The Citroen Berlingo lease deals catch many eyes these days, and both businesses and families seem drawn to them. But do they really give you your money's worth? I've put this versatile vehicle to the test for six months now and…
The Citroen Berlingo lease deals catch many eyes these days, and both businesses and families seem drawn to them. But do they really give you your money’s worth? I’ve put this versatile vehicle to the test for six months now and discovered what lies beneath those tempting numbers.
You’ll find the Citroen Berlingo lease in different sizes and setups. The compact M model starts at £203.06 monthly, while its bigger brother, the XL, comes in at £193.69 per month. Electric fans can pick up the E-Berlingo M from £315.98 monthly, or the XL version at £326.07.
Here’s something that doesn’t show up in the ads – leasing brings both hidden costs and unexpected perks. TheCitroen Berlingo lease ability to haul up to 1000kg and business lease rates from £279 monthly (VAT not included) look great in theory. The question is: does all this add up to ground value?
My six-month journey with the Berlingo taught me everything. I learned about trim differences and tracked actual running costs that brochures don’t mention. The 2024 model sports sleeker looks and better tech, and you can grab it with a £1,081 deposit contribution. This piece lays out everything you should know before you commit.
The 2025 Citroën Berlingo stands out with its versatile configurations that make it a practical choice for many leasing needs. Your monthly costs and satisfaction depend largely on choosing the right model for your needs.
You can choose between two sizes: M (standard) and XL (enhanced). The M model stretches 4,410mm long, while the XL reaches 4,760mm – giving you an extra 350mm of space. This difference shows up in cargo capacity too. The M gives you 3.3m³ of load space, while the XL bumps that up to 3.9m³.
Each variant carries different weights. Diesel models can handle up to 984kg in M configuration and 939kg in XL. The electric versions carry less – 781kg for M and 709kg for XL. This matters a lot if you need to move heavy loads.
Each trim level brings its own set of features:
The base Enterprise trim has air conditioning, cruise control, LED headlights, and rear parking sensors.
The Enterprise Plus costs about £600 more but adds great value. You get a 10-inch touchscreen, digital instrument cluster, adjustable driver’s seat, and electric parking brake. Prices start at £22,195.
The top-tier Driver trim starts at £23,595. It focuses on comfort and has the Dynamic Surround Vision system, automatic lights and wipers, built-in satellite navigation, and a reversing camera.
You can pick between traditional engines and electric power:
The electric ë-Berlingo packs 136hp (100kW) with 270Nm of torque. Its new 52kWh battery lets you drive up to 213 miles (WLTP). The 100kW rapid charging fills the battery from 0-80% in just 30 minutes.
Traditional engine options include the BlueHDi 100 diesel with a six-speed manual gearbox and the stronger BlueHDi 130 diesel that comes only with an eight-speed automatic. The PureTech 110 petrol engine with manual transmission runs more smoothly and quietly than its diesel counterparts.
Note that lease agreements often have end-of-term conditions. These might include charges for extra miles and vehicle condition checks. Many people overlook these details when they first calculate costs.
My six-month test drive of the 2025 Berlingo covered thousands of miles. This hands-on time taught me what really matters beyond the sales brochure. Let me share what you should know about leasing a Citroën Berlingo.
The fuel consumption numbers matched up well with what Citroën promised. The BlueHDi 100 diesel hit between 46-54mpg, and the BlueHDi 130 reached 43-52mpg. The petrol PureTech 110 started around 38mpg on mixed roads and got better with time.
The numbers kept improving as the engine broke in. The diesel version reached an impressive 50mpg with half-loads over several weeks, getting closer to the official WLTP figures. All the same, the electric e-Berlingo only managed about 160 miles on the motorway, well short of its claimed 213-mile range.
The Driver trim’s Advanced Comfort seats live up to their name with extra-dense foam and thicker bolsters. They feel great at first but need better support after an hour behind the wheel. You’ll love the spacious feel thanks to large windows that flood the cabin with light.
The 10-inch touchscreen works well enough with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though it can be sluggish sometimes. The Berlingo keeps things simple with physical climate controls instead of hiding them in touchscreen menus.
Storage space is where the Berlingo shines. You get 27 clever storage spots throughout the cabin that add up to 186 litres – as much as some small car trunks! The low loading height makes it easy to handle heavy items.
The smart load-through bulkhead makes a big difference to carrying capacity. It stretches the M model’s load length from 1,817mm to 3,090mm and the XL from 2,167mm to 3,440mm.
The Berlingo handles better than you might expect from its commercial roots. The suspension smooths out most bumps, though you’ll notice some lean in corners. Diesel models feel more planted than their petrol siblings, thanks to the heavier engine.
Noise is the biggest issue here. Models without a sixth gear really show their limits on motorways, which means more engine noise. Road and wind noise get pretty loud at higher speeds, especially around those boxy door mirrors and roof rails.
The monthly payments for a Citroën Berlingo lease might look tempting, but hidden costs can make your total expenses much higher than expected.
The lease terms don’t tell the whole story. Extra miles cost 10p each, and this adds up fast if you go over your limit. The British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association sets rules about what counts as ‘fair wear and tear’. You’ll face end-of-contract charges for roof dents, broken trim, or tyres with tread below legal limits.
