With the e-Vitara, Suzuki takes an important step towards electrification. It is not only the Japanese manufacturer’s first 100% electric model, but also a key element in its ambition to become CO₂-neutral by 2050. Suzuki remains true to its core values with its new offspring: user-friendliness, robustness, and a certain pragmatism.
Text: Anja Van Der Borght
Upon stepping into the four-wheel-drive GLX, it immediately stands out that the e-Vitara visually differs clearly from its petrol sibling. Both front and rear feature a more modern, distinctive design. This top version with the larger 61 kWh battery comes with a brown-black interior, a beautiful combination available only with a green or silver body finish. The interior looks modern and is neatly finished, with numerous practical storage compartments, including in and under the floating center console. However, do not expect a premium experience: the materials are solid but remain functional. Suzuki succeeds in combining the refinement of modern electric interiors with the robust appearance of an SUV. A mix that clearly invites adventure!
Ample Rear Space
The e-Vitara is built on the new HEARTECT-e platform, specially developed for electric vehicles. Thanks to the long wheelbase and short overhangs, this results in a fairly spacious passenger compartment. Rear passengers especially benefit from extra legroom, partly due to the sliding rear bench. The trunk, however, remains modest at 310 liters for the GL and 306 liters for the GLX. From the driver’s seat, the good all-around visibility is also notable, contributing to a relaxed driving experience in both urban and busy traffic conditions. Less convincing is the central infotainment screen, which looks somewhat outdated, reacts slowly, and is not always intuitive.
Driving Dynamics and Drivetrain
True to tradition, Suzuki paid special attention to four-wheel drive. ALLGRIP-e is an electric AWD system with two eAxles, one on each axle, where each eAxle integrates an electric motor, inverter, and reduction gearbox. Our four-wheel-drive test car shows what this delivers: pleasant, communicative steering with more feedback than many electric competitors. In the three driving modes Eco, Normal, and Sport, the e-Vitara feels precise and dynamic, even from low speeds. It also has no trouble with overtaking maneuvers on the steep Ardennes hills. As befits a Vitara, off-road capabilities were also considered. The e-Vitara features a Trail mode that allows you to smoothly escape rough terrain by using the brakes to control wheel spin and distributing engine torque to the opposite wheels, functioning like a limited-slip differential.
Performance, Consumption, Charging, and Prices
The Suzuki e-Vitara is available as GL with a 49 kWh battery (from €33,990) or with a 61 kWh battery, as well as GLX with 61 kWh battery in 2WD (from €38,990) or AWD (AllGrip-e) (from €41,990). The 4WD version with the 61 kWh battery delivers a maximum power of 135 kW, good for a 0-100 km/h sprint in 7.4 seconds. The official average consumption is 16.6 kWh/100 km, resulting in a theoretical range of up to 395 km versus 426 km for the 2WD version. During our two-hour test through the Belgian Ardennes, where we regularly pushed the e-Vitara hard in cold weather, we recorded a consumption of 29.4 kWh/100 km. Fast charging is possible on DC with a peak power of up to 90 kW, charging the battery from 10 to 80 percent in about 45 minutes.
The comfortable base version offers standard equipment including a heat pump, Suzuki Connect, and extra safety features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, which are not available on some direct competitors like the Peugeot e-2008, Opel Mokka-e, or Jeep Avenger Electric. For those who do not need the absolute highest level of luxury, range, or fast-charging capacity, the e-Vitara offers excellent value for money thanks to its price.
Suzuki Belux extends the warranty on the Suzuki e-Vitara to 10 years/200,000 km for greater peace of mind and security for the consumer.
