The Citroën Berlingo, a multipurpose vehicle known for its practicality and versatility, has been a staple in the Citroën lineup since its introduction in 1996. In the realm of ground clearance, an often-overlooked yet crucial factor for vehicle performance, the Berlingo maintains its own, striking a balance between utility and comfort. Ground clearance dictates not just the vehicle's accessibility over uneven terrains but also influences handling and bump absorption. For those needing a reliable companion that can seamlessly transition from urban environments to more rugged paths, understanding the Berlingo's ground clearance evolution is essential.
Examining the Citroën Berlingo's ground clearance reveals an interesting evolution over its generations. The first-generation Berlingo (1996-2002) boasted a ground clearance of 140 mm, a relatively modest figure indicative of its car-derived nature. Over time, subsequent models like the 2nd Generation and its multiple facelifts (2008-2018) unfortunately don’t have their ground clearance data readily available, making a direct comparison challenging. Fast forward to the present, the 3rd Generation Berlingo (2018-2024) exhibits a slightly improved ground clearance of 145 mm. Although the recent facelift from 2024 onwards lacks specific ground clearance data, the incremental increase noted in the latest available figures reflects the brand's subtle but steady enhancements in vehicle design.
| Generation year | Ground clearance |
|---|---|
| Berlingo, Model year 1996 (1.Generation) | 140 mm |
| Berlingo, Model year 2000 (1.Generation (2. Facelift)) | 0 mm |
| Berlingo, Model year 2002 (1.Generation (1. Facelift)) | 0 mm |
| Berlingo, Model year 2008 (2.Generation) | 0 mm |
| Berlingo, Model year 2012 (2.Generation (1. Facelift)) | 0 mm |
| Berlingo, Model year 2015 (2.Generation (2. Facelift)) | 0 mm |
| Berlingo, Model year 2018 (Berlingo 3. Generation) | 0 mm |
| Berlingo, Model year 2024 (Berlingo 3. Generation (1. Facelift)) | 0 mm |
When compared within the Citroën family itself, the Berlingo's ground clearance is reasonably competitive. The Citroën Jumpy Van and e-Berlingo Van models also share the same 145 mm ground clearance, which means you're not missing out if you opt for the standard Berlingo. However, models like the Citroën C4 offer slightly better clearance at 156 mm, and the small yet mighty Citroën C3 eclipses most with a clearance of 163 mm. Notably, the Citroën C5 Aircross, designed for more adventurous driving, towers above the Berlingo with an impressive 230 mm ground clearance here .
| Variant name | Ground clearance |
|---|---|
| e-C4 | 197 mm |
| C3 | 163 mm |
| e-C3 | 163 mm |
| e-C3 Van | 163 mm |
| C4 | 156 mm |
| Jumpy {VAN} | 150 mm |
| Ami | 150 mm |
| Berlingo {VAN} | 145 mm |
| e-Berlingo {VAN} | 145 mm |
In a broader context, how does the Berlingo compare to its fiercest rivals? Let's take the Peugeot 4008, for instance. With a ground clearance of 168 mm, it comfortably surpasses the Berlingo's 145 mm, demonstrating a clear edge over Citroën's stalwart MPV. The Volkswagen Caddy, another versatile mate in the same category, offers slightly better clearance at 176 mm here . On the upper end of the spectrum, something like the lofty SUV Volvo XC60 dwarfs all with a commanding 230 mm ground clearance, making the Berlingo appear decidedly low-slung in comparison here . For urban warriors like the VW Fox, with a meager 111 mm ground clearance, the Berlingo shows its versatility by striking a fine balance amidst its contemporaries.
| Car model | Ground clearance |
|---|---|
| Volvo XC60 2008 | 230 mm |
| Dodge Nitro 2007 | 180 mm |
| Toyota Proace City 2024 | 160 mm |
| Ford Edge 2016 | 152 mm |
| Skoda Superb 2008 | 139 mm |