Opel has launched an electric version of its Combo Life van-based MPV, making it one of the first all-electric seven-seaters to hit the market. Opel calls the Combo-e Life the 'everyday hero' and it comes with twin sliding side doors, and you can have it in two lengths - a standard 4.4-metre version, or a longer 4.75-metre XL model which has more interior space and a bigger boot.
Multi-functional
"The Combo-e Life is the multi-functional everyday hero in our electrified passenger car portfolio", says Opel CEO, Michael Lohscheller. "The new battery electric version of our successful leisure activity vehicle offers customers who need large seating capacities and lots of space, the additional benefits of zero emissions and almost silent propulsion."
Based on the same CMP platform as the Corsa-e and the new Mokka-e, the Combo-e Life uses the same 50kWh battery and 136hp electric motor as those models. The WLTP range on a full charge is 280km - less than you'd get from the Corsa and the Mokka, but then the Combo-e Life is a taller, less aerodynamic vehicle. It can tow, though - with a maximum hauled load of 750kg. The battery can also be charged at speeds of up to 100kW, so you can charge it to 80 per cent power in just 30 minutes from a high-speed public charging point.
Massive boot
You can have either model with five or seven seats. The shorter 4.4-metre Combo-e has a boot capacity of at least 597 litres, and that grows to a whopping 850 litres in the XL model. Fold all the seats and you can have as much as 2,126 litres (for the shortie) or 2,693 litres (for the longie) of space. IKEA won't know what hit it. The middle row of seats can either be configured as a standard bench, which split-folds 60:40 or as three individual seats.
Safety equipment includes hill descent control, a panoramic rear view camera, lane keep assist and driver drowsiness alert, to traffic sign recognition and forward collision alert with pedestrian protection and automatic emergency braking. Owners needing extra traction on mud, sand or snow can upgrade the Combo-e Life with the IntelliGrip electronic traction control system.
Panoramic roof
Inside, there's an eight-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the option of a panoramic sunroof. If you go for the glass roof, there's also roof-mounted storage area, that can hold up to 36 litres of whatever you need to stow, safely, in the overhead compartment.
The new Combo-e Life will go on sale in the Autumn and is part of Opel's promise to offer an electric or electrified version of all of its passenger car models by 2024.