Opel Combo-e Life test: the trendy MPV

Launched in 2018, the latest generation Opel Combo Life is a close cousin of the Citroën Berlingo and Peugeot Rifter. The German MPV is in turn available in a 100% electric version. Externally, only the specific logos make it possible to distinguish this electric version from the thermal versions. The very cubic lines are explained by the fact that this Life version takes over the body of the utility version. They are however enlivened by alloy rims and roof bars.

This shape has the advantage of favoring the space available on board. The battery, located in the floor, does not encroach on the volume, neither of the passenger compartment, nor of the trunk (597 to 2,126 liters depending on the configuration on the short version). The electric Opel Combo’s powertrain consists of a 50 kWh battery and a 136 hp engine maximum power This chain is well known in the Stellantis group since it already equips several automobiles (e-208, Corsa-e, e-2008, Mokka-e …) and utility vehicles (ë-Jumpy, Vivaro-e and e-Expert ).

Price, charging and range Opel Combo-e

The electric Combo Life is displayed between 10,150 and 13,000 € more expensive than the 110 and 130 hp petrol Combo, and 11,850 € more than the 100 hp diesel version. Opel justifies this price difference by the cost of the battery estimated by the manufacturer at € 12,000 and by being able to refuel at only a few euros. Obviously, the ecological bonus of € 6,000 reduces the gap. The on-board charger (alternating current) displays a power of 7.5 kW as standard (11 kW optional at 400 €) and the fast direct current charge accepts up to 100 kW (see the following page for charging times). The WLTP combined cycle autonomy is announced at 280 kilometers.

The Combo-e Elegance Pack, like our test model, is displayed at € 38,850 before bonus. It offers comfort equipment worthy of a sedan with, in particular, dual-zone car air conditioning, European navigation, 16 ” alloy rims and individual seats in row 2 (see all the equipment by finish on page 2) . It should be emphasized that the Opel Combo-e Life is available in 7 seats with sliding seats in 3^e row. The option is € 600 on the Combo-e L1 (length 4.40 m) and € 720 on the L2 (length 4.75 m).

Driving

Few differences between this 100% electric version and a classic Combo Life apart from the presence, on the central console, of the speed control now traditional at Stellantis with, on one side, the rocker for selecting the speeds ( PRND and B to benefit from maximum energy recovery) and alongside, the rocker allowing the driving mode to be selected: Eco (engine power limited to 82 hp), Normal (109 hp and maximum speed limited to 110 km / h ) and Power (136 hp and maximum speed of 135 km / h). The operating silence is naturally very high and the Combo-e Life allows smooth driving.

The suspensions are efficient and smooth out irregularities in the roadway. The weights of the batteries are not too felt when driving and their implantation in the floor lowers the center of gravity, which allows to enjoy good sensations in curves. The acceleration is straightforward and the maximum speed of 135 km / h is easily reached and can be maintained without worry. Of course, under these conditions, autonomy tends to decrease rapidly. However, good management of energy recovery makes it possible, as soon as you get back on the road, to regain your autonomy.

During our test, which combined road and motorway, we observed a consumption of 23 kWh per 100 km. The cap of 220 to 230 kilometers, in normal use, therefore seems realistic. With its 280 kilometers maximum (WLTP standard), the question of autonomy will be the limit of the interest of the Combo-e Life which is certainly intended for families who will find in this model a powerful and pleasant daily companion, but also to lovers of “outdoors” leisure activities who are called upon to take long journeys regularly.

On board

Competetion

The Opel Combo-e Life is a 100% electric minivan. A category where competition is still, for the moment, limited to other models of the Stellantis group: Citroën ë-Berlingo and Peugeot e-Rifter. These models offer the same performance and are displayed at prices very close to those of the Combo-e: € 35,300 for the Citroën and € 36,400 for the Peugeot, which plays the card of difference on board with its i-cockpit. In this niche, competition will soon come from the new electric Renault Kangoo and the Mercedes EQT. These two models, which share their underside, will have an engine power of 102 hp, a battery of 44 kWh and a WLTP range of 235 km.

Find the test report, the technical sheet and all the equipment prices on the next page …