Citroën has just given a second lease of life to the ë-Berlingo, its electric MPV. With this redesign, the family vehicle has a new look: new design, new equipment, improved autonomy, etc. We take stock of this version.
Clearly, the Stellantis group’s utility vehicles and MPVs have all been going through the overhaul process in recent weeks. In early November 2023, Peugeot got the ball rolling with the reissue of the electric Rifter, before presenting a week later the facelift carried out on the e-Traveller, its wattage minivan. After the Lion brand, it is now Citroën’s turn to update its electric MPV, namely ë-Berlingo.
With this new version, the French manufacturer has given a a little facelift to the vehicle’s design. Logically, we find the markers of the brand’s current style in the chevrons. Like the new ë-C3, the grille and the shield form a homogeneous block which houses the new oval Citroën logo in its center. We also find the new three-segment light signature characteristics of the latest models (two horizontal bands and one vertical).
The interior has also benefited from a touch of design, as evidenced by the new dashboard which now incorporates a 10-inch touch screen and a customizable digital instrument cluster. There is then a Top Box glove box on the upper part. The gear control and driving mode selection functions, the electric parking brake, the start button, 2 USB ports and a slot for induction charging occupy the lower part of the central island. The ë-Berlingo finally incorporates a new steering wheel (heated optional) on which we find the volume controls and cruise control.
With this reissue of the electric MPV, Citroën wanted to give pride of place to comfort. This is why the vehicle welcomes for the first time Advanced Comfort seats, softer upholstery thanks to the use of high-quality foam and side supports. At the rear, we can count on three independent, sliding and retractable seats on the M version (4.40 m long) of the new Berlingo. As for the XL version (4.75 m long), it has two additional seats in a 3rd row. Concerning storage volumes, they remain substantial: up to 775 liters on the Berlingo size M to 4,000 liters on the XL version!
A new battery for more autonomy
What we will especially remember about this redesign are the various improvements made to the engine of the electric Berlingo. Indeed, if we still find the 100 kW (136 hp) engine block, it is now associated with a new LFP battery (Lithium-iron-phosphate) of 50 kWh of useful capacity. As a result, the maximum range increases from 280 km to 320 km on the new model. Or 20% gain. Still with the idea of offering more autonomy, the ë-Berlingo 2023 now has regenerative braking on three levels, which can be triggered via paddles installed behind the steering wheel. As an option, buyers can also acquire a heat pump, another exclusivity of this model. Practical for heating the passenger compartment without affecting the vehicle’s range.
Regarding recharging, we remain on the same configuration: 7.4 kW on-board charger and optional 11 kW three-phase charger. As for fast charging, we are still on 100 kW. On this subject, according to Citroën it will only be necessary 30 minutes to go from 0 to 80% on a 100 kW fast charging station.
Let’s conclude this overview with the price and release date of this redesign of the electric Berlingo. For prices, Citroën has not yet revealed its grid. However, we should logically expect a higher entry price than the first model. As a reminder, the Berlingo in size M and Live finish is currently offered from €35,650. We could therefore get closer to €40,000 with this new version. See you in spring 2024, when the ë-Berlingo will arrive in dealerships.
Source: Citroën