Tags: #electric-vehicles
Citroën’s ë-Berlingo is the third MPV to be released based on the common Stellantis platform which also underpins the Vauxhall Combo-e Life and Peugeot e-Rifter. It shares a lot with its stablemates, most notably the flexible, cavernous cabin. However, it also gets the Berlingo name which has a bit of a cult following in car lovers’ circles as a real do-it-all vehicle.
Like all of the other EVs from Citroën, Vauxhall and Peugeot based on the EMP-2 platform, the ë-Berlingo gains the 134bhp, 192lb-ft motor driving the front wheels, and a 50kWh battery. Performance of 0-62mph in 11.2 seconds and an 83mph top speed should be more than adequate for most.
Said performance is accessible in ‘Power’ mode which offers up the motor’s full power. Normal and Eco deliver 107bhp and 80bhp respectively and help conserve energy – as does the adjustable regenerative braking. When it comes to charging the 50kWh battery, a maximum input of 100kW means that 80 per cent can be achieved in 30 minutes. Using a 7kW wall box will fully charge the Berlingo in 7.5 hours.
As standard, the ë-Berlingo get a 7.4kW on-board charger whilst an 11kW three-phase charger is optional.
There are two sizes of the Citroën ë-Berlingo available; Medium or XL with the former measuring 4.4m long and the latter 4.75m long. All versions are 1.9m tall and have a very tight turning circle of just 10.8m. Ideal for mini cabbers who we reckon might embrace the ë-Berlingo’s space and rapid charging ability.
Fully aligned with the Citroën Advanced Comfort programme, both five and seven seat variants are available in both sizes with the XL benefitting from up to 4000 litres of space with the seats removed. In normal use, up to 167 litres of additional storage space is available thanks to 26 compartments around the cabin. The Modutop storage in the roof space offers 92 litres on its own.
As standard the Citroën ë-Berlingo gets a central eight-inch touchscreen display for infotainment and vehicle configuration such as deferred charging or pre-set cabin temperature. An optional 10 inch digital dash can augment the navigation as well as offering a high-definition alternative to regular dials.
Connectivity comes in the form of three packages. Connect Assist uses the My Citroën app to make the ownership and driving experience more convenient and also provides SOS assistance. Connect Nav gives a three-year subscription to connected navigation services such as real-time traffic and detailed charging network information. Connect Play adds Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Up to 18 driver assistance technologies are available on the ë-Berlingo. These include keyless entry and start; a colour head-up display; reversing camera with top rear vision; intelligent beam headlights; cruise control with speed limiter and park assist. Further safety measures include active safety brake, lane departure and driver attention warnings, hill start and descent assist, traffic sign recognition and blind spot monitoring.
Update 03.11.21: The ë-Berlingo has finally hit dealership forecourts here in the UK. Orders started earlier this year, but deliveries will now finally begin. The headline is that both trim levels are priced below £35,000 and therefore qualify for the government’s plug-in car grant. The ‘Feel’ trim level is available in both standard wheelbase for £29,575 and long wheelbase for £31,575. The higher spec Flair XTR version is available in standard wheelbase and costs £32,280.
Update 25.01.22: Citroën has expanded its ë-Berlingo Electric line-up with the introduction of a top-spec, 'Flair XTR' trim level car in the larger XL bodystyle. It retains the same powertrain as all other versions of the car, but with an additional 35cm of body length, it simply increases the ë-Berlingo's already capacious interior. It costs from £32,995 on the road and is available now.
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