The Opel Zafira Life XL, particularly the 2024 facelifted model with the 75 kWh electric powertrain, represents a significant offering in the European minivan segment. While not officially sold in the United States, the Zafira Life is a popular choice for families and businesses seeking a spacious, versatile, and increasingly, an environmentally conscious vehicle. This iteration focuses on providing a practical and comfortable transport solution, emphasizing passenger space and utility. The “XL” designation indicates an extended wheelbase version, offering even more interior volume than the standard Zafira Life. The introduction of a fully electric variant underscores Opel’s commitment to electrification and aligns with growing European emissions regulations.
Opel Zafira Life XL: An Overview
The Zafira Life XL is positioned as a large-capacity people carrier, competing with vehicles like the Volkswagen Multivan and Mercedes-Benz V-Class in the European market. It caters to those needing to transport multiple passengers or significant amounts of cargo. The 2024 facelift brings updated styling, enhanced technology, and the continued availability of the electric powertrain, making it a compelling option for those prioritizing space, flexibility, and reduced running costs. The vehicle is designed to accommodate between six and nine passengers, depending on the configuration.
Engine & Performance
The 2024 Opel Zafira Life XL 75 kWh Electric is powered by a single electric motor producing 136 horsepower (Hp) and 260 Nm (191.77 lb.-ft.) of torque. This front-wheel-drive configuration utilizes a single-speed automatic transmission. While not designed for outright speed, the powertrain delivers adequate performance for everyday driving and highway cruising. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 14.3 seconds, and 0 to 60 mph is achieved in approximately 13.6 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 130 km/h (80.78 mph). The 75 kWh lithium-ion battery, located under the floor, provides a WLTP-certified all-electric range of 335-347 kilometers (208.16 – 215.62 miles). Energy consumption is rated at 24.6-24.9 kWh per 100 kilometers (39.59 – 40.07 kWh per 100 miles), translating to approximately 85-84 MPGe and a range of 4.1-4 km/kWh (2.5-2.5 mi/kWh).
Design & Features
The Zafira Life XL is a traditional minivan in terms of its body style, characterized by a boxy shape maximizing interior space. The 2024 facelift includes subtle styling updates to the front fascia, headlights, and grille. The interior is designed with practicality in mind, offering a modular seating arrangement that can be easily configured to suit different needs. Key features include comfortable seating, ample storage compartments, and a user-friendly infotainment system. Safety features are comprehensive, including ABS (Anti-lock braking system) and a range of driver-assistance systems. The extended wheelbase of the XL version provides significantly more legroom for passengers in the rear rows and increases cargo capacity. The vehicle’s design prioritizes functionality and comfort over sporty aesthetics, making it ideal for families and commercial applications. The large windows and high roofline contribute to a spacious and airy cabin environment.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Zafira Life |
| Generation | Zafira Life XL (facelift 2024) |
| Type (Engine) | 75 kWh (136 Hp) Electric |
| Start of production | July, 2024 |
| Powertrain Architecture | BEV (Electric Vehicle) |
| Body type | Minivan |
| Seats | 6-9 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel Type | Electricity |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 14.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 14.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 13.6 sec |
| Maximum speed | 130 km/h (80.78 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 15.9 kg/Hp, 62.8 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 8.3 kg/Nm, 120.1 Nm/tonne |
| Gross battery capacity | 75 kWh |
| Battery technology | Lithium-ion (Li-Ion) |
| Battery location | Below the floor |
| All-electric range (WLTP) | 335-347 km (208.16 – 215.62 mi) |
| Average Energy consumption (WLTP) | 24.6-24.9 kWh/100 km (39.59 – 40.07 kWh/100 mi) |
| Electric motor power | 136 Hp |
| Electric motor Torque | 260 Nm (191.77 lb.-ft.) |
| Electric motor model/code | ZK01 |
| Electric motor location | Front axle, Transverse |
| Electric motor type | Synchronous |
| System power | 136 Hp |
| System torque | 260 Nm (191.77 lb.-ft.) |
| Kerb Weight | 2165-2379 kg (4773.01 – 5244.8 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 3130 kg (6900.47 lbs.) |
| Max load | 751-965 kg (1655.67 – 2127.46 lbs.) |
| Max. roof load | 150 kg (330.69 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1000 kg (2204.62 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 60 kg (132.28 lbs.) |
| Length | 5331 mm (209.88 in.) |
| Width with mirrors folded | 2010 mm (79.13 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2204 mm (86.77 in.) |
| Height | 1890-1940 mm (74.41 – 76.38 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 3275 mm (128.94 in.) |
| Front track | 1627 mm (64.06 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1600 mm (62.99 in.) |
| Front overhang | 904 mm (35.59 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 1152 mm (45.35 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 12.9 m (42.32 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | One electric motor drives the front wheels. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 1 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 225/55 R17 101V XL |
| Wheel rims size | 7J x 17 |
The Opel Zafira Life XL Electric represents a practical and versatile solution for those needing a spacious and efficient people carrier. Its electric powertrain, combined with its flexible interior and comprehensive features, makes it a compelling choice in the European minivan market.
