What's new
The new Citroën C5 Aircross uses Stellantis’ STLA Medium platform for the first time and completes the renewal of the brand’s model range. The SUV now measures 4.65 metres in length, 15 cm more than before, while the wheelbase is 2.78 metres. Citroën has moved away from the rounded shapes of the previous generation and adopted tighter, cleaner body lines.
The main change is the powertrain spread, because the C5 Aircross is meant to lead Citroën further towards electric driving without forcing buyers into one solution. The line-up includes a 48-volt hybrid, a plug-in hybrid and two fully electric versions. It remains a compact SUV, but within Citroën’s range it becomes the new flagship.
- a 48-volt hybrid with a 1.2-litre turbo engine and an electric motor integrated into the ë-DCS6 transmission,
- a plug-in hybrid with a 1.6-litre turbo engine, an electric motor and a 21 kWh battery,
- an electric Standard Range version with a 73 kWh battery,
- an electric Long Range version with a 97 kWh battery.
Inside, Citroën focuses on comfort and space. Almost all of the extra six centimetres in wheelbase have gone to rear knee room. With all seats in use the boot holds 651 litres, and with the rear backrests folded the flat load area grows to 1.66 cubic metres, regardless of the chosen powertrain.
Specifications and technology
The electric Standard Range version delivers 157 kW, or 210 hp, uses a 73 kWh usable battery and offers a range of up to 520 km. Long Range produces 170 kW, or 230 hp, has a 97 kWh battery and is said by Citroën to reach up to 680 km. The electric C5 Aircross has a top speed of 170 km/h.
The driver can choose Eco, Normal and Sport modes. Eco puts range first, with reduced power and limits on climate control and heating. In Normal, output is limited to 70 percent, although stronger pedal pressure can override that limit, while Sport gives full power and torque without restriction.
Charging and energy recovery
Regeneration is set through steering-wheel paddles in three levels, and the stronger settings automatically activate the brake lights. A standard heat pump saves energy and improves range, with Citroën quoting an extra 25 km in sub-zero temperatures compared with the previous model. The EV Trip Planner in the navigation system calculates the route and charging stops using real-time data.
DC charging at up to 160 kW takes the battery from 20 to 80 percent in 30 minutes. The standard on-board AC charger is rated at 11 kW, and with the Standard Range battery a wallbox charge takes four and a half hours. A domestic socket takes 6 hours and 45 minutes, while the Long Range battery needs around two additional hours on AC power.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|
| Length | 4.65 m |
| Wheelbase | 2.78 m |
| Boot capacity | 651 litres / 1.66 m3 |
| EV battery | 73 kWh or 97 kWh |
| EV range | 520 km or 680 km |
| DC charging | 160 kW, 20-80 percent in 30 minutes |
The plug-in hybrid combines a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine with 150 hp, a 92 kW electric motor equal to 125 hp and a 21 kWh battery mounted in the underbody. Total system output is 143 kW, or 195 hp, sent to the front axle through a seven-speed automatic gearbox. Citroën quotes an 86 km WLTP electric range, more than 100 km in the city, and electric running at up to 135 km/h.
The 48-volt hybrid uses a 136 hp 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo engine and a 9 kW electric motor, with peak output of 21 kW. It is fed by a 0.9 kWh battery located under the driver’s seat. According to Citroën, up to 50 percent of urban driving can be covered electrically, and the maximum total range is 900 km.
Markets, prices and availability
The C5 Aircross will be built at Citroën’s Rennes plant. It is due to go on sale in the middle of the year, but the exact market launch date has not been stated. Citroën has not released final prices either, although a figure of 33,990 euros is mentioned for the base model.
Fully electric versions are expected to open from around 45,000 euros. The Peugeot 3008 and Opel Grandland provide the closest price reference, as the C5 Aircross is closely related to both. The pricing strategy places the Citroën slightly below the brand with the lightning-bolt badge.
Equipment and cabin details
Depending on equipment level, the SUV can maintain distance, lane and speed, detect pedestrians and cyclists at night, brake in an emergency and park by itself. It also watches cross traffic and blind spots, monitors the driver with a camera and can change lanes semi-automatically. The cabin features a 13-inch central HD touchscreen called Waterfall Screen, a 10-inch digital instrument display and a colour head-up display.
From the following year, an optional 22 kW three-phase bidirectional charger is planned. With suitable infrastructure it is intended to add up to 160 km of range in ten minutes. V2L technology is due at the same time, allowing external devices to be powered from the vehicle.
Citroën avoids leather and uses material containing vine wood residue from Burgundy. Door and console storage compartments are made with 20 percent of the leftovers that would usually be burned after the grape harvest. An overhead glass panel measuring 107 by 72 cm brings light into the cabin, can be opened electrically and can be fully covered by a blind.
Verdict
The new C5 Aircross is built around space, a comfort-oriented chassis and a broad choice of electrified drivetrains rather than a sporty brief. Its strongest arguments are factual: a large boot, two EV battery sizes, up to 680 km of electric range and a plug-in hybrid with 86 km of WLTP electric driving. A final market judgement will depend on the complete price list.