Besides unveiling the U5 electric SUV in
European specification, Chinese startup Aiways will also exhibit the U6ion
crossover coupe concept at the Geneva Motor Show. As with the U5, the U6ion
features pure electric propulsion but Aiways doesn’t provide many details other
than the fact that it’s based on the same aluminum-steel MAS (More Adaptable
Structure) platform. We also learn from the short statement that the U6ion
previews a second all-electric SUV of the Aiways brand. We get a first glimpse
at the concept’s design courtesy of these official design sketches.
The U6ion study arguably looks more
athletic and better proportioned but let’s not forget these are sketches and
the real thing could appear less attractive. Still, the electric crossover
coupe promises to be a looker, if only because it was designed under the
tutelage of Ferrari Enzo creator and former Pininfarina design chief, Ken
Okuyama.
The legendary designer is now chief
advisor for design and arts at Aiways and he probably had a thing or two to say
about the U6ion’s styling. According to the Shanghai-based startup, the design
language embodies the “intelligent and simplified technology” at the heart of
its product development ethos.
It’s safe to assume the U6ion production
model will share the same powertrain with the U5, which packs a 188 HP electric motor that sends up to 315 Nm of torque to the front
wheels only. Powered by a 65-kWh battery, the Aiways U5 is projected to offer a
460-km driving range as per NEDC. We’ll learn more about the Aiways
U6ion Concept on March 3 when the crossover coupe concept will have its world
debut at the Geneva Motor Show.
