Aspiring Chinese automaker Aiways has opened preorders for its new electric coupe/SUV, the U6, in Germany. The model will ship with a single electric motor and a battery rated for 400 km (248 miles) of range priced at €47,500, undercutting the Volkswagen ID.5 by €400.
The car utilizes an electric motor with 218 PS (215 hp / 160 kW) and 315 Nm (232 lb-ft) of torque at the output end, letting it sprint 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in seven seconds flat. The traction battery holds 63 kilowatt-hours and accepts currents up to 90 kW in power.
The entry-level VW ID.5 is actually less powerful at 174 PS (172 hp / 128 kW). Furthermore, even the next model up the range still lags behind its Chinese competitor with 204 PS (201 hp / 150 kW). On the upside, the ID.5 offers superior range rated at 520 km (323 miles).
Where Aiways once again pulls forwards is modern technology. The car offers an unusual cabin design with a large 14.6-inch display in the middle and 360-way adjustable ambient lighting. The infotainment system is Android-based, and the seats feature enhanced lateral support from the ground up to the headrests.
In China, the Aiways U6 ships in two versions. The other version has the same electric motor, but comes with a larger 72-kWh battery pack for 590 km (366 miles) of range according to a forgiving local standard. On its domestic market, such a car costs the equivalent of €30,000.