The Aiways U6 is the carmaker's second mass-production all-electric model following the U5, positioned as a crossover SUV-coupé. Unveiled in 2021, the model was designed to broaden Aiways' customer base in overseas markets through a sportier design language and optimised aerodynamics. As a cornerstone of the brand's early "globalisation strategy", the U6 initially carried high expectations; however, as of 2026, crippled by the brand's wider operational crisis and the complete standstill of its aftersales support network, the model has effectively bowed out of mainstream market competition.
The Aiways U6 is positioned as a compact all-electric SUV-coupé, measuring 4,805 mm in length, 1,880 mm in width, and 1,641 mm in height, with a 2,800 mm wheelbase. Its core product identity centres on being a "coupé-styled pure electric SUV" and an "aerodynamic pioneer". Key selling points of the model include:
Sporty exterior styling: Adopting a more aggressive "shark nose" front fascia and a sweeping fastback silhouette, it achieves an impressive drag coefficient of just 0.248 Cd, ranking among the best in its class for EVs.
Digitalised cockpit: Fitted with an 8.2-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.6-inch central infotainment touchscreen, the cabin incorporates a "smart cockpit" concept supporting intelligent features such as remote parking assist via a smartphone app.
Dynamic chassis and handling: With chassis dynamics tuned by a dedicated engineering team, the braking system features an iBooster electromechanical brake booster, delivering a tested 100–0 km/h braking distance of roughly 34.4 metres, with a strong focus on performance and safety.
Origins (2020–2021): The model stems from the U6 ion concept car first showcased at the 2020 Chengdu Motor Show. By 2021, the production-spec Aiways U6 was finalised, built upon Aiways' in-house developed MAS platform.
Market Rollout (2022): In 2022, Aiways opened pre-orders for the U6 across European markets, aiming to entice middle-class buyers seeking a well-appointed electric SUV-coupé. Rollout plans covered countries including Germany, the Netherlands, and Switzerland, serving as a key addition to Aiways' export product portfolio.
Brand Crisis and Halting of Operations (2023 to Present): Following a severe financial crisis at Aiways in mid-2023—marked by salary arrears, plant shutdowns, and disrupted supply chains—production of the U6 and subsequent over-the-air (OTA) software updates ceased entirely. Although the brand attempted to find a lifeline via external capital restructuring in 2024 and announced plans to pivot towards overseas markets, the U6 has suffered from a prolonged lack of vital technical support (notably telematics and replacement parts availability), rendering it an effectively orphaned model in the market.
Positioning and Target Market: Positioned higher upmarket and sportier than the U5, the U6 was targeted at younger buyers seeking individuality and a sporty edge. However, due to the brand's inherent weaknesses in brand awareness and retail network development, sales of the U6 never attained the expected economies of scale.
Current Owner Feedback: By 2026, existing owners in export markets (particularly in the Nordic region and wider Europe) have reported major issues, primarily concerning defunct connected-car features (loss of 4G network connection), unlinked app functionality, and a complete breakdown in replacement parts supply. Consequently, residual values on the European used car market have plummeted, and without official aftersales backing, everyday usability and roadworthiness face immense hurdles.
Powertrain Architecture: Driven by Aiways' proprietary AI-PT electric powertrain, it features a front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor delivering a maximum power output of 160 kW and peak torque of 315 Nm, capable of completing the 0–100 km/h sprint in under 7 seconds.
Battery System: Equipped with a 63 kWh sandwich-structure battery pack utilising CATL cells, providing a driving range of approximately 400 km under the WLTP test cycle.
Intelligent Driving and Infotainment: The vehicle was initially equipped with an ADAS suite technically supported by Continental and Mobileye, featuring an extensive array of hardware sensors; however, following the termination of partnerships with software vendors, over-the-air update capabilities for these systems have been permanently lost.
As of 2026, there are no future R&D, production, or feature update plans for the Aiways U6. Although the parent company is undergoing an arduous corporate restructuring process, the technical support and aftersales service network for this generation of the U6 have virtually collapsed. Aside from limited maintenance assistance sourced through independent third-party workshops, the Aiways U6 has reached a de facto end of life in the global automotive landscape.
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