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As we make strides towards a more sustainable future, the attention of many road users has turned towards environmentally friendly electric vehicles, and not just automobiles either. The electric van market has never been more competitive, with established companies and vehicle manufacturers releasing EV variants of their existing popular models. Citroen is no exception, with the e-Berlingo model debuting in 2021. Promising to retain all the desirable characteristics of the popular diesel or petrol Berlingo, with clean-air-zone compliance to boot, we’ll put both vans through their paces within this review.
Widely recognised as one of the most reliable diesel or petrol models available, the Citroen Berlingo is adaptable to say the least. Optimised for either business or personal use, plentiful storage space and room for additional seats are to be expected. On the other hand, the Citroen e-Berlingo is one of the many e-vans currently available as an easy alternative, acting in accordance with emission regulations due to the fully-electric build. In terms of cost, though the e-Berlingo is pricier outright, it is also generally cheaper to run than the diesel original. For an in-depth comparison of the pros, cons and points of consideration, read ahead!
Engines and Spec
The obvious difference between the two vans is the power supply of choice. Whereas the Diesel Berlingo Van is available with the option of four distinct Blue HDi diesel engines, with horsepower ranging between 75 and 130, the e-Berlingo maintains a 100kW engine and provides near-silent driving as a result. Translating to a potential 136 horsepower, the electric variant measures up well, and certainly doesn’t disappoint with a considerable driving range of 171 miles. Fantastic when compared with similarly-sized electric van options, both the traditional Berlingo and EV alternative are worth considering for their respective engine and battery.
Situational use is certainly worth a mention, and whereas in many ways these vans are similar, this criteria is where they tend to deviate. The conventional Berlingo is well-equipped for driving longer distances, due largely to an array of in-cab comfort features and an engine which offers plenty of bang for your buck (not to mention the large fuel capacity and higher top speed). Alternatively, we identified within our original e-Berlingo review that the top speed of the standard EV van is a mere 81mph, making it somewhat less desirable for driving on motorways or dual carriageways. High-speed driving may even drain the battery heavily, so short trips from A to B are certainly what the e-Berlingo is intended for.
Interior
Focusing on the interior space, the load area is the same size in both the diesel and electric variants, and though this doesn’t necessarily mean the payloads are the same, keeping these areas identical was a nice touch. Focusing on the maximum payload within both with standard body types, a conventional Berlingo holds a maximum payload of around 1000kg, whereas the e-Berlingo somewhat misses the mark with a capacity stretching to 800kg. Though not terrible, if you’re ambivalent towards the other features and assets, the traditional diesel or petrol build is preferable for payload alone, perhaps most useful when transporting materials, utilities and equipment in a work context.
The cabin of each van variant is comfortable and spacious, and as referenced within our standalone Berlingo overview, the passenger and driver area can be quickly transformed into a mobile office if needed. Again, both areas are very similar, with high-quality yet robustly textured plastics and comfy seats. Though neither of these medium sized vans are designed to contain a large team (you’ll want a larger vehicle for that) legroom isn’t an issue, and the standard or optional feature packs are sure to provide entertainment and comfort as is the Citroen way.
A large glove box, as well as rear and side doors promote easy access to whatever you’re carrying in the cabin, with the in-built interactive screen allowing GPS navigation or control of bluetooth media. Oddly enough, safety features don’t always come as standard, though techy additions including the surround rear vision camera system work excellently, and can be acquired at additional cost within both EV and diesel variants. Still not decided? Scroll through pages of spacious interiors and feature-packed cab areas when you take a look through the affordable new vans within the Vanaways catalogue – with finance deals also available.
The Verdict/Snap shot
If you’ve experienced a Citroen driving experience before, you’ll be fully-aware of the attention-to-detail the french manufacturer dedicates to their automobiles, and this is evident when viewing both vans. Though aesthetically similar and sharing many of the same features within the cab space, the Berlingo and e-Berlingo vary most clearly when it comes to practical use. Electric is undoubtedly the future, and inner-city commutes are accounted for with the nimble efficiency of this EV release, while the keen tradesperson or ‘man in a van’ will favour diesel or petrol for distance journeys.
Ultimately your van of choice will come down to preference, and with Citroen commendably converting the very best of the Berlingo into an electric all-rounder, we’re happy to take you through your options. With plenty of variants and body types to choose from, enquire today at Vanaways, and take your first steps towards owning a Citroen Berlingo or e-Berlingo variant.
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