Bigster Hybrid 155

Unveiled as the brand’s flagship at the Brussels Motor Show earlier this year, the Bigster is built on the proven CMF-B platform, already used on the Duster and the Jogger. At 4.57 m, it’s 23 cm longer than the Duster, borrowing some of its looks while showing a more robust and refined silhouette with stylish details such as two-tone 19” wheels, an optional black roof, and Y-shaped light signatures. The Bigster embodies the Renaulution strategy, aiming to make Dacia more desirable without betraying its core values: simplicity, robustness and affordability.

A new 1.8 L hybrid engine

The Bigster represents an important step in the brand’s evolution, offering for the first time a 100% electrified lineup. Three powertrains are available, each suited to different needs, from daily city use to off-road adventures.

We tested the Hybrid 155, which debuts a new engine within the Renault Group. It combines a 1.8-liter petrol engine (109 hp) with two electric motors (49 hp + high-voltage starter-generator) and a 1.4 kWh lithium-ion battery (230 V), delivering a total output of 155 hp. Power is transmitted through an electrified six-speed dog-clutch automatic gearbox (4 thermal + 2 electric ratios) without a clutch. While the setup may sound complex, the result is coherent and quite pleasant.

The system always starts in 100% electric mode and allows up to 80% of urban driving without emissions, thanks to smart energy management and regenerative braking. It is also highly efficient: during our test, consumption averaged around 5.5 L/100 km. Dacia claims between 4.6 and 5.1 L/100 km (WLTP), with CO₂ emissions of 104–105 g/km. Low consumption is also achieved thanks to a very reasonable weight of 1,562 kg. With a 50-liter fuel tank, the Bigster can cover nearly 1,000 km – making diesel, which Dacia no longer offers, unnecessary.

On the other hand, this hybrid powertrain isn’t built for thrills – but that’s not really what it’s meant for.

Two other engines are also available:

• Mild Hybrid 140: a 1.2L 3-cylinder turbo with 48V mild hybridisation and a 6-speed manual gearbox. Consumption: 5.4–5.5 L/100 km, CO₂: 122–124 g/km.
• Mild Hybrid 130 4×4: same base engine, but with all-wheel drive and manual transmission. Perfect for rough terrain or winter conditions, it offers specific driving modes: Auto, Snow, Mud/Sand, Off-road, and Eco.

The Extreme trim also includes a downhill speed control system as standard, automatically managing braking on descents, even in reverse.

Safety and driver assistance

On the safety side, the Bigster complies with GSR2 standards and comes equipped with a complete suite of driving aids as standard: automatic emergency braking, traffic sign recognition, lane-keeping assist, drowsiness alert, eCall, and a “My Safety” button that lets drivers customise their settings at each start-up. These features and interfaces are largely borrowed from the latest Renault models.

On the road, the Bigster feels balanced and reassuring. Suspension has been softened compared to the Duster, delivering solid ride comfort, although the 19-inch wheels do cause some vibrations on poor roads. The steering, though improved, could still be sharper. The automatic gearbox occasionally lacks responsiveness during dynamic driving. Soundproofing has been improved (acoustic windshield, thicker glass), but wind noise is noticeable above 80 km/h. Overall, the Bigster delivers, while clearly positioning itself above Dacia’s previous models.

Space and versatility

The Bigster’s interior is spacious and practical. Front and rear occupants enjoy generous legroom and headroom, ranking among the best in the segment. The boot offers between 612 and 702 litres depending on the version, with 40/20/40 split-folding seats – providing excellent loading capacity.

Beyond space, the Bigster brings comfort features rarely seen in a Dacia: optional panoramic sunroof, heated steering wheel, powered tailgate, ventilated bottle holder, electrically adjustable seat, dual-zone climate control with rear vents, rear armrest with tablet holder, a 10.1” central touchscreen with connected navigation, a customisable 10” digital instrument cluster, and the clever YouClip system, which allows accessories to be attached throughout the cabin, enhancing modularity and practicality.

Dacia has clearly stepped up its game. The only real drawback: no 7-seater version, even though space would easily allow it.

A serious contender in the C-SUV segment

With the Bigster, Dacia offers a serious alternative to mainstream C-SUVs that are highly popular among families. It’s spacious, well-equipped, electrified, and affordable. Of course, some compromises remain on interior materials and mechanical finesse, but the essentials are there. Prices start at €23,680 (Mild Hybrid 140), rising to €28,515 for the Hybrid 155, and up to €30,730 for the Hybrid 155 in Extreme trim. We wouldn’t quite call it a love at first sight, but it comes close.

As a bonus, it’s worth noting that Dacia has thought of outdoor enthusiasts with its Sleep Pack. This removable module transforms the boot into a two-person bed (1.90 m × 1.30 m), complete with a shelf and storage space. It installs in under two minutes and fits perfectly in the Bigster, making it ideal for carefree getaways.