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The young Stellantis group completes its quartet of spacious electric vans. After the eight-seater MPVs from Peugeot, Citroen and Opel, the almost identical Fiat E-Ulysse is now appearing. A familiar name returns after twelve years.
They still exist family vans for vacation trips, as a shuttle to a children's birthday party or for a weekend trip including grandparents. Founded in 1983 by the Chrysler Voyager and a year later by the Renault Espace in Europe, the class of large carriages with up to three rows was a fixture on the streets for a long time. The descendants of mid-range cars such as the Espace, VW Sharan, Seat Alhambra or Ford Galaxy are still available today, but they lead a shadowy existence and are looking forward to their imminent demise.
Same car with different brand?
The new large-capacity vans are derived from sober commercial vehicles in which the tinny van interior mutates into an oasis of well-being thanks to a homely design. The new all-electric Fiat e-Ulysse (from 56.000 euros) has a close relative in the Scudo panel van. The eight-seater is also linked to the almost identical sisters Peugeot e-Traveller, the Opel Zafira Life and the Citroen e-Spacetourer, with which it rolls off the assembly line in Valenciennes, France. That's how it is in times of international division of labor on a common platform.
In this respect, the design and dimensions of the five-meter ships are similar. It's a good thing that there are trademarks that clearly reveal the respective origin on the bow. The well-known Fiat name Ulysse is surprising here. Between 1994 and 2010, the two previous generations of the family sedan were reminiscent of the Greek legendary hero, better known to us as Odysseus. Even back then, it was a joint production with Peugeot and Citroen as the “Euro-Van”. At that time, it had contemporary petrol and diesel engines under the short hood. The completely new Ulysse feeling starts with the push of the start button. A bright whirring sound, reminiscent of the transformer noise of an electric train, signals that the battery and electric motor are ready to go. It is always audible at idle, even at red lights. At the same time, the round instruments behind the steering wheel open.
Infotainment?
The fittings behind the steering wheel are classic with real pointers, the Ulysse does without digital gimmicks. The central, chrome-framed monitor is more modest than usual today, includes navigation and entertainment. Thanks to tom-tom networking, it also offers information about the traffic situation, weather, the nearest charging station or parking spaces. There is no need for a conventional shift lever, a quick finger contact with a toggle switch below the screen sets the direction - forward, reverse or neutral. The absence of a thick stick between the front seats provides airiness and a sense of space.
Unspectacular driving off with a quiet electric sound background, the occupants in all seats are not bothered by shift jerks, as in all electric cars. Since the Ulysee now shares its base with a commercial vehicle, cobblestones, transverse joints and other bumps cannot be ironed out as confidently as in a limousine, despite all the fine work of the chassis engineers. The Ulysse is still not a rumble, although at least 2 tons of weight press on the asphalt via four individually suspended 17-inch wheels and the suspension.
The bottom line is that it has earned a decent comfort rating. From all seats, the lavish glazing ensures a princely all-round view that has always characterized this type of car. Plenty of light comes into the rolling living room through a two-part glass roof, but only in the top "Lounge" version.
speed limit? doesn't matter
Of course, the way the Ulysse handles its 100 kW/136 hp is exactly the same as its stablemates from France and Germany. Since e-car disciples do not naturally have a heavy foot on the accelerator, it is only marginally interesting that 12 seconds elapse before the speedometer reaches 100 km/h. At 130 km/h, the electronics drop the anchor for the sake of range. The Fiat feels most comfortable at a motorway speed of around 110 km(h). If there is still a lot of city traffic and country roads are also approached cautiously, the range of around 200 kilometers with its 50 kWh battery is realistic in everyday life .
It's also faster at the charging station
A good 100 kilometers further comes the Ulysse with the 75 kWh battery, which, however, costs 6.000 euros more and raises the Ulysse to a good 62.000 euros. A sensible investment for further tours or vacation trips. A 100 kW fast charging system helps with travel planning. If you discover one of these columns, a coffee break of 45 minutes is enough to bring the battery back to 80 percent shape. It takes a few hours on the 11 kW wall box in the carport at home, on the normal household socket several days and nights have to be planned.
The highlight of the Ulysse is the versatility of the furniture. Since the individual seats mounted on rails can be moved or removed as desired, the seven-seater version offers 16 seat layouts, the eight-seater 12. It becomes a rolling lounge when the second and third rows are arranged opposite one another. However, occasional knee contacts with the person opposite are hardly avoidable. After all, a kind of coffee table fits in between, ideal for a round of skat or double headed. In addition to numerous trendy assistance systems, the equipment also includes an electric remote control for the side sliding doors and an air purification device.
Technical data
Large-capacity van of the upper middle class with up to eight seats, length: 4,96 or 5,30 meters, width: 2,01 meters (without exterior mirrors), height: 1,89 meters, wheelbase: 3,28 meters, trunk volume : 450 - 4.900 liters (long version with two occupied seats)
Electric motor, 100 kW/136 hp, maximum torque: 260 Nm, battery with 57 kWh or 75 kWh, one-stage automatic, front-wheel drive, 0-100 km/h: 12,1 s, Vmax: 130 km/h, electric Range: 231 km or 329 km (75 kWh battery), standard consumption (WLTP) 23,3 - 27,3 kWh/100 km, CO2 emissions: 0 g/km, efficiency class: A+++
Price: from 55.990 euros or 61.990 euros, long wheelbase 1.000 euros extra charge
In brief
Why: Family member for relaxed excursions, large van for buying furniture or posh shuttle on the way to the red carpet
Why not: maybe a mobile home after all?
What is sonst: including the sister models of Peugeot, Citroen and Opel
When does he come: from now on
