The good-looking new Citroen e-Berlingo has inched closer to UK roads with order books now open.
And with a range of 174 miles between charges, this all-electric MPV could have you plugged-in to the battery-powered zeitgeist.
The e-Berlingo is, of course, the electric version of the brand’s award-winning people carrier, which is itself a version of the regular Berlingo panel van.
Key to the car is a 50kWh Lithium-ion battery pack and 136 hp electric motor, which can be recharged to 80% of its capabilities in less than 30 minutes, while a full charge from a 7.4 kW single-phase wallbox takes 7.5 hours thanks to the 7.4kW on-board charger.
And if you go for the larger body length, you can seat seven people - perfect for those summer staycations or weekend adventures with your mates.
The e-Berlingo is also being pitched squarely at fleet operators - and if you fall into that category you’ll want to keep in mind a Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) rate of just 1% for the year 2021-22, as well as an exemption from London congestion and ultra-low emissions charges.
Drivers have a choice of three driving modes: Eco, Normal and Power, to suit a variety of driving conditions and there’s an efficient regenerative braking system to maximise energy recovery.
The e-Berlingo is available as ‘M’ or ‘XL’ variants, with M versions measuring 4,403mm long and 1,844mm high and the XL version weighing-in at 4,753mm long and 1,849mm high.
All versions are 2,107mm wide and thanks to a specially adapted power steering system, have an agile turning circle of just 10.8m.
M versions come with five seats, while the XL version features two additional folding seats in a third row.
The M models get a whopping 775-litre boot while with the XL that increases to very useful 1,050-litres. XL versions also feature a retractable parcel shelf for added practicality.
And with launch models you’ll have a choice of two trim levels - ‘Feel’ and ‘Flair XTR’, the latter of which only comes in M length.
With a ‘Feel’ you get LED daytime running lights, automatic headlights, an eight-inch touchscreen featuring both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a host of safety gadgets like Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Safety Brake, Cruise Control and Speed Limiter, Speed Limit Recognition and Recommendation, and Driver Attention Alert.
All Feel models also come as standard with rear parking sensors.
Meanwhile the Flair XTR trim takes things up a notch. Here lease customers will enjoy 17 inch alloys, black roof bars, orange fog light surrounds, a swankier interior that includes a 10-inch fully digital driver display, as well as sat nav.
The Flair XTR version also adds a head-up display and a 180° colour reversing camera for optimum driver comfort.
Prices begin at £29,575 and the e-Berlingo is available to lease now.
Enjoyed this? Read our latest news:
- New all-electric Vauxhall Combo-e Life MPV revealed
- New Evoque HST adds ‘sporty stealth’ to Range Rover’s SUV
- Volkswagen teases new look Polo GTI
- All-new Subaru Outback is ‘safest ever built’
-
UK's EV hotspots, Nissan's new lower cost Leaf and Lotus to become dedicated EV brand
For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to our newsletter here.
