Romania. Mobile.bg team from the event site.
When we first heard about the combination of hybrid, factory gas (LPG), automatic transmission and electric 4x4, we admit - we raised our eyebrows. Moreover, such a proposal comes from the Romanians from Dacia. Well, after about 1000 kilometers behind the wheel of Dacia's new flagship, our skepticism disappeared somewhere in the middle of the Danube Bridge. This version of the Bigster is not just a “bigger Duster“; it is a request for a new standard in practicality.
The Romanians have really hit the mark! While other manufacturers are wondering how to get us into the electric mold, Dacia has pulled an ace up its sleeve. The Bigster Hybrid-G 150 4x4 brings together the three worlds: the economy of propane-butane, the efficiency of the hybrid and the safety of the two-wheel drive. With that we add an automatic transmission and we get everything we need. But is this “mix“ works in real life we tried to find out on the way from Sofia to Romania and back.
Exterior
In real life, the car looks impressive, but no different from the other versions. It is definitely more mature than its smaller sibling. The front is dominated by the new brand identity with “Y“-shaped lights, and the wide fenders and protectors made of Starkle (a recycled plastic material) give it the look of a machine that is not afraid to get dirty. With a length of nearly 4.60 meters, the Bigster stands firmly on the road and exudes the kind of calm confidence inherent in more expensive SUV models.
Interior
Inside, the first thing that struck us was the silence and volume. The dashboard is functional, with a 10-inch multimedia display that works surprisingly smoothly. The materials are sturdy and easy to clean, but cheap and this is somewhat visible - typical of the brand, but the assembly is noticeably better than anything we have seen from Dacia so far. The seats withstood the test of the 6-hour journey to Romania without hurting our backs, and the legroom in the back row is downright “royal“.
Engine and transmission
But the innovations of the Dacia Bigster Hybrid-G 150 4x4 start under the hood. There, a 1.2-liter, 3-cylinder turbo engine works in sync with a 48-volt mild hybrid system and - here's the interesting thing - an electric motor on the rear axle. This powertrain thus becomes a kind of hybrid, which, unlike mild hybrids, can also run on electricity alone. The system power of the system is 150 hp, and the torque is transmitted through a new automatic transmission. The Hybrid-G system is unique because it also has an integrated factory LPG installation, which is directly included in the hybrid cycle.
For the main (front) transmission in the Hybrid-G 150 4x4 model, the engineers have opted for a 6-speed automatic dual clutch (EDC). Unlike some smaller models, “wet” clutches (immersed in an oil bath) are used here. This is extremely important for the SUV segment, since the wet clutch dissipates heat much more efficiently. This makes the car far more durable, both in difficult terrain, and when crawling in traffic jams or towing a trailer, where the “dry“ versions often overheat.
However, the interesting thing is with the rear axle. There is no standard clutch in the familiar sense. The electric motor is coupled to an innovative 2-speed gearbox, which has a so-called “disengaging clutch“ (dog clutch). Its role is not to slip, but to mechanically separate the rear axle from the movement when driving only in front-wheel drive on the highway. This completely eliminates parasitic friction and the resistance of the electric motor, which is the secret behind this record-breaking autonomous range.
And to complete the picture of road behavior, we should pay attention to the Terrain Control control panel. Here Bigster offers six software profiles that change the “character” of the car with one turn of the selector and are definitely not just a marketing gimmick, as is the case with Peugeot models, which on top of that are only with front-wheel drive: In the Bigster Hybrid-G 150 4x4 they are:
Auto: Here the car thinks for you, optimizing the traction between the front and rear axles according to the road surface.
Eco: The mode that helped us achieve the record mileage by limiting the operation of the air conditioner and softening the response of the accelerator pedal.
Snow: Ideal for winter driving; here the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is much more vigilant to prevent skidding.
Mud/Sand: Allows controlled tire rotation to “throw away“ mud from the grab and find solid ground.
Off-Road: Maximizes cross-country ability by constantly distributing torque to the rear electric motor, simulating the operation of a locked center differential.
Hill Descent Control: On steep descents, the system maintains a constant speed between 3 and 30 km/h, allowing the driver to concentrate solely on steering.
Driving characteristics
On asphalt: Leaving Sofia, Bigster surprised us with its ride. The suspension is tuned more towards comfort, absorbing the bumps on the “Hemus“ without unnecessary jolts. In the city, the hybrid system works perfectly – up to 60% of the time in traffic we were moving on electricity, which reduced fuel consumption by nearly 30%.
Off-road: When we stepped into the so-called rough terrain, the electric 4x4 showed what it is capable of. Since the rear axle is driven by an electric motor, there is no need for a heavy cardan shaft. The reaction is instantaneous. When passing through muddy areas and loose snow, the torque is precisely dosed, preventing bogging. The car feels light and agile, despite its size.
Disadvantages: Naturally, this car, no matter how innovative it is, has its drawbacks. One of them is the need for sharp acceleration to overtake on asphalt. The system has a distinct lag at the beginning, but later, when it "takes over", the power is more than enough.
Autonomous range: This is the biggest trump card. With a full gas tank (50 liters) and a full LPG bottle (50 liters), the Bigster allowed us to cover the entire route to Romania and back without a single stop for refueling. On paper, the total mileage is 1,500 km - an achievement that puts even modern diesels to shame. In practice, things are close, with gas consumption on the highway with a maximum permitted speed of 140 km/h being exactly 10 liters per 100 kilometers. Gas consumption is much lower, and if we add the partial movement in the city on electricity, this car can actually travel over 1,300 kilometers without refueling.
Pros:
Incredible mileage: The combination of two fuels and a hybrid is brilliant for travelers.
Economy: Fuel consumption per 100 km is one of the lowest in the segment thanks to the factory gas system.
Space: A true family SUV with a huge trunk.
Electric 4x4: Quick response and lower system weight.
Cons:
High-speed dynamics: When overtaking on the highway at over 130 km/h, the small engine is noticeably audible.
Acceleration lag that slows down overtaking.
Hard plastic: Despite the improvements, there are still hard spots in some places in the cabin surfaces.
Price and conclusion
The price for the Dacia Bigster Hybrid-G 150 4x4 starts at 29,190 euros and reaches 30,690 euros with VAT. Yes, this is the most expensive Dacia yet, but it offers a package that the competition simply does not have and at the same time is cheaper than its direct competitors. So, if you're looking for a car to cross the continent with without having to worry about gas prices or waiting for charging stations, this is definitely a choice you should consider.