ARI Bruni
The ARI Bruni joined the German manufacturer’s range in November 2024, bringing a compact electric four-seater based on one of China’s best-known city cars. It is derived from the Wuling Hongguang Mini EV, built by the SAIC-GM-Wuling joint venture and sold in China since 2020.
ARI Motors adapted the vehicle for the European market, offering it as an L7e light quadricycle rather than a conventional M1 passenger car. This classification limits its maximum continuous power to 15 kW (20 hp) and its top speed to 90 km/h (56 mph).
Despite its tiny dimensions, the Bruni has a surprisingly modern-looking cabin. The dashboard features a digital instrument cluster and a separate central touchscreen, while the two-spoke steering wheel and two-tier dashboard give the interior a contemporary appearance. Some versions also feature two-tone upholstery in beige and brown. The overall design is simple, with plenty of hard plastics.
The exterior retains the distinctive proportions of its Chinese donor, with a short bonnet, upright windscreen, tall roof and large windows. It is a two-door hatchback, with access to the rear seats through the front doors and a tailgate at the back. ARI offers several colourful finishes, including shades called Pistachio, Champagne, Pineapple and Bubblegum. The Style trim adds 13-inch alloy wheels, while the Cargo replaces the rear bench with a wooden load floor, tie-down points and a protective partition.
The Bruni measures approximately 3.07 metres (121 inches) long, 1.49 metres (59 inches) wide and 1.63 metres (64 inches) tall, with a 2.01-metre (79-inch) wheelbase. It weighs around 700 kg (1,543 lbs) and can carry up to four people, depending on the version. The rear seats can be folded to increase luggage capacity to as much as 1,180 litres. The Cargo model is configured as a two-seater and provides a dedicated load area instead.
Despite its small footprint, the Bruni has an 8.8-metre (28.9-foot) turning circle. It is rear-wheel drive, with the electric motor mounted over the rear axle. The suspension uses coil springs at both ends, while braking is handled by front discs and rear drums. According to ADAC, the vehicle has a gross weight of 970 kg (2,139 lbs) and a payload of 270 kg (595 lbs). It can also tow a trailer weighing up to 450 kg (992 lbs) with brakes or 300 kg (661 lbs) without them.
Power comes from an electric motor rated at 15 kW (20 hp), paired with a 17.3 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery included in the purchase price. ARI quotes a range of up to 215 km (134 miles) and combined energy consumption of 9.4 kWh/100 km. Charging from a household 230-volt socket takes approximately five to six hours, while a wallbox reduces this to around four to five hours. An optional CCS adapter enables DC fast charging, with a full charge taking approximately one hour.
The Bruni is available in several configurations. Pure can be ordered with either two or four seats, while Style is a four-seater. Comfort is offered in both seating layouts, and Cargo is configured as a two-seat commercial vehicle.
Standard equipment includes driver and front-passenger airbags, ABS, electric windows, remote central locking, a reversing camera and LED daytime running lights. Depending on the trim, additional features include air conditioning, power steering, alloy wheels and driver-assistance systems. A roof-mounted solar panel is also available.
Although the Bruni is normally registered as an L7e vehicle, ARI Motors also offers a conversion to the M1 passenger-car category for €490 net. This allows buyers to register it as a conventional passenger car and potentially qualify for Germany’s 2026 electric-car incentive programme, subject to the scheme’s other requirements. The Bruni therefore occupies an unusual position in ARI’s range: a small, relatively inexpensive electric city car that can be configured for family use or converted into a compact commercial vehicle.
