first purpose-built electric car—debuting the brand’s widely adaptable, all-electric MEB platform, which is modular for greater adaptability to different vehicle types and designed to simplify electric powertrain hardware—is shaping up to be the EV surprise of the year. First, it’s got a striking design, at once sleek and perhaps a little toy-like, but absolutely eye-catching and attractive. The profile rises toward the rear, lending the car an unmistakably athletic posture, and its interior is clean and bright thanks to the optional glass roof. Second, its electric chops will go a lot further toward winning over consumers than most of the affordable EVs that have debuted thus far. Arriving as a crossover certainly gives it a leg up,
but its 201-horsepower, 82-kWh powertrain will make it energetic—
though perhaps not a ton of true fun—while delivering an estimated 250 miles of driving range.
The magic number for EVs is 300 miles nowadays, but few hit that mark, and 250 is more than enough to match people’s daily driving needs.