LEARNING THE LINGO (some text hidden) --NONE--

By Jonathan Crouch

Electrification's current for MPV buyers. Jonathan Crouch drives Citroen's improved e-Berlingo

Ten Second Reviewword count: 89

The electrified version of Citroen's Berlingo small MPV has remarkably few compromises over its combustion engine counterpart and for the 2024 model year was usefully improved with a smarter look and an enhanced 198 mile EV range to create the car we're going to look at here. In this form, it might be tempting option if you're looking for a full-electric compact family car and don't want a compact SUV. Here, there's the option of a seven-seat cabin too, which is rare to find in an EV at present.

Backgroundword count: 148

Most family EVs aren't particularly practical. But this one is - Citroen's e-Berlingo. This little MPV is based on the Berlingo van of course and it's been with us since 2020 when Citroen introduced it to replace combustion versions - before realising people still wanted them. Though the numbers sold here since then have been modest, they've been sufficient to convince the brand that there's still a market for the updated version we look at here. Which continues to sell alongside its near-identical Stellantis Group close cousins, the Peugeot E-Rifter and the Vauxhall Combo Life Electric. Actually, quite a lot of significance has changed here - driving range, cabin tech, seats and dash design. So it's more than just the usual front-end visual update, though we've got that too. As before, there's van-like interior space; and the choice of five or seven-seat versions. Let's take a closer look.

Driving Experienceword count: 296

Citroen has fitted this improved e-Berlingo with the Stellantis Group's latest 52kWh battery and that, as you might hope, makes a useful difference to range capability. That's now up by 20% to 205 miles between charges. The battery energises much the same 136hp motor as before and range can be enhanced by using a new regenerative braking system which the driver can adjust through three levels using paddles behind the steering wheel. The range figure we quoted earlier will only be distantly possible if you use the most frugal of the three provided drive modes - 'Eco'. You won't want to spend too long in 'ECO', unless you really are eeking out battery capacity because it reduces the powertrain's normal output to just 80hp and also restricts the climate system to conserve power. Citroen recommends that you do most of your driving in the 'Normal' setting, which increases the motor output to 107hp. The top 'Power' mode isn't really intended for sporty driving but for situations when you're carrying heavy loads. Like all electric vehicles, this one has a bit of a weight problem - that drivetrain adds over 300kgs of bulk, but that arguably helps the e-Berlingo when it comes to ride quality; you'll feel things like speed humps keenly, but at speed on the open road, it handles tarmac tears a little better than its combustion cousins. This e-Berlingo feels really at home in an urban environment - surprisingly really because it's quite a large car, especially in 'Long' wheelbase form. But you'll feel really confident in it on the school run because all-round visibility is great, the steering is light and the suspension deals with poorer surfaces quite well. Parking's easy because rear sensors and a reversing camera are standard-fit across the range.

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