Shanghai (ZXZC)- On November 29, China-based intelligent NEV startup AIWAYS unveiled its first volume production model--the U5 and officially announced the opening-up of its MAS (MORE ADAPTABLE STRUCTURE) platform and modular technologies.

It is noteworthy that a number of senior executives from such Chinese vehicle startups as Qiantu Motor, Singulato Motors, NIO and XPENG Motors attended the unveiling ceremony. Fu Qiang, CEO of AIWAYS said the attendance of peers may indicate that the relationship among EV startups in China will gradually transfer from the pure competition to competition with cooperation. By sharing the MAS platform and modular technologies, AIWAYS and its partners expect to have their development cost reduced substantially and development period shortened.

The U5 production model looks quite similar to its concept car unveiled at Auto China 2018 in April. However, to meet Chinese consumer's aesthetic demand and local governmental regulation, there are still some tangible changes, from example, the rear camera mirror being cancelled, the squarish lamps instead of the ultralong daytime running lights and using a normal steering wheel rather than a U-shaped steering wheel.

The sharp dual waistlines and the floating roof make the vehicle look slimmer. Besides, the taillight cluster running through the rear end, the high-mount stop lamp hidden in the spoiler and the concave in the middle of rear grille all suggest the uniqueness for the model. 

Positioned as a mid-sized all-electric SUV, the U5 volume model measures 4,680mm in length, 1,880mm in width and 1,680mm in height. Wheelbase for the new model is 2,800mm.

With a concise but human-friendly interior, the vehicle features a 12.3-inch LCD (liquid crystal display) at the center console. To facilitate users’ operation and ensure safety, the U5 production model is outfitted with such amenities as HWA (highway assist), APA (active park assist), smart voice-activated system, etc.

Powering the vehicle is an electric motor that pumps out 140kW, energized by a battery pack with capacity of 63Kwh and energy density of 170Kwh/kg. The current NEDC-rated range for the U5 is 460km, which will be increased to 560km in the future by adding extra battery pack.