Vehicle model
Aixam City Premium
The Aixam City Premium represents the culmination of over thirty years of expertise by French manufacturer Aixam in the field of light quadricycles, these license-free vehicles that occupy a unique niche in the European automotive landscape. Founded in 1983 in Aix-les-Bains in Savoie, Aixam has established itself as the undisputed leader in the license-free car market, particularly in France where regulations allow people to drive these vehicles from age 14 with the BSR (Road Safety Certificate) or without a traditional driver's license. The City Premium was launched in 2018 as the top-tier version of the City range, itself introduced to offer a compact and modern urban vehicle adapted to the mobility needs of congested city centers. Positioned at the top of the Aixam hierarchy, the City Premium distinguishes itself through superior equipment and finish levels compared to base versions. It fits within the tradition of light quadricycles regulated by the L6e category in Europe, which imposes strict constraints: maximum unladen weight of 350 kg (excluding batteries for electric versions), power limited to 4 kW (approximately 6 horsepower), and maximum speed capped at 45 km/h. These technical limitations have not prevented Aixam from developing a remarkably accomplished vehicle, featuring modern bodywork with dynamic lines that seek to distance themselves from the sometimes austere image of traditional license-free cars. The City Premium's design emphasizes a compact yet harmonious silhouette, with reduced dimensions facilitating urban parking while offering a surprisingly spacious cabin for two passengers. Aixam's designers worked the proportions to give a more automotive appearance than some competitors, with an expressive front fascia, modern lighting units, and sculpted body lines. The interior benefits in the Premium version from higher-quality materials, more comfortable seats, and a better-finished dashboard than entry-level versions. Mechanically, the City Premium was initially offered with the 400 cc liquid-cooled twin-cylinder Kubota diesel engine, developing the maximum authorized power of 4 kW. This robust and economical engine, specially designed for quadricycles, offers remarkably low fuel consumption, often below 3 liters per 100 kilometers. The CVT automatic transmission ensures simple and accessible driving, particularly appreciated by customers often new to driving. Starting in 2020, Aixam enriched the offering with a 100% electric version called e-City Premium, equipped with an electric motor and lithium-ion batteries offering approximately 75 kilometers of range, perfectly suited to daily urban journeys. The City Premium targets a varied clientele: young drivers, elderly people wishing to maintain their independence, city dwellers seeking a compact and economical mobility solution, or people who have lost their driver's license. The French market remains the most important for this type of vehicle, but Aixam also exports to several European countries. Despite a relatively high purchase price for a vehicle in this category (often between 12,000 and 16,000 euros depending on equipment), the City Premium enjoys stable commercial success, with Aixam selling several thousand units annually and maintaining its dominant position against competitors like Ligier and Microcar.
History
History of the Aixam City Premium
The Aixam City Premium represents the culmination of over thirty years of expertise by French manufacturer Aixam in the field of light quadricycles, these license-free vehicles that occupy a unique niche in the European automotive landscape. Founded in 1983 in Aix-les-Bains in Savoie, Aixam has established itself as the undisputed leader in the license-free car market, particularly in France where regulations allow people to drive these vehicles from age 14 with the BSR (Road Safety Certificate) or without a traditional driver's license. The City Premium was launched in 2018 as the top-tier version of the City range, itself introduced to offer a compact and modern urban vehicle adapted to the mobility needs of congested city centers. Positioned at the top of the Aixam hierarchy, the City Premium distinguishes itself through superior equipment and finish levels compared to base versions. It fits within the tradition of light quadricycles regulated by the L6e category in Europe, which imposes strict constraints: maximum unladen weight of 350 kg (excluding batteries for electric versions), power limited to 4 kW (approximately 6 horsepower), and maximum speed capped at 45 km/h. These technical limitations have not prevented Aixam from developing a remarkably accomplished vehicle, featuring modern bodywork with dynamic lines that seek to distance themselves from the sometimes austere image of traditional license-free cars. The City Premium's design emphasizes a compact yet harmonious silhouette, with reduced dimensions facilitating urban parking while offering a surprisingly spacious cabin for two passengers. Aixam's designers worked the proportions to give a more automotive appearance than some competitors, with an expressive front fascia, modern lighting units, and sculpted body lines. The interior benefits in the Premium version from higher-quality materials, more comfortable seats, and a better-finished dashboard than entry-level versions. Mechanically, the City Premium was initially offered with the 400 cc liquid-cooled twin-cylinder Kubota diesel engine, developing the maximum authorized power of 4 kW. This robust and economical engine, specially designed for quadricycles, offers remarkably low fuel consumption, often below 3 liters per 100 kilometers. The CVT automatic transmission ensures simple and accessible driving, particularly appreciated by customers often new to driving. Starting in 2020, Aixam enriched the offering with a 100% electric version called e-City Premium, equipped with an electric motor and lithium-ion batteries offering approximately 75 kilometers of range, perfectly suited to daily urban journeys. The City Premium targets a varied clientele: young drivers, elderly people wishing to maintain their independence, city dwellers seeking a compact and economical mobility solution, or people who have lost their driver's license. The French market remains the most important for this type of vehicle, but Aixam also exports to several European countries. Despite a relatively high purchase price for a vehicle in this category (often between 12,000 and 16,000 euros depending on equipment), the City Premium enjoys stable commercial success, with Aixam selling several thousand units annually and maintaining its dominant position against competitors like Ligier and Microcar.
Technology
Technologies, engines and platforms
The City Premium is based on a tubular steel chassis specifically designed to meet L6e category weight constraints. The 400 cc liquid-cooled twin-cylinder Kubota diesel engine develops 4 kW and stands out for its reliability and exceptional fuel economy. The CVT automatic transmission simplifies driving. Since 2020, the electric e-City Premium version offers an electric motor powered by lithium-ion batteries providing approximately 75 km range. Independent wheel suspension improves comfort despite the short wheelbase. Front disc brakes and rear drum brakes provide braking suited to the 45 km/h maximum speed. Modern equipment includes power steering, heating, electric windows, and audio system on Premium versions.
Tires and wheels
Tire and wheel compatibility
Tire and wheel dimensions for the Aixam City Premium vary depending on versions and model years. It is recommended to verify the exact size indicated on the vehicle's door jamb or in the owner's manual before purchasing tires or wheels.
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