In this improved e-SpaceTourer, the double-Chevron brand brings us a more credible version of its large BEV People Carrier. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Background

Very soon, no segment of the automotive market will lack full-EV model options. One of these sectors lately gaining improved BEV models has been that for large People Carriers. This isn't really because manufacturers think this to be much of a potential growth area. It's more because really big MPVs are always based on the kind of mid-sized vans that car makers, pressurised by governments, are starting to offer in full-electric form these days. The Mercedes Vito, Peugeot Expert, Vauxhall Vivaro, Toyota Proace and Citroen Dispatch LCVs can all be had in full-EV form. So their MPV counterparts (the Mercedes V-Class, the Peugeot Traveller, the Vauxhall Vivaro Life, the Toyota Proace Verso and the Citroen Space Tourer) also get the full-battery treatment. The Peugeot, the Vauxhall, the Toyota and the Citroen are essentially the same underneath, sharing the same Stellantis Group powertrain; it's the Citroen model, badged the 'e-SpaceTourer' that's the subject of this review, originally launched in 2020, then enhanced three years on to create the car we look at here.

Driving Experience

Why Citroen offered the original version of this model with a 50kWh battery more suited to an EV supermini is difficult to understand. Far more usable is the 215 mile range of this current 75kWh model (about the same as the class-leading Mercedes EQV). Like the old smaller lithium-ion battery, this current one is mated to a 136bhp electric motor, which works with a three-stage regenerative braking system controlled by paddles behind the steering wheel. Using this MPV is straightforward. You turn the key in the ignition, wait for the starting beep, then flick the gear toggle into Drive. There's a drive-mode selector that allows drivers to switch between ECO, NORMAL and POWER modes. Top speed is just 84mph. Through the corners, as you would expect, there's plenty of body roll if, rather unwisely, you start throwing the thing about. If you can ignore both that and the slightly vague steering and find yourself absolutely having to push on, you'll find that there's reasonable grip and traction. The power steering is now electrically assisted (instead of electro-hydraulic) to reduce effort and improve manoeuvrability. This Citroen can tow up to a tonne.

Design and Build

This improved e-SpaceTourer has been brought in line with Citroën's latest design identity. This is particularly visible on the grille, which incorporates the brand's new oval logo, linked on either side to the headlamps by a striped black band that echoes the chevron motifs. The headlights have been redesigned and now feature a distinctive sign of Citroën's new identity, plus the light signature is now characterised by a vertical bar linking two horizontal bars. With a height of 1.90m, this Citroen provides easy access to underground car parks. As before, it's available in two body lengths, 'M' (4.98m) and 'XL' (5.33m) and can accommodate up to nine passengers in a wide range of seat configurations. Inside up-front, there's space for either three people (YOU!' trim) or two people ('MAX' spec). Ahead, the dashboard has been redesigned to incorporate a large 10-inch central HD touchscreen, plus there are storage compartments that are large, numerous and cleverly designed. The steering wheel has a selection of integrated controls and can be heated. Through it, you view a 10-inch digital instrument screen which shows battery level on the left and your chosen drive mode on the right. Usually in the second row, there'll be a split three-person bench. With 'MAX' trim, it'll be mounted on floor rails, so that you can slide it back and forth. In the third row, the benefit of this van-derived design is that there's proper head and legroom for adults over reasonable length journeys. Here again, with 'MAX' trim, the three-person bench can slide on rails. Luggage space depends of course on your choice of 'M' or the 'XL' body length but either way, as you'd hope from a van-based design, there's lots of it. With the second and third row seating removed, there's 3161mm of loading length in the M version and up to 3511mm of loading length in the XL model, where you'll also get up to 4,554 litres of boot volume.

Market and Model

Prices at the time of our Review in late 2025 started from around £35,500 for the base 'YOU!' 9-seater model in M form after deduction of the available £1,500 government grant. The XL version also qualifies, which costs £900 more. With plusher 'Max' trim though, you can't get a government grant, so prices start from around £48,000. Across the line-up, only a single 75kWh battery is now offered. Opt for plusher 'MAX' trim and the second and third row benches are mounted on rails, so can be slid back and forth. As for equipment, well base 'YOU!'-spec gets you the basics, but they include most of what you'd need. Tick off twin sliding side doors, air conditioning, rear parking sensors, cruise control with a speed limiter, a 10-inch digital driver's instrument screen, a heated driver's seat and a 10-inch central HD Touch screen with voice recognition and 'Mirror Screen' wireless 'Apple CarPlay' and 'Android Auto'. 'MAX' trim adds the niceties; 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, leather upholstery, front fog lights, power-folding mirrors, dark-tinted rear side windows, keyless entry and power-operating side doors with foot sensors. Inside with 'MAX' trim, there's Connect navigation, a HiFi Pack audio upgrade, a front seat massage function, a 'Park Assist 180' rear camera, dual-zone climate control, a wireless 'phone charger, an acoustic windscreen, front seatback tray tables, side window blinds and a rear seat 'aviation-style' air conditioning panel. 'MAX' models can also be had with an optional panoramic glass roof.

Cost of Ownership

To get close to the 75kWh model's quoted 215 mile range figure (284 miles in City use) , you'll need to engage 'Eco' mode frequently - which reduces power output to 80hp. To maximise range, you'll also need to regularly engage the fiercest of the regenerative braking settings, activated by steering wheel paddles. Because the e-SpaceTourer supports up to 100kW rapid charging technology, an 80 per cent charge in the 75kWh model will take 45 minutes. This EV People Carrier also features a 7.4kW on-board charger. A full charge from a 7.4kW domestic wallbox takes 11 hours 20 minutes with the 75kWh model. With the alternative 11kW wallbox, you can reduce that to seven and a half hours with the 75kWh battery. For peace of mind, the lithium-ion battery packs offered in this model come with an eight year/100,000 mile warranty, for up to 70% of the initial battery capacity. The included 'Citroen Connect Box' package allows the driver to set up deferred charging or to pre-condition the vehicle via the MyCitroen mobile app on their smartphone. This app also allows drivers to initiate or schedule thermal preconditioning and view, schedule, start or deferred charging remotely.

Summary

Our main criticism when we tested the original version of this model was its feeble driving range. Now that's been usefully improved, the e-SpaceTourer has become a more credible choice in its segment. We like the way that the battery powertrain has been built into this People Carrier without any compromise to interior space. It's quiet and well built, looks contemporary and is well equipped. If you can live with the range now on offer - as some city based families and business users will be able to - there's potentially a lot to like here, though it's less easy to see why you'd choose the Citroen version of this design, rather than the near-identical Peugeot e-Traveller or Vauxhall Vivaro Life Electric models. If the range and the deal is right for you though, this big French MPV might be worth a look.