Citroën ë-Berlingo review: what the car critics say

The ë-Berlingo is one of a select few electric MPVs, What Car? said. Although it’s effectively an electric van, the extra seats and windows make it more suited to family life than work. Powered by a 134bhp electric motor and a 50kWh battery, it has an official range of 174 miles on a single charge (more like 115 in reality). It takes roughly seven hours to charge from a wall socket, or 30 minutes from 10% to 80% on a rapid charger.

There are two body styles available, The Daily Telegraph said – the standard M with five seats, and the XL, which is 35cm longer and has an additional row of two seats, making it the cheapest seven-seat electric car on sale. The ë-Berlingo is vast inside: the driver’s seat has an SUV-like high driving position, there’s plenty of leg room in the back, and masses of head space. Storage is great with deep cubbies on the dash­board and wide door bins.

The ë-Berlingo performs well as an EV, despite a 2.44-tonne kerb weight, with a very respectable 0-62mph time of nine seconds, said Auto Express. Top speed is modest at 84mph, and you will shorten the range if you go anywhere near it. It is supple, with good, quiet bump absorption. The long wheelbase can make the XL feel cumbersome, but the steering is well weighted and accurate, and the car is still fun to drive. Price: from £30,995.