A friend tells you Aixam is for retirees and that Ligier is the real deal. Another swears the opposite. On license-free car forums, this debate has been going round in circles for years. In 2026, these two French brands together control more than 60% of the new license-free car market. But their philosophies are nothing alike. Here is the objective comparison.
The two market champions
Aixam is the undisputed sales leader. Founded in 1983 in Aix-les-Bains, the Savoy company produces around 17,000 vehicles a year. Its reputation: seriousness, build quality, a wide after-sales network. The kind of maker that appeals to buyers who want a reliable tool above all.
Ligier positions itself differently. The brand founded by Guy Ligier (former F1 driver) lays claim to a sporty DNA. The lines are more dynamic, the colors bolder, the marketing message younger. Ligier also bought Microcar in 2012, which makes it a heavyweight group in the sector.
Technical specs compared
| Criterion | Aixam | Ligier |
|---|---|---|
| Main combustion range | e-City, City, Crossover, Coupé | JS50, IXO, IXO S |
| Electric range | e-City (100 km WLTP) | Myli (100 km WLTP) |
| Combustion engine | Lombardini/Kohler diesel/petrol | Daihatsu/Microcar petrol |
| Top speed | 45 km/h | 45 km/h |
| New price (entry level) | From 10,500 € | From 9,200 € |
| New price (top trim) | Up to 18,000 € | Up to 17,500 € |
| Dealer network | ~800 points in France | ~650 points in France |
Design and look: two schools
Aixam: sober and timeless
Aixam plays it understated. The Crossover looks like a small, anonymous SUV, the Coupé like a mini city car. The lines are clean, the colors classic, nothing sticks out. It is not exciting but it is deliberate: Aixam builds everyday utility vehicles, not objects of desire.
The result? Among drivers who do not want their license-free car to draw attention, Aixam wins hands down. Some owners appreciate that nobody immediately guesses it is a license-free car.
Ligier: aggressive and assertive
The JS50 range has sharper lines, sculpted bumpers, a stance that comes close to a sporty city car. The JS50 Sport version or the IXO with its almond-shaped headlights are clearly more flattering than the competition. Ligier does not hide that its vehicle is a license-free car, it makes it a point of pride.
For young drivers, or for those who want something less “invisible,” Ligier clearly scores points.
Powertrain and reliability
The Lombardini engine in Aixam
Aixam fits its combustion models with Lombardini engines (Kohler group), single-cylinder diesels known for their longevity. These powertrains are reputed to pass 100,000 km without any major problem, provided the oil changes are respected. The diesel engine turns over gently, uses around 3 L/100 km and lasts a long time.
The flip side: cold starting in winter weather can be temperamental, and the license-free car diesel segment is in decline (see our article on license-free car diesel vs essence).
The Daihatsu engine in Ligier
Ligier uses Daihatsu petrol blocks (or in-house derived engines). These engines are reliable overall, but their reputation sits slightly below the Lombardini units over the long term according to field feedback. The CVT transmission, common to both brands, is the main point to watch, worth checking on used models beyond 50,000 km.
On-board comfort
Aixam has historically paid attention to cabin space. Headroom and the driver’s legroom are decent for the category. The suspension absorbs urban bumps well. The noise level stays high (normal for a single-cylinder) but comparable to the competition.
Ligier has caught up on this point with its latest generations. The JS50 offers a 100-liter boot (against 80 liters for some Aixam models), a concrete day-to-day advantage. On the other hand, engine vibrations are slightly more noticeable on the petrol-powered Ligiers according to specialist press comparisons.
After-sales and maintenance
This is perhaps where the choice is really decided.
| After-sales criterion | Aixam | Ligier |
|---|---|---|
| Number of service points France | ~800 | ~650 |
| Average wait for common parts | 3-5 days | 4-7 days |
| Annual service cost | 150-250 € | 130-220 € |
| Used parts availability | Very good | Good |
| Manufacturer warranty (new) | 2 years | 2 years |
Aixam has the densest network. In rural areas, finding an Aixam-trained mechanic is generally easier. Parts are slightly more available and the rates are often kept in line within a better-supervised network.
Resale value
Both brands are even on depreciation: a new license-free car loses around 30-35% of its value in 3 years, all brands taken together. Aixam holds its value slightly better used, thanks to its reputation and the stronger demand on the resale market. A 3-year-old Aixam Crossover sells more easily than an equivalent Ligier IXO, according to observations on license-free car sales platforms.
Which profile for which brand?
Choose Aixam if:
- You value long-term reliability
- You live in a rural area (denser after-sales network)
- You want the best resale value
- Discreet design is an advantage for you
- You go for a diesel model
Choose Ligier if:
- Design and the sporty look matter
- You are a young driver (from 14 with the AM license)
- You want the largest boot in the category
- The slightly lower purchase price is decisive
- You are considering the electric Myli version
The verdict
Neither brand is objectively superior. Aixam wins on perceived reliability, after-sales and resale value. Ligier wins on design, the price/equipment ratio and the “fun” side. In practice, both makers produce vehicles that get the job done.
What will really make the difference day to day is less the brand than the use you make of it. A license-free car is built for the city and secondary roads at 45 km/h. The rest depends on the roads you take.
Navigating without stress in an Aixam or Ligier
Neither Aixam nor Ligier comes with a built-in GPS. Most owners fall back on Google Maps or Waze, which regularly suggest routes on expressways or ring roads where license-free cars cannot legally drive.
TacTac is the GPS designed exclusively for license-free cars. Whether you drive an Aixam or a Ligier, the app automatically filters the roads forbidden to license-free cars, calculates the routes best suited to 45 km/h and guides you by voice. See also our guide complet license-free car 2026 to go further.
Join the TacTac waitlist and turn your smartphone into a dedicated license-free car GPS.