Citroen has finally unveiled its latest flagship, the C5 X. This large SUV attempts to combine the elegance and comfort of a saloon with the storage space and practicality of an estate. It’ll be available in both plug-in hybrid and petrol powertrains – unfortunately, there’s no fully electric model on the roadmap.
The C5 X will use the automaker’s ‘Advanced Comfort active suspension system’, which seems promising following our excellent experience with the Citroen e-C4. This should result in a cushiony driving experience, whereby allowing you to drive over speed bumps and potholes with ease.
The plug-in hybrid version will have three suspension modes, which will allow you to adjust the effectiveness of the ‘Progressive Hydraulic Cushions’. Indeed, should you wish to stiffen up the suspension to ensure there is less body roll while driving at speed on windy roads, you’ll be able to so by the press of a button.
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The automaker’s desire to ensure the new C5 X is comfortable to drive doesn’t stop there, as the vehicle will be fitted as standard with ‘Advanced Comfort seats’; these seats have special padding that works like a mattress topper, which sits on top of a high-density layer and thickened foam seat. Yet again, it’s similar to the e-C4, which might make it one of the most comfortable SUVs to drive on the market.
While seat comfort is paramount, it goes without saying that headroom and legroom also play a role when it comes to comfort. Thankfully, the C5 X has an abundance of both at the front and rear of the cabin, where its long wheelbase of 2,785mm aids in this department.
Roominess is further enhanced by the panoramic 360-degree glasshouse, including quarter windows, which Citroen claim “create a bright and airy atmosphere”. Furthermore, a glass sunroof allows light to flood into the cabin whenever required.
Boot space has also been thought-through with total capacity sitting at 545 litres and with the seats folded extends up to a staggering 1,640 litres. A wide boot opening and its low, flat loading bay also make it easy to transport larger-sized goods.
Vincent Cobée, Citroen CEO said: “With new C5 X, Citroen has created an ambitious, large touring vehicle, a real tool for winning over customers who are increasingly inclined to explore the world. An audacious and original proposal that truly embodies all of Citroen’s expertise: innovation, care and above everything well-being.”
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Inside the cabin, the new C5 X also has an abundance of technology: from a Head Up Display to a 12″ touchscreen infotainment system that has access to real-time over-the-air updates. There’s also a wide array of driving assistance systems, which is thanks to numerous cameras and sensors placed around the exterior of the vehicle. This means there’s a 360-degree top-view camera, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go and Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross Traffic Alert and even semi-autonomous level 2 driving via Highway Driver Assist.
Onto performance, the plug-in hybrid model of the C5 X has 168 kW (225hp) of power, where it can drive in fully electric mode at speed of up to 84 mph. It’ll have an all-electric range of 31 miles from its 13.2 kWh battery pack (tested on the WLTP test cycle). According to Citroen, this “meets the majority of users’ daily needs”.
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Little has been shared by the manufacturer at this point, so we don’t have its quoted 0-60mph time, nor which engine the vehicle will be utilising, although, we suspect it’ll be a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine in the PHEV variant.
Onto styling, the C5 X is very similar to the e-C4. We see it as the more luxurious-looking and feeling vehicle on offer by the French automaker; no surprise here as it’s a flagship model. Inside, the SUV will be treated with a discrete premium finish while on the exterior you’ll have 19″ alloys and an accentuated body shape.
The new Citroen C5 X will be on sale in the UK in late 2021, with deliveries expected in early 2022. We anticipate the PHEV model to start from £35,000.
What do you make of the Citroen C5 X? Let us know in the comments section below, or via social media – we’re on: YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
