French automaker Citroën has pulled back the curtain on its freshly redesigned ë-Berlingo, adding to the intrigue and anticipation in the electric vehicle (EV) sector. The manufacturer promises an unprecedented level of comfort, sleek modern design, and enhanced usability to its enthusiasts, though the actual performance is yet to hit the road and face real-world testing.
Citroën’s New Identity – The Ë-Berlingo Unpacked
Under the hood, ë-Berlingo houses a robust 52kWh battery with an estimated range of up to 198 miles (WLTP combined cycle currently being certified), a 20% improvement from its predecessor. The powertrain offers 136bhp from its electric motor, and it is equipped with an on-board 7.4kW charger, with an option for an 11kW three-phase charger.
The vehicle’s physical prowess has not been overlooked either. Its front end adopts a distinctive, powerful, and modern design, with an assertive new logo marking the centre. Inside, comfort comes first, with Citroën’s Advanced Comfort® seats making their debut in the ë-Berlingo.
However, it’s not all about the looks. The real question is, can new ë-Berlingo deliver on its promise of modernity, comfort, and usability?
Prices, Performance, and Numbers
With an enhanced battery capacity, Citroën promises that the new ë-Berlingo offers a range of up to 198 miles. The car is equipped with a 100KW (136 bhp) motor, which, combined with the new 52kWh battery, offers this extended range.
The charging times vary based on the charger type. The 7.4kW on-board charger provides a full recharge in 7.5 hours, while the optional 11kW three-phase charger promises a full recharge in about 5 hours. For those on-the-go, a 100kW public charging point can pump the battery from 0 to 80% in around 30 minutes.
While these are promising numbers, it remains to be seen how the ë-Berlingo performs in real-world driving conditions as range could differ from the WLTP figures.
Ë-Berlingo’s Key Highlights and Future Prospects
The new ë-Berlingo’s redesign marks a milestone in Citroën’s journey but the spotlight will remain focused on the vehicle’s actual performance post-launch. Among its noteworthy features are the new Advanced Comfort® seats, the increased range, and the latest-generation infotainment system. All these enhancements aim to improve functionality and user experience, and the response from customers will be the real test.
Scheduled to go on sale in spring 2024, the new ë-Berlingo’s practicality, style, and comfort could make it a pacesetter in the EV space. Its battery size and performance, according to Citroën, offer the perfect balance between efficiency for short journeys and longer trips’ requirements. However, as with all new models, only time will tell whether it lives up to the hype.
We’ll keep our eyes on the developments and how the ë-Berlingo fares once it hits U.K. roads, providing our readers with the latest updates and reviews.
