Aiways U6 the next big Chinese EV chance for Australia
Right-hand drive production in the mix for cool-looking Aiways U6 coupe-style SUVAiways has emerged as the latest Chinese electric car brand that’s well-positioned to mount an attack on the burgeoning EV market in Australia with the 2023 Aiways U6 revealed overnight.
Resembling a Polestar 2 from almost every angle, the Aiways U6 SUV-coupe has debuted in Shanghai with a bespoke platform capable of covering up to 400km on a single charge and a powertrain rated to 160kW/315Nm.
Part of the secret to that respectable driving range is the slippery 0.25Cd drag coefficient, but the bulk of it comes down to the 63kWh battery which can be charged at up to 90kW with a DC fast-charger.
Doing so will take the charge level from 30-80 per cent in around 30 minutes.
While an Australian launch is yet to be locked in, Aiways is planning a full-scale assault on the European market starting next year, including the UK, which in turn opens the door for Australia.
The U6 measures 4.80m long, 1.88m wide and 1.64m tall, making it bigger than the Polestar 2.
The Chinese newcomer is also considerably lighter than the equivalent single-motor Polestar at 1790kg versus 1940kg.
No concrete performance figures have been quoted yet for the U6 other than its 180km/h top speed and a 0-100km/h time of “under seven seconds”.
The cabin features a vivid cream, navy and salmon colourway, slimline digital cockpit and an expansive 14.6-inch infotainment screen mounted above a free-standing wireless charging pad.
The gear selector is a novel twist-grip contraption perched above the stylish and uncluttered centre console.
Other equipment highlights include leather upholstery, smartphone mirroring, aluminium interior trim, 360-scene ambient lighting, 10-speaker MAGNAT premium sound system, heat pump heating system and over-the-air software update compatibility.
Aiways quotes a luggage capacity of 472 litres, expanding to 1260L with the back seats folded.
More variants and powertrain configurations have been promised for the U6, including dual-motor versions that should see it stand toe-to-toe with the Polestar 2 and Tesla Model Y, as well as other Chinese-built offerings like the GWM Next Ora Cat.
Related: GWM to launch more than 50 NEVs by 2025
Related: Seven Chinese auto brands now likely in Australia
For everything you auto know about EVs, listen to carsales' Watts Under the Bonnet: the electric car podcast
Join the conversation at
Or email us at
Or email us at
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
