Citroen E-Berlingo Facelift: With comfort seats and LFP batteries

Since the beginning of 2022, the Citroën Berlingo (in the video: the Fourgonnette version in a retro tin frame) has been running exclusively on electricity. This remains the case even after the facelift, which provides the station wagon with a higher roof and new battery technology. In the future, he will receive a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, which will still have a (usable) capacity of 50 kilowatts, but will take the Berlingo crew further than before. Citroën mentions a WLTP range of up to 345 km, which corresponds to an improvement of around 20 percent.

The maximum DC charging power of the energy storage device is 100 kW, which means it can be charged from zero to 80 percent in 30 minutes. 11 kW board which is now common. Charging time is about 5 hours.

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The electric motor operating on the front axle still produces 100 kW (136 hp). Citroen has adapted the brake recovery system: using the steering wheel paddles, the intensity of the recovery can be adjusted in three stages. An optional heat pump is intended to further improve energy efficiency. What the three driving modes stand for is explained by their names: Eco, Normal and Power.

External design

After the facelift, Citroën E-Berlingo is still available in two lengths (4.40 or 4.75 meters). He changes his appearance a lot. The radiator grill and bumper, which house all the air intakes, now form a barrier with a new circular brand logo emblazoned in the middle. These are followed by styling elements on the right and left that reflect the two-corner pattern. The lights, each with two vertical and one horizontal bars, are also new. The range of 16- and 17-inch rims has been redesigned, with two new colors being added to the portfolio: “Kiama Blue” and “Sirkka Green” complementing “Kaolin White”, “Perla Nera Black” and “Steel Grey”.

Cockpit and Infotainment

Inside there is a new dashboard with a configurable, digital and black-and-white instrument cluster as well as a central ten-inch touchscreen, which, along with the central air vents, is slightly tilted towards the driver’s seat. Since the airbag is located on the roof, the additional glove compartment is located in the upper part of the instrument panel. The console is provided in the lower area. Especially in the middle, where there is a gear selector switch, an electric parking brake, a start button, two USB ports and an inductive charging cradle for smartphones. The multifunction steering wheel can be turned on optionally.

The central screen includes the “My Citroen Play” infotainment system, displays images from the rear view camera and mirrors the smartphone via Apple Carplay or Android Auto. This improvement is the “My Citroën Drive Plus” system, which works with smartphone-like widgets, is available with 3D navigation and has natural language recognition. Anyone who chooses this option will receive an instrument cluster behind the steering wheel in a color version.

Space is available

At the back, the new Citroën E-Berlingo always offers three individual seats, sliding and folding, which in the long version can be supplemented with two additional seats in the third row. Access here is still via sliding doors with electrically operated windows. In their high-roof electric car, the French are using the “Advanced Comfort” front seats developed for the first time, which have three-color fabric covers with a quilted effect in the middle. The space on the passenger side can also be folded down, creating a flat loading area if necessary, which measures 2.70 or 3.05 meters depending on the length of the vehicle.

The trunk volume varies from 775 liters (standard version with the rear seats up and up to the parcel shelf) to 4,000 liters (long-term version with a load up to the roof). Speaking of which: “Modutop” multifunctional roof includes a translucent arch, ambient lighting, dark panoramic glass roof and electric blinds and box behind the roof. In total, the new E-Berlingo offers 27 storage compartments distributed in the cabin with a total volume of up to 186 liters.

Support systems

The assistance system panel includes up to 18 functions. These include the head-up color display, cruise control and stop-and-go function, rearview camera, hill descent control and stability control. of the trailer.

Market launch and pricing

The refreshed E-Berlingo can be ordered from mid-March 2024. Prices start at 36,940 euros. So the facelift version offers a price advantage of 3,800 euros compared to the previous version with the same equipment. The long-term version is available from 37,490 euros. The E-Berlingo is offered in Plus and Max equipment versions Previously, the high-roof electric station wagon cost at least 40,740 euros (standard version) or 41,940 euros (long version).