The Dacia Bigster is here: when Romania thinks (very) big

Two decades ago, the name "Dacia" still raised smiles at automotive shows. A brand from the East, somewhat rustic, heir to an era when Renault 12 clones were manufactured in Mioveni without much second thought. Today, that same brand is signing one of the most anticipated launches in the C-segment in France: the Bigster. A family SUV measuring 4.57 meters, available in several powertrains — micro-hybrid petrol, full hybrid, LPG or even 4×4 electric — and priced from 24,990 euros in Essential TCe 140 or ECO-G 140 trim. Suffice it to say we're no longer in the playground.

From Bucharest to the top: the Dacia saga in fast-forward

A quick look back at the origins, because the story is worth the detour. Dacia was born in 1966 in Mioveni, Romania, driven by Nicolae Ceaușescu's socialist regime, which dreamed of motorizing the country. Its name? Borrowed from "Dacia," the ancient name that the Romans gave to the territory of present-day Romania. Production began in 1968 with the Dacia 1100, derived from the Renault 8, followed in 1969 by the Dacia 1300 — which was nothing more than a rebadged Renault 12, produced until 2006 in more than two million units according to available records.

The major turning point came in 1999, when Renault acquired the brand and set it a clear objective: conquer emerging markets with reliable and affordable cars. The Logan, launched in 2004 at 5,000 euros, had a bombshell effect. A new car at the price of a used one—it was a revolution. The rest of Europe got on board in 2005 and hasn't looked back—in a good way. Followed by the Sandero, then the Duster (for several years one of the most sought-after SUVs by European consumers, regularly at the top of its segment), then the Jogger. In April 2022, Dacia celebrated ten million vehicles produced. The little brand from the East had become a pillar of the European market.

The Bigster: from sketch to asphalt

The idea for the Bigster dates back to January 2021, when Luca de Meo unveiled the eponymous concept car during the presentation of the "Renaulution" strategic plan. The silhouette is bold and assertive—almost military—with taut lines and generous ground clearance. The message is clear: Dacia wants to move upmarket and take on the C-segment, that of compact family SUVs.

Three years later, the production model made its debut at the Paris Motor Show in October 2024 (90th edition). Orders open on January 9, 2025, with first deliveries arriving in June 2025. The Bigster is built on the Renault Group's CMF-B platform—the same one used for the Renault Clio, Captur and Nissan Juke—but extended by 23 centimeters compared to the Duster III. An extension that's visible and tangible: 4.57 meters long, 1.81 meters wide, 1.71 meters tall, with a 2.70-meter wheelbase. Inside, rear legroom is among the best in the segment, and the boot reaches 702 liters depending on configuration—among the most generous in the segment.

The range: the Romanian Swiss Army knife

Where the Bigster really surprises is in the diversity of its powertrains. Dacia has chosen to deliberately ignore pure electric in favor of offering instead a genuine array of hybrid technologies—and even LPG, a tradition deeply rooted in the brand's DNA.

The entry-level TCe 140 micro-hybrid 48V features a 1.2-liter three-cylinder turbo engine with 140 hp and 230 Nm of torque, assisted by a belt-driven alternator-starter. Starting price: 24,990 euros. Available at exactly the same price, the ECO-G 140 combines dual-fuel petrol/LPG with 48V mild hybridization, delivering 140 hp on petrol and 130 hp on LPG. Total range with both tanks: up to 1,300 kilometers. At current LPG prices in France, the economic argument is unbeatable.

For those wanting more city comfort, the Hybrid 155 pairs a 1.8-liter four-cylinder with 109 hp to a 49 hp electric motor, a 1.4 kWh battery and an automatic CVT transmission. Combined power: 155 hp. It systematically starts in full-electric mode and runs in zero-emission mode approximately 80% of the time in urban use, according to manufacturer data. Price: from 29,700 euros in Expression trim. Finally, for adventurers, the Hybrid-G 150 4×4 combines mild hybridization, dual-fuel LPG/petrol and all-wheel drive thanks to a 31 hp rear electric motor—a particularly rare combination on the market at this price point. A way to head out on trails with peace of mind without emptying your bank account.

Figures to think about

In 2025, the Bigster sold more than 67,000 units worldwide—a launch that can be described as excellent. The Bigster clearly contributed to sustaining Dacia's commercial momentum in 2025, in a pressured European market.

Compared to a Peugeot 3008, Renault Austral or Citroën C5 Aircross, the Bigster shows a significant price difference depending on trims compared—while offering a generous boot, a best-in-class interior space in the segment and consistent powertrains. Hard not to see a serious proposition for budget-conscious families.

And meanwhile, on desert tracks, the Dacia Sandrider—a rally-raid prototype running on synthetic fuels—offered Sébastien Loeb victory at the 2025 Morocco Rally, the team's second W2RC success. It's not quite a Bigster racing across Saudi dunes, but the image of the brand as resourceful and courageous is very real.

Browse the brochure before signing

If the Dacia Bigster has sparked your interest in learning more, Brochure Auto puts the model's official brochures at your disposal so you can compare everything at your leisure, from technical specifications to the complete pricing grid. And if you've already taken the plunge or are thinking about it, the Dacia Bigster owner's manual is also available to get behind the wheel without any unpleasant surprises.