Big Brother Has Arrived: The Bigster Makes Its Statement
Pulling up to our rendezvous point near Nottuln, the Bigster didn’t roar onto the scene, it stood there. Wide, rugged, unapologetically boxy, it has the assertive profile of a vehicle that knows exactly what it is: a larger-than-life Duster. With 26 centimeters added to its length, the Bigster slides into the midsize SUV segment at 4.6 meters long, and it feels every bit of that added muscle.
What struck me first was the clean, aggressive front fascia. The now-familiar Y-shaped DRLs frame a narrow grille, while the underbody protection and black plastic cladding hint at off-road readiness. Our test model was finished in a deep forest green, subtle, almost military, and it looked right at home under the cloudy Baumberge sky.
This isn’t a car for showroom posing. The unpainted polypropylene panels speak to function over finesse, and the overall design plays into the “adventure on a budget” philosophy that Dacia continues to own proudly.
First Impressions: Spacious, Simple, and Surprisingly Thoughtful
I opened the door and dropped into the fabric-covered driver’s seat. The seating position is high, very high, in fact, even by SUV standards. That’s not a complaint. In this segment, you want visibility, and the Bigster delivers. The dashboard greets you with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, cleanly integrated and easy to use. Digital instrument cluster? Optional 10.1-inch or standard 7-inch, ours had the full display, and it was crisp and uncluttered.
Materials? Well, it’s mostly hard plastic, but textured surfaces and two-tone elements add visual interest. It’s still Dacia, no fake luxury here. But the fit and finish are far improved compared to earlier models, though I did notice a few wider-than-ideal panel gaps. What matters is that nothing squeaked or rattled, not once in 200 kilometers.
We had the Extreme trim, which included the panoramic glass roof. Over Baumberge’s patchy sky, light poured in during breaks in the clouds, bathing the cabin in a natural glow. My co-driver, an old friend and photographer, leaned back and chuckled, “Dacia just gave us a budget sunroom.”
The rear seat space is generous. At 1.75 meters, I could sit behind myself with legroom to spare. Headroom was no issue either, even with the roofline sloping slightly. We later folded down the seats to test the cargo area, nearly 2,000 liters of space. Our camera gear, jackets, and even a folded camping table slid in without fuss.
Under the Hood and On the Move: Driving the Bigster in Real-World Germany
Our test car came with the new full hybrid setup, 155 hp, an electric motor assisting a 1.6-liter petrol engine, paired to an automatic transmission. Let’s be real: this isn’t a performance SUV. It’s built for comfort and fuel efficiency, and in that respect, it delivered beautifully.
In town, the hybrid system shone. We crept quietly through Nottuln in full EV mode more often than not, surprising locals with the silence. The transition to the combustion engine was smooth but noticeable, Dacia hasn’t masked the petrol note entirely, but it’s far from intrusive.
On the highway, however, the story shifts. Above 100 km/h, the hybrid starts to feel breathless. Passing trucks takes planning, and the engine can get a little shouty when pushed. But at cruising speed, say 110 to 120 km/h, the ride is stable, the steering light but predictable, and wind noise impressively subdued for a car in this price range.
Over Baumberge’s rural roads, some barely wide enough for a tractor, the Bigster showed decent poise. Body roll exists, sure, but it’s well managed. The 19-inch wheels on our model were striking but occasionally harsh over sharper bumps. A drive later in the 18-inch version proved slightly more forgiving.
The Bigster’s Lesser-Known Tricks: Practicality Meets Personality
Let me tell you about the Sleep Pack. We installed it ourselves in under two minutes, three flat panels forming a snug double bed right in the cargo bay. It’s 1.9 meters long and just over 1.3 wide. We didn’t spend the night, but we did lie down post-lunch near Havixbeck, staring through the panoramic roof as gray clouds rushed overhead. Would I use this on a road trip through Bavaria or the Dolomites? Absolutely.
There are other thoughtful touches too: USB-C ports for every row, dual-zone climate control (finally, in a Dacia), and clever Youclip mount points to attach holders, organizers, and lights. It’s modularity on a budget.
Off-road? We tested the all-wheel-drive model briefly on a farm track. Mud mode engaged, the Bigster powered confidently over ruts and wet grass. It’s no Wrangler, but for families who like hiking or camping, it’ll do the job. The 1.2L turbo engine (140 hp) in the mild-hybrid version actually felt a bit zippier, less power, but more control with the manual gearbox. Plus, you feel more connected to the car.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Dacia Bigster Hybrid 155 | Dacia Bigster ECO-G 140 (LPG) |
| Engine Type | 1.6L Petrol + Electric Motor | 1.2L Turbocharged 3-Cylinder |
| Transmission | Automatic (Hybrid) | 6-Speed Manual |
| Power Output | 155 hp (114 kW) | 140 hp (103 kW) |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Drivetrain | FWD / AWD | FWD / AWD |
| Battery Capacity | 1.4 kWh | – |
| Fuel Economy (Combined) | ~4.9 L/100km | ~6.2 L/100km (Petrol), lower on LPG |
| CO₂ Emissions | ~112 g/km | ~120 g/km |
| Luggage Capacity | 662 L (1,937 L with seats down) | Same |
| Price (Starting) | €28,590 | €23,990 |
Final Thoughts: Honest, Capable, and Ready for the Road
The Dacia Bigster doesn’t pretend to be a luxury SUV, nor does it aspire to redefine the segment. What it does is offer real-world utility, space, and comfort in a package that’s startlingly affordable. At €23,990, it undercuts the competition by thousands, and it doesn’t feel like a compromise.
Would I take this on a road trip across Germany? Without hesitation. It’s easy to live with, easy to drive, and has just enough charm and ruggedness to feel like a true road companion. The hybrid is great in town; the manual mild hybrid is better for the highway.
Baumberge tested the Bigster’s versatility, from tight village turns to hilly backroads and even a bit of mud. It passed. And for families, hikers, or anyone who needs space without breaking the bank, the Bigster might just be the SUV they didn’t know they were waiting for.
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