Large e-cars for the family in check

This year, we will once again give you an overview of suitable models, with space for up to seven occupants and enough storage space for suitcases, prams and the like.

Tesla Model Y: All-round carefree on the road

The undisputed number 1 among family-friendly e-cars comes from Tesla. The Model Y convinces in our ranking of family-friendly electric cars in all categories. Storage space, safety, charging speed, range and many other aspects leave nothing to be desired by driver and occupants. With a maximum range of up to 533 kilometres specified by the manufacturer in the "Maximum Range" version, even longer distances towards a holiday home abroad can be mastered stress-free. Tesla's own search function for the nearest charging station also contributes to this. Incidentally, these can also be used to find charging stations from the EnBW HyperNetwork.

The Tesla Model Y is suitable for vacation trips thanks to a range of 533 kilometers and the possibility to search for charging stations in the area (Photo: ©Tesla Motors).

With costs of around 45,000 euros for the basic version with rear-wheel drive and a range of up to 455 kilometres according to WLTP, the electric car is priced in the upper mid-range in the "family-friendly e-cars" segment. However, another 6,750 euros can be deducted from this in the form of the environmental bonus. As standard, the Model Y has five seats in two rows. The long range, a low loading sill for convenient loading and unloading and the luxurious interior make the Model Y our first choice for large electric cars. Enough power is provided by more than 500 hp, which is supposed to accelerate the car to up to 217 km/h (variant "rear-wheel drive" and "maximum range") or 250 km/h (variant "Performance").

According to the ADAC, the trunk volume is between 420 and 1,380 liters with the rear seats folded down. In addition, there is another trunk at the front, which should fit 117 liters.

By the way: The Tesla Model X, the big brother of the Model Y, so to speak, and also suitable for families (albeit a lot more expensive), was able to convince all along the line in our practical test, even with an attached caravan.

MG5 Electric: The first electric station wagon with space for the whole family

While the demand for a station wagon in the segment of vehicles with combustion engines has recently been declining, the desire for a corresponding model with an electric motor has been growing all the time. The company MG, which now belongs to the Chinese SAIC Group, has now complied with this wish and has launched the MG5 Electric, the first electric station wagon on the market. The great thing is that the basic version with a 51 kWh battery costs just under 33,000 euros. The variant with a 61 kWh battery and the "Luxury" equipment package costs about 37,000 euros. An additional 6,750 euros of environmental bonus can be deducted from the prices.

The MG5 is the first electric station wagon – and is available at a comparatively low price (Photo: ©MG Motor Europe

Depending on the scope of the equipment, the range is 310/320 kilometres in the variant with the smaller battery and 380/400 kilometres with the 61 kWh energy cell. Due to the limited fast-charging capability with a maximum of 87 kW, the MG5 Electric is only suitable to a limited extent for long-distance holiday trips. Thanks to a trunk volume of 479 liters, which can be expanded to up to 1,367 liters with the rear seats folded down, the MG5 is suitable for daily needs and visits to relatives including offspring and prams. Safety is ensured by adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and traffic jam assist and a front collision warning system with automatic emergency braking.

VW ID.4: Versatile

With the ID.4, Volkswagen has launched the big brother of the ID.3. The 4.60-metre-long five-seater is a compact e-SUV that gives its passengers plenty of headroom and legroom both in the front and rear. In combination with a generous luggage compartment that has a load volume of up to 543 litres, which can be expanded to up to 1,575 litres with the rear seat folded down, the ID.4 is also suitable for holiday trips with the whole family.

With the ID.4, VW also wants to shake up the field of electric SUVs. © Volkswagen

This is especially true if you opt for the variant with the large 77 kWh battery. According to WLTP measurements, this should have a range of up to 533 kilometres. Recharging at a fast-charging station – for example in EnBW's HyperNetz – is particularly fast with a charging power of up to 125 kW. If neither the outside nor the battery temperature is too low, the ID.4 charges from 10 to 80 percent in just 35 minutes. The variant with the smaller 52 kWh manages up to 350 kilometres without recharging and charges at the fast charging station with 100 kW.

In the basic version, the electric SUV is currently available for a price of around 40,000 euros. Another 6,750 euros of environmental bonus can be deducted from this.

