their first work. In terms of power, 204 PS or 150 kW are currently the only options - as is the battery, which currently always has 63 kWh. When it comes to equipment, the Aiways makes it just as easy for new users, the surcharge list of options is limited to a “Standard” and a premium model and the only possible surcharge option is a possible two-tone paintwork for € 800. Otherwise, the U5 is always fully equipped. The premium version, in particular, should also fulfill all wishes of spoiled car buyers. It differs from the standard model in extras such as an electric tailgate, which can then also be operated with a kick - a parking radar also at the front, heated leather seats, an opening panoramic glass roof with sun protection and a parking assistant. Already the base or The standard version comes with a 360 ° camera view, rain sensors, LED light all around, comprehensive assistance systems, 6 airbags, adaptive cruise control, Apple Carplay, 8-speaker hi-fi system and a digital cockpit. What there is neither for good words nor for a surcharge is, for example, a dedicated navigation system with a charging station-based route function, here Aiways relies on the independence of the next generation of e-car drivers.
The most important data of the digital Chinese, however, are: For less than 30.000 € up to 400 km -realistic - electric range. In the price list, the Aiways is the standard model at € 35.402,50 - if you deduct the € 6.000 funding from the state, the electric SUV ends up under a magical hurdle. This reason alone is reason enough to take the Chinese seriously.
Quality is a time factor, and crooked gaps are not the Chinese thing either Airways U5
The fact that the Chinese at Aiways are serious can quickly be seen from the quality of workmanship of the U5. Sure, some terms in the HMI are still surprises, there will be the closing of the windows to deactivate and similar translation errors. But these are trivial trifles. The manufacturing quality of the first work is much more surprising. The Californian brand Tesla has shown that you can successfully sell electric cars with large and crooked gaps. But Aiways doesn't want to bother with that. The test car impresses with a body finish that even a critical Martin Winterkorn would have been satisfied with. Established carmakers are likely to test the U5 buyer's ability to suffer with things like a CCS loader rotated by 90 °, which is also well hidden, and a tailgate that does not open far enough to provide space for even large Smurfs take a breather.
Plenty of room for improvement in the Airways U5
But when it comes to software updates and banal issues such as translation errors in the display, a cheap key or the tailgate that doesn't open wide, ridicule is out of place. The learning curve of the Chinese is steep and the experience of the last few years shows; You don't make mistakes more than once. As early as model year 2022, some of the current criticisms of the test car should be a thing of the past. And if the offer, price and performance are right at the start, then it will be interesting to see which goals the young brand can still achieve.
The Aiways U5 - a strong statement with a lot of German help
The fact that the Aiways U5 under the sheet metal is more German than some cars manufactured in Europe may not come as a surprise in view of the suppliers involved and may also explain why the debut of the U5 is already convincing. In addition, Aiways wants to do a lot differently than the classic automobile manufacturers when it comes to sales and service of the Aiways U5.
The electric SUV is currently being sold at EURONICS dealers and serviced by the ATU workshop chain - and so that you don't have to put ATU's talents to the test too often, the Aiway's workshop and service intervals are 100.000 km at one so far unknown level. Not a workshop that you visit every year. This means that the next generation of motorists will not only no longer know the “humming hum” of the combustion engine, but will also no longer get to know the experience of unspeakable workshop appointments and the status of a supplicant in premium workshops.
At the end a purchase recommendation for the Aiways U5
No, the U5 is far from “perfection” at this point, but it is an impressive statement. And a very attractive offer. Anyone who can live with the current inadequacies of this very young brand will get a lot of technology with the U5 at a very fair price.