- The Sensible #2 is a deliberate two-seat minicar, to be launched in 2026.
- It’s designed by Mercedes-Benz, however will probably be made in China.
- It will likely be obtainable in China and Europe, plus some unspecified “international markets.”
Sensible began out as an inexpensive minicar model thought up by the watch firm Swatch. When it was bought largely to China’s Geely (with Mercedes-Benz retaining a stake), it morphed right into a premium model that appears to have misplaced its far more than some say Mini has. Its minicar roots are gone, changed with not-so-small hatchbacks and crossovers bought for a not-so-cheap worth.
Issues are about to vary, although. On Tuesday, Sensible introduced that it’s attempting its hand on the minicar section once more.
The forthcoming two-seat automotive will probably be known as the #2 and will probably be constructed on a completely new car platform totally different from the present #1, #3, and #5. Tong Xiangbei, international CEO of Sensible, stated it’s a lot more durable to develop a brand new mannequin and structure for a small automotive than it’s to make a bigger one. Sensible says this mannequin structure was developed particularly for ultra-compact minicars.
Photograph by: sensible
Apart from that, we don’t know an excessive amount of extra in regards to the forthcoming #2. The preview pictures present a parking area markedly shorter than its present fashions, with the textual content “reserved for #2”. A silhouette of the #2 suggests it’s going to be roughly the identical form and dimension as earlier Sensible metropolis automobiles, so it ought to ship the identical legendary parkability as these earlier fashions. Sensible says the car is in its last design and testing phases and can launch in late 2026.
In fact, this isn’t the primary electrical Sensible; the Sensible Electrical Drive was launched in 2007 (2011 for the U.S.). Sensible additionally grew to become an electric-only model within the U.S. earlier than it left our market solely in 2019. Below its new Chinese language possession, it focuses on EVs, with three on sale as we speak. Sadly, that quick wheelbase limits the quantity of battery that the automotive can take. The ultimate technology Sensible ED solely had a 16.5 kWh battery, good for as much as 58 miles of vary on the EPA cycle.
Will this come to the U.S? It’s not going. The previous Sensible bought fairly dismally. Nonetheless, Sensible says this mannequin will make it to each Europe and China, together with another “international markets.” If you happen to’re in Europe and seeking to get your two-door, two-seat EV repair, then keep tuned. Sensible’s returning to its roots late subsequent yr.
Contact the writer: Kevin.Williams@insideevs.com