Electrified family SUV in the compact class: Skoda Enyaq iV

At Volkswagen's Czech subsidiary brand, Skoda, the Enyaq iV convinces as an electric car for the whole family. The name is derived from the Irish name "Enya" (just like the singer) and means "fire", but also "source of life".

And the Enyaq iV is actually in the middle of life. One of the special features of the Czech family SUV: With an overall length of 4.65 meters, the Enyaq iV has a wheelbase of just under 2.80 meters. In other words: compact class from the outside, mini-van from the inside. The 585 liters in the trunk alone offer plenty of storage space. If you include the seating area, you have a total load volume of around 2,000 litres.

The first edition of the Enyaq commemorates the year Skoda was founded: Exactly 1,895 units of the "Founders Edition" could be ordered. (Photo: Skoda)

The Enyaq iV is currently offered in the Enyaq iV RS and 80 versions. The Enyaq iV RS is characterized above all by its sporty design, higher acceleration (0 to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds) and a higher top speed of 180 km/h. On the other hand, it makes slight concessions in terms of range (512 kilometres according to WLTP). The Enyaq iV 80 is more moderate in terms of design, accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.5 seconds, drives a maximum of 160 km/h and is said to be able to cover up to 542 kilometres according to the WLTP procedure without stopping at a charging point.

Skoda states that the base price for the Enyaq iV 80 is around 49,000 euros, so after deducting the environmental bonus, you pay about 44,500 euros for the family SUV. The RS version is available from about 63,000 euros. Another 4,500 euros environmental bonus can also be deducted from this price.

Price-performance winner in the e-car segment for the family: Aiways U5

The Chinese carmaker Aiways has so far been rather unknown on the German market. The company was only founded in 2017, and two years later the start-up presented its first model. Production is carried out in China, but development is international: research laboratories are located in Germany, Denmark and the United States. The name is made up of "Ai" and "ways". While the second term stands for road or path, the first means artificial intelligence (AI), but also love in Chinese. In other words, at Aiways, state-of-the-art technology and a love of cars go hand in hand.

The Aiways U5 is particularly interesting for families from a price point of view. The standard version costs around 38,000 euros, the premium version just under 43,000 euros. Another 6,750 euros of environmental bonus can be deducted from this.

In addition to the price, ranges of up to 400 kilometres according to WLTP also sound quite interesting. This is achieved through the technology used by Aiways. An innovative sandwich structure ensures that the battery lasts longer even at low temperatures, and you can also charge the U5 from 20 to 80 percent within 35 minutes at fast charging stations.

The performance details are strongly oriented towards everyday use: At 160 km/h, the maximum speed is significantly lower than the Tesla Model Y, but is easily sufficient for most trips. The electric motors deliver around 204 hp, and the Aiways U5 can go from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.5 or 7.8 seconds, depending on the version. Even though the number of occupants of the U5 is limited to five people, the e-SUV still hides a small space miracle: With a length of 4.68 meters, there is enough storage space. The luggage compartment offers a volume of 370 litres, which can be expanded to a maximum of 1,675 litres with the rear seats folded down and a roof-high load. And best of all, the large panoramic roof of the premium version always provides a generous feeling of space, no matter how full you have loaded the U5. With a parking assistant, all-round cameras, traffic sign recognition, an emergency braking function, adaptive cruise control and much more, the Aiways U5 also has a bulging comfort and safety package.

Mercedes EQV 300: Enough space for the extended family

More space for more occupants, storage space as needed and enough power to drive the children, suitcases and shopping around: This is the best way to describe the Mercedes EQV. The electric version of the Mercedes van serves a very special niche: the Benz offers space for up to eight occupants and is in the upper field of participants with a price starting at 85,000 euros.

High-quality workmanship and plenty of space in the MPV: the EQV from Mercedes-Benz offers space for up to eight occupants. (Photo: Daimler AG)

The generously sized interior offers a load volume of at least 1,030 litres. In addition, it is maximally variable: You can fold and unfold seats, insert and remove rows or adjust them in front and against the direction of travel – more space, for example, for a family of five with a lot of luggage.

The range is based on shuttle journeys over short or medium distances. The e-van has a maximum range of up to 349 kilometers and is therefore also suitable for longer tours - for example within Germany.

