Citroën expands its electric range with new ë-Berlingo 24.02.2021: Citroën has unveiled ë-Berlingo, the brand's new 100% electric MPV capable of up to 174 miles (WLTP). New Citroën ë-Berlingo is available in two lengths – 'Medium' & 'XL' – and is capable of seating up to seven people, depending on the version.

    Citroën has unveiled ë-Berlingo, the brand's new 100% electric MPV capable of up to 174 miles (WLTP).


    New Citroën ë-Berlingo is available in two lengths – 'Medium' & 'XL' – and is capable of seating up to seven people, depending on the version.


    With hugely practical and versatile interior space, ë-Berlingo is ideal for both families and business users.


    New Citroën ë-Berlingo is the latest model from the brand as it works towards providing an electrified variants across each model in the range by 2025.


    New Citroën ë-Berlingo will be available from Q4 2021.



Citroën has unveiled ë-Berlingo, the latest version of its multi-award winning MPV that was first introduced in 1996. New ë-Berlingo features a 100kw (136hp) electric motor with up to 260Nm of torque. Connected to a 50kWh battery, ë-Berlingo can achieve up to 174 miles of range from a single charge under WLTP testing. The new model comes with three drive modes: Normal, Eco and Power, accessible via a special ë-Toggle control that allows the driver to choose the power output that best suits their needs.



To optimise range, ë-Berlingo features a regenerative braking system that is designed to recover energy during braking and deceleration. To enhance energy recovery, the driver simply activates the 'B' button on the central console. The battery warranty is eight years or 100,000 miles (for 70% of battery capacity).



Laurence Hansen, Citroën's Product and Strategy Director, commented: “The electrification of Berlingo responds to two issues, offering sufficient range and making no compromises on practicality, so that our customers can enjoy their activities in all their diversity. New ë-Berlingo brings them an extra dose of serenity in their everyday lives with a seamless and silent drive, the satisfaction of preserving air quality, and a controlled motoring budget.



"These are strong expectations of this type of customer and highly strategic in this segment, as high-volume body types are particularly limited in terms of CO2 emissions and fuel consumption.  We are proud that Berlingo, the first leisure activity vehicle, ranks among the first to offer this alternative.”




DRIVE MODES



The new model comes with three drive modes: Normal, Eco and Power, accessible through the special ë-Toggle control that allows the driver to choose the power output to suit their needs.



    Normal– 80kW/210Nm: ensures the best compromise between operating range and dynamic performance.


    Eco– 60kW/180Nm: optimises energy consumption by reducing the output of the heating and air-conditioning without shutting them off completely and by limiting engine torque and power.


    Power– 100kW/260Nm: provides enhanced driveability and vehicle performance when carrying a maximum load.



CHARGING AND CONTROLLED COSTS



New ë-Berlingo comes as standard with a 7.4kW single-phase on-board charger and, as an option, an 11kW three-phase charger. Supporting a variety of charging methods, ë-Berlingo can be charged using anything from a     three-pin plug to 100kW rapid charging.



A full charge from a 7kW Wallbox will take 7.5 hours, or 5 hours using a 22kW unit using three-phase power. Supporting up to 100kW DC fast charging, an 80% charge can be completed in just 30 minutes. New ë-Berlingo ranks among the best in its segment in terms of fast-charging times.



In addition, ë-Berlingo is equipped with functionality for deferred charging, for consuming electricity in off-peak hours, and for thermal pre-conditioning, enabling motorists to set the cabin temperature when the vehicle is plugged in and thus reducing battery consumption in the first few miles of their journey. These features can be accessed via the vehicle touchscreen (on selected versions) and via the MyCitroën app.




VERSATILE AND PRACTICAL



The new model is available in 'Medium' or 'XL' variants, with Medium models measuring 4.40m long and XL variants at 4.75m long. All variants are 1.90m tall and, thanks to a specially adapted power steering system, have an agile turning circle of just 10.8m.



New Citroën ë-Berlingo has been designed with segment-leading roominess and functionality, for an easy and pleasant drive experience.



Fully aligned with the Citroën Advanced Comfort® programme, this new model places the emphasis on spaciousness, modularity, comfort, and a bright and airy cabin, providing an enhanced experience for five or seven occupants (depending on the version).




STORAGE COMPARTMENTS


New ë-Berlingo boasts optimum storage capacity with up to 167-litres of storage space and up to 26 storage compartments within the cabin.



The ingeniously designed, optional, Modutop® offers 92-litres of practical storage space on its own – which is easily accessible from the seats in row two and via the boot through the opening rear window.




DESIGN



New ë-Berlingo is distinguishable by the use of a subtle 'ë' monogram on the front grille and tailgate, as well as in touches of 'Anodised Blue' trim on the bumpers and side Airbumps®.



Inside, the central console is home to the ë-Toggle switch, which allows the driver to control the gearbox via the Park, Reverse, Neutral, Drive and Regenerative Brake functions, together with the three driving modes: Eco, Normal and Power.



New ë-Berlingo’s 8-inch touchscreen includes an 'Energy' section in the menu, which provides access to energy flow information, consumption statistics and the activation of deferred charging or pre-set cabin temperature. A 10-inch high-definition digital instrument panel is also available (depending on the version), for optimal display quality and useful driving and navigation information.



Drivers can configure the digital instrument panel display to suit their needs, highlighting the navigation system, energy-flow information or the driver-assistance systems.






TECHNOLOGY FOR PEACE OF MIND


New ë-Berlingo boasts up to 18 driver assistance technologies (depending on the version), including:



    Keyless entry and start
    Colour head-up display, a first in the segment
    Hill-start assist
    Reversing camera with Top Rear Vision
    Intelligent beam headlights
    Electric parking brake
    Cruise control and speed limiter
    Park Assist



For greater safety, ë-Berlingo (depending on the version) also benefits from Active Safety Brake, an active lane departure warning system, driver attention alert, distance alert, Coffee Break Alert, Grip Control® with Hill Descent Assist, extended traffic sign recognition and recommendation, and a blind spot monitoring system.              





CONNECTED TECHNOLOGY


New Citroën ë-Berlingo is available with three connected packages for enhanced safety and comfort. These packages are an integral part of the Citroën Advanced Comfort® programme and were developed to simplify access to connected services.




Connect Assist


For the safety of the driver and passengers, Citroën ë-Berlingo comes with Assistance & SOS. The occupants can press the 'Assistance' button to be put in contact with a dedicated call centre. Alternatively, the system can activate automatically in the event of an incident.



Connect Assist can be used to obtain access to vehicle data such as state of charge, range, delayed charging, thermal pre-conditioning, parking location, mileage and next service. Connection and viewing of information are possible via the My Citroën app.





Connect Nav


Citroën Connect Nav includes a three-year subscription to Connected Navigation services with real-time traffic updates. The location and prices at service stations and car parks, weather information and local searches for points of interest are also available.




Connect Play



Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto let the driver safely connect a smartphone and duplicate its screen on the vehicle's touchscreen. Multimedia content can be accessed and compatible applications can also be controlled directly, safely and easily from the vehicle's touchscreen.



An outstanding, user-friendly vehicle for families and business users alike, ë-Berlingo is fully equipped to support and enhance active lifestyles. New Citroën ë-Berlingo will be arriving in UK showrooms in Q4 2021.

   
    


JEREMY TOWNSEND, JOSEPH GORSUCH, photos Citroën