Even if it is very much aimed at an urban clientele, the new brand of the Renault group, Mobilize, will indeed offer a large sedan in its range at the end of 2022. But this Limo manufactured in China will be 100% electric and specially designed for taxi drivers or drivers. VTC.
Do you find that this large sedan, presented at the next Munich Motor Show, does not look at all like the usual productions of the Losange? This is normal: it will not be offered by the Losange, but by its subsidiary Mobilize. A very young brand that focuses on new forms of mobility, in order to seduce those who are resistant to owning an automobile. This population would indeed be more and more numerous, especially in town.
Because yes, despite its 4.67 m long, this Limo is well intended for urban use in priority, like the Duo quadricycle, replacing the Twizy, or the small utility Bento. The objective of this novelty, developed with the Chinese partner Jiangling, is to conquer the public passenger transport market, starting with taxi and VTC drivers. A market estimated at 50 billion in Europe, against 28 billion euros currently.
Marketing in the form of packages
So do not expect to buy this Mobilize in a concession in the classic way, at least on the Old Continent. With us, its marketing in the second half of 2022 will only be carried out via packages, including various services for professionals: maintenance, insurance, recharging or payment solutions, etc. The manufacturer thus promises a controlled and very competitive total cost of ownership (TCO). Managed by RCI Bank and Services, these rental contracts will be flexible in terms of duration and mileage. A pay-per-use system, aka “pay as you drive”, will also be offered for occasional drivers.
A modest 100% electric motor
In this context, the model itself might almost seem secondary. But this Mobilize Limo can still count on a few assets to seduce. Starting with its 100% electric motorization, which is set to develop at a time when restrictions linked to EPZs will multiply in the large agglomerations of France and Europe. With its 150 hp and 220 Nm, however, do not expect a rival from a Tesla Model 3, despite a similar format. The 0 to 100 km / h in 9.6 s is not dazzling, and the top speed will be limited to 140 km / h. This wagon prefers to rely on more placid arguments, such as a turning circle of only 11.2 m or a range of around 450 km on the WLTP cycle, authorized by its 60 kWh liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery. The maximum charging power is not communicated, but it would take 40 minutes to recover 250 km of autonomy… Which is far from the best students in this field.
Rather pampered rear passengers
The interior promises to treat both the driver and his passengers. In front, there is a driver’s seat with 8-way electric adjustments, a refrigerated compartment, 10.25-inch digital instrumentation and a large 12.3-inch central touch screen. Behind, the 2.75 m wheelbase should offer good roominess, the doors have a wide opening and the flat floor will simplify the life of a possible third occupant. Two USB sockets, an audio volume control, aerators and reading lights are also part of the game for a more comfortable ride. On the other hand, with 411 dm3, the trunk volume remains modest for the category: very popular with Parisian taxis, the Toyota Camry, admittedly longer by 22 cm, announces 524 dm3.
Equipment adapted to its use
The presence of a space saver spare wheel, however, partly moderates this underperformance. This Mobilize Limo can thus boast of having equipment rather suited to its very specific use. In addition to its various USB sockets and its two screens, it also includes:
- Eight airbags
- 100% LED headlights
- TEP upholstery (imitation leather)
- Retractable door handles
- 17-inch aluminum rims
- An active cruise control
- Blind spot detection
- Help to stay on track
- Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Reading the signs
- 360 degree panoramic vision
- Front and rear parking assistance radars
- A warning of the presence of vehicles in reverse
A winter pack including seats and a heated steering wheel will also be offered in certain markets. On the other hand, this version will only be available from us in three very wise colors, a white, a gray and a black. As for individuals who would be interested, the easiest solution for them will be to become a private driver or to move to China! Made in the Middle Kingdom, like the Dacia Spring also offered by Mobilize, this sedan will be marketed there as part of the joint venture between Renault and Jiangling Motors Group, under the name Ezoom Yi.
TO READ. Renault Mobilize. Shared cars named Duo, Limo, Bento, Hippo
