- Stellantis has announced a new 4×4 conversion, compatible with its small and medium vans.
- The “4WD by Dangel” adds a rear e-motor to ICE vans, converting them into mild hybrids.
- The Opel Combo 4×4 is the first model to benefit from the upgrade but others will follow.
Stellantis has introduced the facelifted version of the Opel Combo 4×4, created in collaboration with French company Dangel, which specializes on AWD conversions. The interesting bit is that the updated van abandons the traditional all-wheel-drive system of its predecessor for an electrified rear axle. More importantly, the same conversion will gradually become available for all of the small and medium vans from Stellantis brands.
Powering the van is a familiar 1.5-liter turbodiesel engine, producing 129 hp (96 kW / 130 PS) and paired exclusively with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The front wheels handle the combustion-powered duties, while an electric motor takes care of the rear axle when extra traction is needed.
More: Stellantis To Convert Used Diesel Vans To Electric For Less Than €20k
An electronic control unit automatically engages the rear-mounted e-motor when it detects a loss of grip, working in tandem with a recalibrated ESP system. Drivers can also manually select between two modes (Auto and Low) adjusting rear axle torque to suit different conditions. The system draws power from a 48-volt, 4.8 kWh battery pack, effectively making these vans mild-hybrid diesels.
It is worth noting that a similar solution has been adopted by the smaller Jeep Avenger 4Xe and Alfa Romeo Junior Ibrida Q4, although in their case the rear-mounted e-motor is combined with a mild-hybrid 1.2-liter gasoline engine at the front.
Alongside the electrified AWD system, the conversion includes a suspension lift, increasing ground clearance by 90 mm (3.5 inches) to improve off-road performance. Dangel also reinforces key components like the engine, gearbox, and fuel tank to withstand tougher conditions. According to the company, this setup allows the vans to tackle “demanding off-road routes” and “steep climbs.”
Compatible With More Stellantis Vans
The Opel Combo is a sister model to the Citroen Berlingo, Peugeot Partner, Fiat Doblo, and Toyota ProAce City. This means that the “4WD by Dangel” conversion is compatible with the entire lineup of Stellantis’ small vans in LCV and passenger versions.
More: Opel Combo Facelift Debuts With Electric, Petrol, And Diesel Options
More importantly, Dangel has announced that the same conversion will be gradually extended to medium-sized Stellantis vans such as the Peugeot Expert, Citroen Jumpy, Opel/Vauxhall Vivaro, Fiat Scudo, and Toyota PoAce, with electric and diesel powertrains. This was to be expected as all of the aforementioned models ride on the same EMP2 architecture.
Turning those vans into 4x4s with the help of an electrified rear axle sounds like the perfect starting base for a small camper for challenging terrains. The only downside is pricing – according to the official website, the “4WD by Dangel” conversion costs €9,250 ($9,600) before taxes on top of the price of the donor vehicle.
