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The new Dacia Bigster will be offered with an all-wheel drive hybrid powertrain by the end of the year, according to the brand's CEO, Denis Le Vot. There is also a possibility that the flagship SUV could get a plug-in hybrid powertrain in the future.
When orders for the Bigster open in March, it will be available with the Hybrid 155 powertrain, which uses a new 1,8-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. This system works in conjunction with an electric motor that can drive only the front wheels.
The new all-wheel drive hybrid transmission will feature an additional electric motor on the rear axle to provide additional traction. This technology will be introduced simultaneously on the smaller Dacia Duster model later this year, and it does not use the traditional transfer cases typically used in all-wheel drive systems.
Dacia will continue to roll out hybrid powertrains in 2025 and beyond, with the brand's CEO confirming that the technology will "grow more and more in the future."
In an exclusive interview, Le Vauth told Auto Express that his team will continue to use all the components available to them, insisting that parent company Renault has "all the solutions" - from ICE (internal combustion engines) to hybrids, plug-in hybrids and fully electric systems.
“We are using the expertise developed by the [Renault] Group,” said Le Vauth. “We are integrating it and creating our own product. This benefits us, our customers, and allows us to manage CO2 emissions within the Group.”
Le Vot noted that the 1,0-liter TCe turbo (used in the Jogger and Duster) and even the 1,6 HEV are too small for the Bigster. That's why Dacia is using a new 1,8-liter hybrid in its flagship SUV - an engine created as part of the 'Horse' joint venture formed in 2024 by Renault and Geely to develop new electrified powertrains.
When we asked Le Vot about the possibility of developing a plug-in hybrid powertrain for the Bigster, he replied, "The company has plug-in hybrids. PHEV is in our sights, but maybe not anytime soon."
So, while a plug-in hybrid is possible – and likely – its introduction, it seems premature. In 2022, Dacia cars accounted for a significant share of the European retail market – 7,6% – and, given the limited financial incentives for private customers, there is no urgent need for Le Vauth to push PHEV adoption just yet, especially when Renault can meet ZEV (zero-emission vehicle) standards with its electric fleet.
