Citroen e-Berlingo LWB Review
Introduction
The Citroen e-Berlingo LWB is the small electric van from Citroen and, in January 2022, it was upgraded to feature a new 50kWh battery pack. With the new Renault Kangoo about to launch, we tested the long wheelbase (LWB), entry-level Enterprise Pro model to see if Citroen has done enough to stay at the front of the pack.
Citroen e-Berlingo Enterprise Pro specification
There are two specifications on the e-Berlingo; the ‘standard’ Enterprise Pro and the higher-end Driver Pro which costs around £1,800 more. Our demonstrator model was the Enterprise Pro, which is the only spec available on the long wheelbase (LWB) model.
The Enterprise is already well-specced with rear parking sensors, modular folding passenger bench seat, cruise control and 8.0-inch touchscreen with Citroën Connect DAB radio, Bluetooth and associated USB sockets.
Citroen e-Berlingo LWB Weights and dimensions
The e-Berlingo is available in two wheelbases with SWB models measuring 4.4m long, and LWB variants coming in at 4.75m long. All versions are 1.90m high and – thanks to a specially adapted power steering system – have an agile turning circle of just 10.8m.
Load volumes in SWB versions range from 3.3m3 to 3.9m3 – with the Extenso seat folded, while the LWB variant offers an increased available load volume of 3.8m3 to 4.4m3. SWB variants can carry loads of up to 3.09m in length and have a maximum payload of 803kg, while the longer LWB model offers a 3.44m maximum load length with the Extenso seat folded down, and a maximum payload of 751kg.
Ride and handling
As with most electric vans, the e-Berlingo is balanced and handles well even on winding country roads. There are three driving styles to suit a wide variety of loads and on-road conditions; Eco, Normal and Power – and the difference between the settings is immediate and apparent.
The Power mode unleashes all 136hp and 260Nm from the electric motor. To optimise the range, ë-Berlingo Van Electric also features regenerative braking, with drivers able to activate a ‘B’ button via the central console to maximise energy recovery during braking.
Citroen e-Berlingo range
With a new and larger 50kWh battery pack introduced early in 2022, the Citroen e-Berlingo now has a claimed range of 171 miles on the WLTP cycle which is one of the longer ranges in the small electric van segment.
As with all electric van claimed mileages, the range doesn’t quite add up in real life. Over the course of our week-long loan, we averaged around 120 miles for each charge with a mixture of city and motorway driving.
The e-Berlingo is capable of 100kW rapid DC charging 100kW which will achieve a 0-80% charge in just 30 minutes.
