KUALA LUMPUR, 26 September 2025 – The Microlino, a compact electric vehicle (EV) inspired by classic 1950s bubble cars, has been officially previewed in Malaysia. The event marks Malaysia as the first Asian market to showcase the Microlino, with a targeted commercial launch set for early 2026.
Manufactured by Swiss company Micro Mobility Systems, the Microlino is designed primarily for urban mobility — offering minimal environmental impact, stylish retro design, and ultra-compact practicality.
A New Urban EV Segment
The Microlino blends vintage charm with modern EV technology. Its most iconic feature is the front-opening door, similar to that of the vintage BMW Isetta, along with a compact two-seater layout and minimalist interior.
Notable design features include:
- LED light strips at the front and rear
- Headlights integrated into side mirrors
- Two small digital displays (one for instrument cluster, one for essential vehicle controls)
- 230 litres of cargo space, accessible from behind the seats
Specifications of the Malaysian Preview Model
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Battery | 15 kWh lithium battery (standard preview unit); other variants may include 5.5 kWh and 10.5 kWh options |
| Range | Approx. 228 km (WLTP-rated) |
| Power | 17 PS (12.4 kW) rear-mounted electric motor |
| Torque | 17.9 Nm |
| Top Speed | 90 km/h |
| 0–50 km/h | ~5 seconds |
| Charging | AC only; 0–80% charge in approx. 5.5 hours (15 kWh battery) |
| Dimensions | 2,519 mm (L) × 1,473 mm (W) × 1,501 mm (H) |
| Weight | Between 496 kg and 530 kg depending on battery variant |
| Seating | 2 occupants |
Legal Status and Usage in Malaysia
The Microlino preview unit is fully homologated for road use in Malaysia. To operate the vehicle, drivers must hold a Competent Driving License (CDL) with at least Class DA (automatic transmission).
Due to its classification and size, the Microlino will not be permitted on interstate highways. Its usage will be limited to urban and suburban roads — which aligns with its design intent as a short-range, city-focused vehicle.
Launch Timeline and Pricing
The Microlino is expected to officially launch in Malaysia by Q1 2026, pending the finalisation of local EV regulations and incentives. While official pricing has yet to be confirmed, the model previewed is a completely built-up (CBU) import from Italy.
In Europe, Microlino pricing starts from approximately CHF 15,990, which converts to around RM84,000, with higher-spec models priced above RM100,000. Malaysian pricing will likely depend on EV duty exemptions and tax incentives, which are in effect until the end of 2025.
Positioning and Market Potential
The Microlino is not intended to compete with conventional EVs like sedans or crossovers. Instead, it targets a niche segment of urban dwellers, first-time EV adopters, and those looking for a stylish, sustainable second vehicle.
Key Advantages:
- Compact and easy to park in dense cities
- Unique retro styling
- Low energy consumption and maintenance costs
- Sustainable urban mobility alternative
Considerations:
- Not suitable for highway or long-distance travel
- Limited to two seats and modest cargo capacity
- AC charging only, with relatively slow charging rate
- Smaller safety footprint than traditional cars
Conclusion
The Microlino’s introduction to Malaysia signals growing diversification in the local EV market — moving beyond high-performance models to include compact, lifestyle-focused options. While the car’s highway restrictions and modest performance may limit its appeal to a niche segment, its charm, practicality, and low operating costs could make it a popular urban mobility solution.
The upcoming launch in early 2026 will reveal how well Malaysians embrace this unique EV concept — and whether it can carve out a space in the country’s evolving electric vehicle landscape.
