Microlino 2.0: The successor to the Isetta is now ready

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The BMW Isetta was a vehicle manufactured by the German brand in the 50s. A model with an urban approach was redesigned by Micro Mobility Systems in 2018 under the name Microlino and is now 100% electric.

Start of production

Two years later, in 2020 an updated version arrived under the name Microlino 2.0, which was scheduled to debut at the Geneva Motor Show, which was not held due to the pandemic. Later a third prototype was shown, but now it is the turn of the production version and the IAA Mobility has been the best possible showcase. The vehicle arrives with a redesigned and more technological interior that includes digital instrumentation and another touch screen in the central part of the dashboard.

Another novelty is the redesigned folding roof. Developed by convertible systems specialist Magna Car Top Systems, this new system can be easily opened and closed with one hand while driving, thus letting in a gentle breeze. The folding roof will be available as an option and as standard in the most equipped versions. The lights are led and the round headlights mounted on the side mirrors continue to make an appearance.

The front door handle has also been removed to further simplify the design. To open the door from the outside, it is necessary to unlock the car with the key and press a small button under the headlight. This allows comfortable access to the passenger compartment. If this operation is repeated from the inside, there is another button located on the back of the aluminum handlebar, which activates the mechanism, as well as an orange handle that closes the door.

Inside there is room for 2 people and 230 liters of cargo space.

More solid and attractive

This Microlino 2.0 has a completely new structure and a wider rear axle to improve stability, as well as a redesigned front end with thinner A-pillars that allow to improve visibility and also be much more aerodynamic by having some lights directly integrated into the bodywork as well as the handle to open the only door that it has that is now hidden. Its rear has also been redesigned and now has a much more modern look with taillights in the form of a thin horizontal bar that follows the same style as the front.

In charge of the propulsion appears a "stronger and more efficient" electric motor with quite modest figures since it offers 17 horsepower and a maximum torque of 118 Nm, with a maximum peak of 26 CV. Thanks to the low curb weight (435 kg excluding batteries) it can accelerate from 0 to 50 km / h in 5 seconds with a maximum speed of 90 km / h. The suspension is of the McPherson type on both axles.

The two-seater arrives with three available finishes: Urban, Dolce, and Competizione.

The Microlino 2.0 is available with three different batteries. First of all, has a capacity of 6 kWh and offers a range of 95 kilometers, a figure that increases to 175 km if the 10.5 kWh battery is chosen. The most capable of all offers 14 kWh and a range of use of 230 kilometers. When carrying out a load from 0 to 80%, the manufacturer announces a waiting time of 3 or 4 hours (6 and 14 kWh).

Despite the higher costs of development and production, 2.0 Microlino has remained faithful to the initial price of 12.500 euro announced. The company claims that it is finally ready to produce the city car at its own facilities in Turin starting this year, having received more than 24,000 bookings so far. Initially, the annual capacity will be around 7,500 vehicles, but there is the possibility of increasing it even more in the future. The first units will be distributed by Switzerland, followed by Germany, and sales in the rest of Europe will begin later.