Budding Chinese car manufacturer Aiways is already underway with the production of its first car, the U5 all-electric SUV scheduled to ship in Europe early next year. But as it turns out, Aiways has simultaneously been designing another model, called the U7 Ion. The vehicle premiered at the 2019 Auto Shanghai, so let us have a look at it.
The U7 Ion Concept uses the MAS chassis and looks like a cross between an SUV and a minivan. It is a family car that can be configured to have six or seven seats, and it comes powered by the same front-axle-mounted electric engine as the U5. Rated at 190 hp / 142 kW and 315 Nm / 232 lbft of torque, it comes plugged into a 63 kWh battery for over 500 km (310 miles) of range.
Inside, the new SUV-slash-van surprises with the abundance of features, remarkably including as many as twelve displays, a fridge, a table, an air purifier, and cup holders capable of keeping your drink warm or cold, whichever you prefer. There is even an AI-powered robotic mascot on the ceiling that recognizes passengers by their faces and follows voice commands.
Chances are good that the U7 Ion makes it into production more or less unchanged within months of its initial debut.
Photos: autohome.com.cn