Aiways U5 - Spacious Electric SUV with a Critical Flaw
BIKMAN TECHFamilies looking for a roomy electric SUV have a surprising contender from China: the Aiways U5. This compact crossover packs limousine-like rear legroom and a massive boot into a package that rivals European models. But after months of in-depth investigation, we at BIKMAN TECH have uncovered a critical after-sales crisis that every potential buyer must understand before signing on the dotted line. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the real-world range, comfort, safety, and the support nightmare that defines the U5 ownership experience today.
1. Overview
The Aiways U5 is a fully electric compact SUV built by the Chinese startup Aiways. First shown as a concept in 2018 and launched in 2019, it was designed specifically for the European market with help from top suppliers like Bosch and CATL. Under the hood, a 150 kW (204 hp) electric motor powers the front wheels, fed by a 63 kWh battery. On paper, it boasts a WLTP range of up to 410 km (255 miles) and fast-charging capability that rivals much pricier EVs. But the real story is inside – the U5 offers passenger space that shames many larger vehicles, making it an intriguing option for families on a budget.
2. Key Features at a Glance
The U5 arrives with a generous list of standard equipment that often costs extra on German competitors. Here’s what stands out:
- 150 kW/310 Nm electric motor delivering brisk acceleration
- 63 kWh CATL battery with patented sandwich construction for improved safety and cooling
- DC fast charging up to 90 kW (20-80% in about 35 minutes)
- Level 2+ ADAS suite: adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping, blind-spot monitoring, 360° cameras, and autonomous emergency braking
- Over-the-air (OTA) updates for continuous software improvements
- Wired Apple CarPlay & Android Auto with no built-in navigation (phone required)
- Panoramic fixed glass roof and heated front seats on higher trims
- I-SIZE child seat anchors on outer rear seats
On the feature checklist, the U5 punches above its weight class.
3. Design and Build Quality
Styled by Japanese designer Ken Okuyama (of Ferrari Enzo fame), the U5 adopts a clean, understated European look. Flush door handles, a drag coefficient of just 0.29, and well-proportioned lines give it a modern SUV stance. The body mixes 52% aluminum with 48% steel, helping keep kerb weight to a reasonable 1,720–1,770 kg (3,792–3,902 lbs).
Inside, the dashboard is dominated by a 12.3-inch central touchscreen and an unconventional three-panel LCD instrument cluster. Soft-touch foamed surfaces on upper sections and felt-lined door bins add a surprisingly premium feel. However, you’ll quickly notice the missing glovebox – Aiways removed it to free up front-passenger knee room, and the owner’s manual lives entirely on the screen. The ADAC praised the car’s fit, finish, and paint quality, but some hard plastics in lower cabin areas remind you this is a first effort from a young company.
4. Interior Space and Comfort
This is where the Aiways U5 truly excels. Rear-seat legroom stretches up to 500 mm (19.7 in) – that’s luxury-sedan territory – and the completely flat floor makes sitting three across a breeze. The fixed panoramic glass roof floods the cabin with light and makes the already airy space feel even bigger. Boot space starts at 432 liters (15.3 cu ft) with the seats up, expanding to over 1,555 liters (54.9 cu ft) when folded. There’s also a 50-liter front trunk and handy under-floor compartments. On the road, the softly tuned suspension soaks up potholes and speed bumps beautifully, making the U5 a serene long-distance cruiser. The cabin remains remarkably quiet, with wind and road noise kept well in check.
5. Performance and Driving Experience
The front-mounted electric motor delivers 150 kW (204 hp) and 310 Nm of instant torque, enough for a 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) sprint in 7.5–7.8 seconds. Top speed is electronically capped at 160 km/h (99 mph) to preserve range. This isn’t a sporty SUV; the suspension prioritizes comfort, resulting in noticeable body roll during cornering and steering that feels light and devoid of feedback. But for everyday family driving, it does the job. Straight-line stability on the highway is excellent, and the ADAC’s emergency lane-change test showed safe, predictable behavior. Braking from 100 km/h requires 36.5 meters (120 ft) – acceptable, though some rivals stop shorter.
6. Battery, Range, and Charging
The 63 kWh lithium-ion battery (60 kWh usable) uses CATL cells and a clever sandwich structure that physically separates the cooling circuit from the modules, enhancing safety and durability. Aiways promises the battery will retain at least 80% capacity after 8 years or 150,000 km (93,000 miles).
Official WLTP combined range reaches 410 km (255 miles). Charging is handled via a CCS port behind the left headlamp. DC fast charging at up to 90 kW replenishes the battery from 20% to 80% in roughly 35 minutes – a strong performance, with an average charging power of 78 kW observed in independent tests. The on-board AC charger was originally 6.6 kW (0-100% in ~10 hours) but was upgraded to 11 kW on 2022 models, cutting a full charge to around 7 hours.
7. Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Motor | Permanent-magnet synchronous, 150 kW (204 hp), 310 Nm |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive, single-speed |
| Battery | 63 kWh gross (60 kWh usable), CATL cells |
| WLTP Range | 400–410 km (249–255 miles) |
| 0–100 km/h | 7.5–7.8 seconds |
| Top Speed | 160 km/h (99 mph) |
| DC Fast Charging | Up to 90 kW, 20–80% in ~35 min |
| AC Charging | 6.6 kW (11 kW from 2022), 0–100% in 7–10 hrs |
| Length | 4,680 mm (184.3 in) |
| Width | 1,865 mm (73.4 in) |
| Height | 1,700 mm (66.9 in) |
| Wheelbase | 2,800 mm (110.2 in) |
| Kerb Weight | 1,720–1,770 kg (3,792–3,902 lbs) |
| Boot Capacity | 432 L (15.3 cu ft), up to 1,555 L (54.9 cu ft) |
| Towing Capacity | 1,500 kg braked (3,307 lbs) |
| Euro NCAP | 3 stars (2019) |
8. Real-World Efficiency: What to Expect
Here’s where the U5 falls behind its rivals. While the WLTP figure promises combined consumption of 16.6–17.0 kWh/100 km, independent tests paint a different picture. The ADAC’s Ecotest recorded a much thirstier 24.7 kWh/100 km, resulting in a real-world range of just 290 km (180 miles). Even in more forgiving hands, motorway range typically hovers around 228 km (142 miles), and city driving extends to roughly 326 km (203 miles). Cold weather reduces these figures further. Adding to the disappointment, charging losses are significant – refilling the 63 kWh battery from empty consumed 77.3 kWh in ADAC testing. If range efficiency is your top priority, the U5 will require frequent planning.
9. Infotainment and Ease of Use
Aiways has gone all-in on touchscreen controls, eliminating nearly all physical buttons. The result is a clean dashboard but a frustrating everyday experience: adjusting the climate or driver aids requires diving into menus while driving. The infotainment software can feel sluggish, and there is no built-in navigation system – you must connect your smartphone via USB to use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto for maps. The companion smartphone app, which adds remote climate control and charging monitoring, has been a persistent headache. In early 2025, the car’s mobile connectivity failed across much of Europe, leaving the app completely unusable for months. The start procedure is also unconventional: no start button, just enter with the key and press the brake.
10. Safety: Euro NCAP and Driver Aids
The U5 received a disappointing three-star Euro NCAP rating in 2019. While the passenger compartment held up in frontal crashes, the side-curtain airbag failed to deploy correctly in the barrier test and offered poor head protection in the pole test. The 10-year-old child dummy wasn’t fully restrained in a frontal impact, and pedestrian protection was subpar. The speed-assistance system often failed to recognize traffic signs. Aiways later updated the airbag-deployment software, but no re-test has been performed. The extensive ADAS suite (adaptive cruise, lane-keeping, blind-spot) is welcome, but the system’s reliability doesn’t match the best from established automakers.
11. The After-Sales Support Crisis ⚠️
This is the single most important reason to think twice about the Aiways U5. Since late 2023, the brand’s European presence has crumbled. The German sales and service partner Euronics terminated its agreement, leaving owners without a service network. Spare parts have become virtually unobtainable, with some customers waiting months for simple items like a door handle. In 2025, the car’s mobile connectivity failed, killing the companion app entirely – and Aiways has been unreachable for comments or solutions. Registered letters to the Munich office have been returned as undeliverable. While the car itself can be a great family hauler, the ownership experience has turned into a nightmare for many. Before buying, ask yourself: can I accept the risk of owning a vehicle with uncertain warranty and service support?
12. Pros and Cons Summary
What we love:
- Exceptional interior space and supreme rear legroom
- Comfortable, quiet ride ideal for long journeys
- Generous standard equipment (panoramic roof, 360° cameras, ADAS)
- Strong DC fast-charging speed (90 kW, high average rate)
- Long service intervals (100,000 km / 62,000 miles)
- Competent 1,500 kg towing capacity
What gives us pause:
- Catastrophic after-sales support – service network collapse, spare parts drought
- App and connectivity failures leave key digital features dead
- Poor real-world efficiency; real range far below WLTP
- Three-star Euro NCAP with side-impact and pedestrian protection gaps
- Frustrating touchscreen-only controls and no physical glovebox
- Brand viability in question following production stoppages
13. Is the Aiways U5 Right for You?
The Aiways U5 is an undeniably spacious and comfortable electric family SUV that, on paper, represents excellent value. If you prioritize passenger room above all else and can live with a lower real-world range, its core hardware has proven solid for some owners who’ve racked up high mileages. However, the collapse of after-sales support, parts availability, and digital services makes this a high-risk purchase in 2025. For most buyers, we’d recommend looking at established alternatives like the Volkswagen ID.4, Škoda Enyaq, or Kia Niro EV, where the ownership experience is far more predictable. If you’re still tempted by the U5’s cavernous interior, please do your homework on local service availability first. We at BIKMAN TECH always want you to drive away happy – drop your questions in the comments, and share this review with anyone shopping for a family EV!
Images of Aiways U5
