Aiways has presented the production version of its U6 electric coupe SUV, the second model in the range after the U5 and a production car derived directly from the U6ion concept car, unveiled last year. Starting next year, the SUV will cross the borders of the European market, focusing on a sporty exterior and interior design.
To better meet the stylistic tastes of Europeans, Aiways has decided to entrust the design supervision of the U6ion concept to Ken Okuyama, former creative director of Pininfarina in the early 2000s and father of many successful sports cars, including Ferrari Enzo and Maserati Quattroporte Mk V. The Aiways design team stayed very true to the prototype and gave the U6 contemporary proportions, sharp lines and targeted details to optimize aerodynamic efficiency.
Based on Aiways’ Mas (More Adaptable Structure) platform, dedicated to zero-emission cars with batteries arranged along the entire floorpan, it has a character that Okuyama defines as light. The side is defined by two marked horizontal lines, while the movements above the wheel arches give rise to muscular volumes. The slightly sloping windshield and tapered A-pillars flow into the black roof a soft curvature that drops quickly toward the rear, while the raised lower molding reinforces the overall lines of the model by reducing the visual mass of the large wheels.
For the interior, the design team opted for light-coloured solutions interspersed with details in bright colours. No physical buttons, everything is managed from the large 14.6 inch tablet positioned horizontally in the center of the dashboard. The cloche steering wheel and gear control are reminiscent of the aeronautical setting, while the four sports seats have integrated headrests. Instrumentation is relayed from a display located in front of the driver, while at the center of the top of the dashboard is a small artificial intelligence robot that interacts with driver and passengers with assistant functions.