The big car also scores in terms of workmanship and quality. You can watch a detailed video introducing the e-van here:

Citroën ë-Berlingo: The electric box with plenty of storage space

The class of high-roof station wagons was introduced by Citroën in 1996. 25 years later, the classic Berlingo has now blossomed into an electric car in the form of the ë-Berlingo. In the 4.40-metre-long panel van, not only the occupants, but also the luggage have more than enough space. The trunk volume is at least 755 liters. For an extra charge, the ë-Berlingo can even be extended by 25 centimetres, which also increases the space for prams and the like in the trunk. Also practical: Three child seats fit next to each other on the large rear seat. This makes the electrified Berlingo also suitable for the larger family.

With its 50 kWh battery, the ë-Berlingo is certainly not a range champion for this. According to the manufacturer, the e-car can cover 275 kilometres without refuelling at the charging station. On the other hand, the battery is charged to 80 percent again in 30 minutes at the fast charging station thanks to 100 kW charging power. The basic version of the ë-Berlingo is available in the shorter M variant from 39,000 euros. Another 6,750 euros of environmental bonus can be deducted from this. Included as standard is Hill Start Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, Lane Assist, Cruise Control and Limiter, and Active Emergency Braking with Collision Warning.

Fiat E-Ulysse: The (family) large-capacity taxi

With the Fiat E-Ulysse, another minivan makes it into our list of large electric cars for families. With only the second electric car from Fiat, you have the choice between two different battery sizes (50 kWh and 75 kWh). With the latter, a range of up to 329 kilometres according to WLTP should be possible. An astonishing figure when you consider that the minivan – depending on the version – can accommodate seven or even eight people.

Whether it's a family carriage or a hotel shuttle: the Fiat E-Ulysse looks great at every appearance (Photo: ©Stellantis).

Particularly practical: Despite the many seats, the E-Ulysse still has a large trunk. In the shorter 4.95-metre-long version, the minivan offers 900 litres of storage space. In the XL variant with 5.30 meters, it is even 1,500 liters. The cargo space from the back of the front seats to the trunk lid holds items up to 3.1 or 3.5 meters in length. Accordingly, taking an e-bike, skis or even a surfboard with you is no problem. In the basic version, the family van is available from about 63,000 euros. In the lounge version, you have to spend around 65,000 euros. From this, another 4,500 euros can be deducted in each case.

VW ID.Buzz: E-Bulli with a range of 550 kilometres

The VW ID.Buzz also offers a lot of space. The 4.70-metre-long version can accommodate up to five people, who can also look forward to plenty of legroom. An XL variant has also been announced for 2023, which will have 25 centimetres more wheelbase and thus offer additional space for a third bench seat. Since the rear bench can be moved by up to 15 centimetres, the luggage compartment volume is also flexible: if it is loaded to the upper edge of the backrests, up to 1,121 litres of luggage can fit inside. So there is more than enough space for prams, suitcases and the like in the ID.Buzz. With the rear seats folded down, a payload of up to 2,205 liters is even possible. A flat surface between the trunk and the folded rear seats can be achieved with an optional shelf.

Thanks to the 77 kWh battery, the electric van achieves a maximum range of up to 550 kilometres. At a fast-charging station with the appropriate power, the battery can be charged with up to 170 kW. According to VW, this should allow charging from 5 to 80 percent within 30 minutes. This makes the ID.Buzz also ideal for long distances. Of course, the e-Bulli also has its price: it is available from just under 65,000 euros. From this, another 4,500 euros environmental bonus can be deducted.

Conclusion: Large e-cars – the differences are also big

If you are looking for a suitable e-car for your family, you are spoilt for choice. Each of the established suppliers has one or more models on offer, from city runabouts to MPVs. You're sure to find the family car that's perfectly tailored to your family's needs. As our presentation shows, however, the prices sometimes differ greatly from each other. But there is government support. In addition to the purchase bonus, you can take advantage of a whole range of subsidy options, for example in the form of tax benefits. Another way to avoid high purchase sums is to lease e-cars. However, it is important to weigh up the advantages and disadvantages (e.g. the payment of monthly instalments instead of a one-off sum, but additional costs due to being tied to an authorised workshop).

A wallbox is also practical so that you can charge your e-car at home. In a corresponding article, we have compiled all the information you should look out for when buying a wallbox. In addition, you will find all the information on home charging with EnBW's charging electricity tariffs on an overview page.