Your insurance costs will vary based on the model and your age. The e-Berlingo MPV sits in insurance group 18-21, with premiums between £527.60 and £1,395.77 depending on your age. You’re also responsible for “all scheduled servicing, maintenance & tyres”. Many people forget these costs when checking if they can afford the lease.
Extra equipment raises both the certified CO2 emission output and the Vehicle Excise Duty you’ll pay at registration. Company car drivers should note that this changes their Benefit in Kind tax obligations too.
The vehicle’s return requires all documentation – V5C registration, MOT receipt, owner’s manual, service book, audio equipment security codes, and a complete set of keys. Missing items mean extra charges when your contract ends. See Citroen Berlingo roof racks
My six-month test drive of the Citroen Berlingo lease revealed several money-saving advantages that make up for the costs I mentioned before. See Citroen Berlingo dimensions
The lease payments cost much less than buying the vehicle outright. You’ll see the difference right away – a simple £279 monthly business contract hire cost versus £419 monthly payment for purchasing. You only pay for how much the vehicle’s value drops instead of its full price, which lets you drive a better-equipped vehicle without spending as much. See Citroen vans for sale
The BlueHDi 100 diesel engine showed remarkable economy numbers reaching 68mpg, with CO2 emissions at just 109g/km. The BlueHDi 130 automatic proved itself too, reaching 65.7mpg with emissions of 113g/km. These numbers mean you’ll spend less on fuel during your lease. See Citroen Berlingo Automatic
New Citroëns include a three-year/60,000-mile warranty that saves you from unexpected repair costs. The optional maintenance package covers routine servicing, replacement parts, and MOTs – all rolled into one predictable monthly fee. See electric Citroen Berlingo
Business users get the best deal with the e-Berlingo’s low 2% BIK rate, which means 20% taxpayers pay just £16 monthly in company car tax. VAT-registered businesses can claim back VAT on lease payments, cutting costs even more. The standard Berlingo’s low CO2 emissions help keep company car tax reasonable. See Citroen Berlingo vans for sale
My six-month experience with the Citroën Berlingo has been mostly positive, though it does have some drawbacks. The vehicle works great for both businesses and families, but you should look beyond those attractive headline figures before leasing.
The Berlingo’s biggest strength is how practical it is. You’ll find 27 smartly designed storage compartments that make everyday use much easier, and the load-through bulkhead is a great way to transport longer items. The fuel economy numbers match what they claim – which is rare in today’s market.
Diesel models give you the best mix of performance and economy. The e-Berlingo’s range is nowhere near its claimed 213 miles, which is something to think about before signing an electric lease deal, especially if you drive long distances.
The money side needs careful attention. Extra costs can pile up fast – excess mileage at 10p per mile, wear fees at the end, and maintenance costs. In spite of that, leasing lets you drive a better-equipped vehicle for substantially lower monthly payments compared to buying.
Business users get the most value from Berlingo leasing. The e-Berlingo’s low 2% BIK rate gives substantial tax benefits, and VAT-registered companies can claim tax back on lease payments – advantages you just don’t get when buying.
Road noise is the Berlingo’s biggest problem. It gets pretty loud on highways, and some models don’t have a sixth gear, which makes longer trips more tiring.
Should you lease a Berlingo? It really depends on what you need. Families who want maximum space and versatility won’t find many better options at this price. Small businesses that need both practicality and affordable monthly payments will like what it offers. But if you want refinement or a premium feel inside, you should look at other options.
The Citroën Berlingo ended up being an economical solution rather than a luxury choice – and for many people who lease it, that makes perfect sense.
Q1. What are the typical monthly lease costs for a Citroën Berlingo? Monthly lease costs for a Citroën Berlingo vary depending on the model and trim. For the standard M model, prices start from around £203 per month, while the larger XL version begins at approximately £194 monthly. Electric variants are pricier, with the E-Berlingo M starting from about £316 per month.
Q2. How does the fuel efficiency of the Citroën Berlingo perform in real-world conditions? Real-world fuel efficiency of the Citroën Berlingo is impressively close to official figures. The BlueHDi 100 diesel consistently achieves 46-54 mpg, while the BlueHDi 130 returns 43-52 mpg. The petrol PureTech 110 initially manages around 38 mpg over mixed roads, improving with extended use.
Q3. What are some hidden costs associated with leasing a Citroën Berlingo? Hidden costs of leasing a Citroën Berlingo include excess mileage charges (typically 10p per mile), end-of-contract wear and tear fees, insurance costs, and maintenance expenses. Additionally, optional extras can increase CO2 emissions, affecting Vehicle Excise Duty and Benefit in Kind tax for company car drivers.
Q4. How does the Citroën Berlingo perform in terms of practicality and storage? The Citroën Berlingo excels in practicality and storage. It features 27 cleverly designed storage spaces throughout the cabin, totalling an impressive 186 litres. The vehicle also boasts a low loading height and an ingenious load-through bulkhead, significantly increasing carrying capacity for both M and XL models.
Q5. What are the main advantages of leasing a Citroën Berlingo for business users? Business users can benefit significantly from leasing a Citroën Berlingo. Advantages include lower monthly payments compared to buying, impressive fuel efficiency, and tax benefits. The e-Berlingo offers a low 2% Benefit in Kind rate, resulting in minimal company car tax. VAT-registered businesses can also reclaim VAT on lease payments, further reducing effective costs.