Ebro s700 PHEV, the Spanish hybrid SUV that can travel up to 90 km in electric mode and achieves a total range of nearly 1,200 km.

Ramon Ortiz

Engine: Gasoline and 2 electric engines Displacement: 1,498 cc Maximum power: 347 hp at 5,200 rpm Transmission: Automatic Combined consumption WLTP: 0.8 l / 100 km CO2 emissions WLTP: 19 g / km Environmental badge: ZERO Maximum speed: 180 km / h Acceleration 0-100 km / h: 8.4 seconds Length / width / height: 455/186/169 cm Tank: 60 liters Weight: 1,865 kg Trunk: 500 liters Warranty: 7 years or 150,000 km Price: 41,990 euros (Luxury)

www.ebroauto.com

The rebirth of the Ebro brand couldn't have gotten off to a better start. The first few months have seen excellent sales figures, which have only slightly improved due to the production limitations currently being experienced by the Barcelona-based brand.

The unit tested corresponds to the plug-in hybrid version of the S700 model . The most efficient Ebros use technology derived from the Spanish firm's alliance with the Chery Group . In this case, it combines a 1.5 TGDI gasoline engine with 143 hp, with an electrical system consisting of two motors: a 150 kW engine (equivalent to 204 hp) and a generator.

The combined power of the hybrid propulsion system is 347 hp, and the performance is remarkable: the Spanish SUV is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.2 seconds, with notable mechanical response from low revs, although the speed of the automatic transmission is not one of its strong points.

Having two electric motors allows the driver to enjoy several operating modes. With the s700 PHEV, we can drive in pure electric mode, series hybrid mode, parallel hybrid mode, and energy recovery mode.

Efficiency is a key strength of the new Ebro PHEV. It has a fuel consumption approved in the WLTP cycle of 0.8 l/100 km and 6 l/100 km when running on electricity. This technology allows for an electric range of up to 90 kilometers, which in real-life driving situations is approximately 70 km. For daily urban driving, fuel consumption and costs are extremely low.

With a 60-liter fuel tank, the claimed total range is 1,200 km, allowing for complete peace of mind when refueling on long journeys. However, in real-life conditions, once the electricity is depleted, average fuel consumption is around 7 liters per 100 km.

The battery has a usable capacity of 18.3 kWh, and recharging times are adequate. On a charger up to 40 kW, it can go from 30% to 80% in 19 minutes. Using alternating current, this Ebro can charge up to 6.6 kW, taking about 3 hours and 15 minutes.

This car drives comfortably on any road. In urban driving and at low speeds, the system operates in pure electric mode. If the battery runs low under these conditions or speed increases, the system switches to series hybrid mode, with the electric motor propelling the car and the combustion engine generating electricity.

On country roads and highways, if a powerful acceleration is required, both engines work simultaneously to propel the vehicle forward with maximum efficiency. To adapt to the increased weight, the plug-in hybrid variant adopts specific components such as bushings, silent blocks, springs, and shock absorbers. It is very comfortable on fast roads, and although the suspension is soft, cornering speeds are very acceptable.

Once behind the wheel, the car is started directly by pressing the brake pedal, without having to press any buttons, if the key is detected. The driver enjoys an excellent driving position, thanks to the multitude of adjustments available for the front seats, which are also heated. Two 12.3-inch screens facilitate access and reading of the instrumentation and infotainment system.

The rear area offers enough width for three people to travel comfortably, and the trunk offers a useful volume of 500 liters, a decent figure for a vehicle in its segment.

The S700 PHEV is visually distinguished from the combustion engine version by its specific alloy wheels and its octagonal grille, which reduces airflow, improving aerodynamics and reducing fuel consumption.

This Ebro stands out for its outstanding standard equipment. It comes standard with a panoramic camera for easy navigation, a rain sensor, 18-inch alloy wheels, a power-operated tailgate, two 12.3-inch screens, dual-zone climate control, and eco-skin bucket seats.

Also included as standard are an energy recovery system, keyless entry and start, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, four-zone voice recognition, an eight-speaker sound system, automatic full-LED headlights, a head-up display, a panoramic roof, and electric, heated, ventilated, and memory front seats.

It also features a V2L bidirectional charging function, allowing it to power external devices at up to 3.3 kW. The only paint options available are Carbon Black, Phantom Gray, or the combination of Khaki White and Carbon Black.