Citroen e-Spacetourer being evaluated for India launch

Citroen is seriously evaluating bringing the e-Spacetourer to India to enter the growing premium MPV space. If it materialises, the model will be brought in as a full import. However, given the ongoing FTA talks, Citroen could have the opportunity to price it attractively. This MPV is available with diesel and electric powertrains abroad, but it is only the EV version that’s being evaluated for India.

1. The e-Spacetourer gets a 75kWh battery with up to 348km range
2. Available in two trims with two wheelbase options abroad
3. Could be positioned between BYD eMax 7 and MG M9

Citroen e-Spacetourer: what is it?

Measuring over 5 metres in length in its long-wheelbase guise, the e-Spacetourer is a typical upright and boxy MPV in a similar vein to the upcoming MG M9. It packs a 75kWh battery that powers a single electric motor producing 136hp. Citroen claims a range of 348km on a single charge under the WLTP cycle. The e-Spacetourer also gets a short-wheelbase version with a smaller 49kWh battery and a claimed range of up to 320km, but it is likely that the long-wheelbase variant with the larger battery will be brought to India.

The biggest USP of such a body style is, of course, the second- and third-row space. On that front, the e-Spacetourer has an incredibly spacious cabin, with captain chairs in the third row that are just as comfortable as the middle row. The middle row even gets a swivelling function in certain configurations, along with fold-out tray tables.

Case for the Citroen e-Spacetourer in India

The luxury MPV space has steadily grown over the last few years. Just last year alone, Toyota sold as many as 1,155 units of the Vellfire in India, and its sibling, the Lexus LM, is also very popular among the wealthy. Mind you, these are MPVs priced well above Rs 1 crore (ex-showroom). Meanwhile, 967 units of the Kia Carnival were sold between January and May this year. And with MG joining the ranks soon with the M9, this segment is set to grow further. So, while it is a niche, there certainly is a business case here.

Citroen e-Spacetourer: positioning in the market

The e-Spacetourer, however, isn’t as luxuriously appointed as the Kia Carnival or the MG M9. Its cabin is functional, yet gets the basics right with plush seats and adequate creature comforts, which means Citroen could price it attractively against the similarly sized Carnival and M9. Citroen will thus look to focus its attention on the luxury fleet market rather than personal buyers. Upon launch, it could slot into the space between the BYD eMax 7 and the Kia Carnival.