Airways U5

Electric mobility is not the future, it is the reality of the present. The electric ones are gradually gaining market share, and thanks to this new models and firms emerge. The Airways U5 It is a newly created electric SUV that lands in the Spanish market after crossing half the world. Its origin is located in China, where the company Aiways It is manufactured at the Jiangling Holdings facility in Nanchang city.

Although it is not until mid-2022 when Europe receives the visit of the U5, in his native country he accumulates a good experience after two years for sale. It is the first generation, although before its arrival on the old continent it receives a slight aesthetic update. Its Asian style leaves no one indifferent. In Spain it is marketed under the umbrella of the Astara Group, one of the best-known and most important importers.

Technical characteristics of the Aiways U5

Airways U5

When manufacturing the Aiways U5, the Asian company has had the experience of another great brand such as Jiangling. For its development, a new specific platform is composed. A structure designed to house 100% electric drive systems called MAS (More Adaptable Structure). The entire range revolves around it, declaring a composition of 52% aluminum and 48% high-strength steel.

Due to its size, the U5 is installed within the category of models belonging to the D segment, although it could also be considered a large compact model. Outwardly it reaches 4,68 meters long, 1,87 meters wide and a height of 1,70 meters. To these levels must be added a wheelbase of 2,8 meters that allows you to homologate a cabin for five passengers.

Three of them are installed on a rear bench seat that shows a correct space with a narrower central square, but with a completely flat floor. Regarding load capacity, the Aiways U5 announces a trunk volume of at least 432 liters. That figure can be expanded to a maximum of 1.555 liters by folding down the second row of seats in a 60:40 ratio.

Mechanical range and gearboxes of the Aiways U5

Like we have already said, the U5 moves only by an electrical structure. The range does not offer more alternatives. Thanks to this, it benefits from important events such as the advantageous ZERO label from the DGT. Nor can we speak of a wide range, since only one possible configuration is offered. A single unit that always has the same configuration and technology without the possibility of changing anything.

The Aiways U5 consists of a front electric motor that offers 204 horsepower and 310 Nm of torque. It is powered by a central lithium-ion battery with 63 kWh gross capacity. Thanks to this configuration homologates an electric autonomy of 410 kilometers in the WLTP cycle. All the power goes to the front axle, and high-power systems are chosen for recharging. Up to 90 kW in direct current and up to 6,6 kW in alternating current.

Equipment of the Airways U5

Airways U5

Despite the usual concept of Chinese models, the reality is that the new manufacturers are choosing to show qualities and state-of-the-art technology that improve the user experience. The interior of the Aiways U5 is very attractive. Digitization takes over along with minimalism. All the importance is received by the screens, one fulfilling the functions of instrumentation, and another as the main axis of the multimedia system with 12,3 inches in size.

As far as equipment is concerned, brand a single level of equipment: Prime. Almost all technology will start, and it is worth highlighting elements such as: LED headlights, keyless entry and start, dual climate control, connectivity for mobile devices, parking cameras, electric front seats, sunroof and a wide deployment of security and driving assistants with level two autonomous driving

The U5 Airways according to Euro NCAP

Like all new cars that hit the market, their safety must be evaluated through traditional crash tests. After the tests, Euro NCAP classifies the Aiways U5 as a car with three stars out of five possible. By sections, the results are: 73 out of 100 in adult passenger protection, 70 out of 100 in child passenger protection, 45 out of 100 in pedestrian vulnerability and 55 out of 100 in driving assistants.

Rivals of the Aiways U5

Little by little, the electric segment is gaining units and sales. More and more brands are launched on the market with interesting products. In this case you have to look at models belonging to the D-SUV segment, a league to which the Aiways U5 belongs. That means that the Chinese model faces a long list of direct rivals, such as: Hyundai ioniq 5, Kia EV6, MG Marvel R, skoda enyaq, Volkswagen ID.4 y Tesla Model Y, among others. All of them are characterized by being electric, although they vary in mechanical offer and sale prices.

Highlight

Price content
Equipment
Interior space

To improve

reduced range
Points of sale
Little customization

Prices of Airways U5

When setting prices, Aiways wanted to bet on offering a very balanced model in terms of performance and cost. The starting price of the Aiways U5 is 46.640 euros, without offers or promotions. This value corresponds to the only variant available in the range, the Prime finish. Airways markets its vehicles in Spain through the Astara Group, the country's largest importer. At the moment its commercial network is quite small.