Citroën Berlingo named "Value Champion 2025" in Germany, defying depreciation

For several years now, the way we acquire new vehicles has been undergoing a significant transformation. The traditional cash purchase is increasingly giving way to leasing and long-term rental plans. In this new landscape, one metric has become absolutely pivotal for both manufacturers and customers: residual value. This figure largely determines the amount of monthly payments and the overall economic viability of a vehicle over its lifespan. A high residual value is a clear indicator of low depreciation, and therefore, of a sound investment. That is why I am particularly pleased to share the news of the Citroën Berlingo's latest achievement: being named "Value Champion 2025" in its category in Germany by the highly respected magazine Auto Bild. This is a major recognition that confirms not only the vehicle's intrinsic quality but also its lasting appeal on the market.

The "Value Champions": a rigorous market analysis

To fully appreciate the significance of this award, it is essential to understand the process behind it. The "Wertmeister" (Value Master), or "Value Champion," title is awarded annually through a collaboration between the leading publication AUTO BILD and Schwacke, a vehicle valuation specialist renowned for its expertise across Europe. Their mission is to identify the new vehicles that will experience the lowest depreciation over the coming years. This analysis is far from a simple estimate; it is based on the meticulous study of millions of data points. Schwacke's experts scrutinize new vehicle registrations, ownership transfers, used car price trends, and even the time vehicles spend in dealership inventory. This data is then combined with external factors such as the general economic outlook, new laws and regulations, and evolving market and customer trends. For the 2025 edition, eleven market segments, representing the most popular vehicle categories in Germany, were thoroughly analyzed. It was in the highly competitive "Vans" category that our beloved Citroën Berlingo distinguished itself by securing the top spot, an undeniable sign of the experts' confidence in its ability to hold its value.

A resounding victory: the Berlingo in figures and words

The Berlingo's success is not just a story; it is backed by solid numbers. The specific model that received the award was the Citroën Berlingo in the M body length, equipped with a diesel engine and the PLUS trim level. For this vehicle, experts have projected an outstanding residual value of 62.4% after a holding period of three years and 60,000 kilometers. This figure places it at the very top of its category, meaning its value is expected to decline more slowly than any of its direct competitors. This performance was praised by Thomas Goldboom, Managing Director of Citroën Deutschland GmbH, who perfectly captured the award's importance: "We are delighted that the Citroën Berlingo has performed so well in the Value Champions 2025. The Berlingo perfectly illustrates the proven quality of our vehicles: it not only shines with its everyday usability, but also with its lasting value. For our customers, this is a profitable investment in the long term. It remains our goal to make advanced technologies and vehicles accessible to everyone, and the experts at Schwacke have now confirmed that the Berlingo is fully worthwhile in this regard." These words highlight a clear brand strategy: to offer versatile, modern, and comfortable vehicles that are also economically intelligent choices for families and professionals alike.

This prestigious victory for the Citroën Berlingo in Germany is not an isolated event for the brand. It follows a similar award won a few years ago by another bestseller, the C3 Aircross SUV, which was also recognized for its exceptional value retention. This new honor for the Berlingo once again demonstrates the profound relevance of Citroën's offerings in key market segments. The Berlingo, a vehicle that helped define the leisure activity vehicle segment, maintains an enduring popularity with the public. It has successfully evolved, incorporating the brand's modern design language, useful technologies, and a high level of comfort, all without compromising the core principles that made it a success: unparalleled versatility and practicality for families, hobbies, and professional use. The fact that this popularity is now coupled with remarkably stable residual value, validated by independent experts, only enhances its appeal. It is proof that a well-designed, useful, and charming vehicle is also a vehicle that stands the test of time. This is excellent news for the brand and, most importantly, for its customers around the world.