Citroën C5 Aircross, the new flagship of the chevrons

Since the large C5X sedan has been reduced to a bare minimum, having failed to find its customers, it is up to the new generation of the C5 Aircross to take on the role of flagship of the Citroën brand. After the Peugeot 3008 and 5008 and the Opel Grandland, it is the fourth family leisure vehicle based on the Stellantis group's STLA Medium platform to be renewed.

Listening to its customers, Citroën has taken care with the shapes. "The surveys we conducted highlighted our customers' desire to move towards significantly more SUV-like shapes," admits Pierre Leclercq, the head of design for the chevron brand. The lines have lost the curves of the first generation, which attracted 431,000 motorists (excluding China), in favor of tauter and more geometric shapes. Vertical grille, front hood raised above the beltline, emphasized and squared wheel arches, black plastic side skirts and belly pan, pronounced shoulders: the C5 Aircross delivers a copy that fulfills expectations. If the volumes seem quite close to the Opel model, the chevron proposal seems to us the most successful of the four family SUVs from Stellantis.

Pierre Leclercq's team brings the originality of a new geometric lighting signature based on two squares and two thin horizontal blades, and two of the three fin-shaped taillights appearing to float on the rear fenders, as on the Oli concept. This treatment combined with the wedge shape of the lower fenders helps to conceal the overhang. This harmonious silhouette does not prevent good air penetration. The search for great efficiency translates into careful aerodynamics. The very sloping roofline, the curved upper part of the rear and the quarter panel appendages contribute to the aerodynamic performance. Another particularity of this design is the beltline that dips towards the rear. While it loses 10 mm in height, it gains 150 mm in length (4.65 m), including 60 mm in the wheelbase. The C5 Aircross takes its place between the Peugeot 3008 and 5008.

The interior marks a real departure from the current model. Simplicity and weight reduction guided the designers' work. The two-tier dashboard is inspired by that of the latest C3, but the materials are aligned with higher standards, except for certain parts that remain in hard plastic. Similarly, the transmission and driving mode control buttons hark back to previous generations of PSA models. This leads us to believe that the group had stockpiled certain parts for several decades. It's a shame because the ambiance is modern, with light fabric decor whose look and feel mimic those of sofas. Having become one of the most important elements of the vehicle, the multimedia system rests on a huge vertical digital panel that seems to float in the middle of the console. Another welcome feature for driving comfort: the head-up display complements the 10-inch information screen.

Having become one of the signatures of the chevron brand, comfort is based on an extensive program combining soft seats and suspensions with progressive hydraulic stops that have already proven themselves on other models of the brand. The increased wheelbase benefits rear passengers who have a knee length identical to that of the C5X sedan and 51 mm longer than that of the current model. As for the headroom, it increases by 68 mm compared to the model it replaces. The family vocation of this SUV is not forgotten with a trunk volume of 650 liters.

The adoption of the STLA Medium multi-energy platform allows it to meet a multitude of needs. While Citroën has done away with diesel, the new C5 Aircross offers a 145 hp 48V hybrid version combining the 136 hp 1.2 L 3-cylinder turbo and a 12 hp permanent magnet synchronous electric motor powered by a 0.9 kWh battery located under the driver's seat. The electric motor is directly integrated into the new 6-speed eDCS dual-clutch automatic transmission. The manufacturer announces a 15% reduction in fuel consumption compared to an equivalent combustion engine. The C5 Aircross is also available in a 195 hp plug-in hybrid version combining a 150 hp 1.6 L 4-cylinder turbo engine with a 125 hp electric motor, powered by a battery that now reaches 21 kWh. The electric range is announced at 85 km. Finally, with this SUV, Citroën is strengthening its electric offering. Two versions are available: 210 hp with a 73 kWh battery providing a range of 520 km or 230 hp with a 97 kWh battery for a range of 680 km. In the latter case, it takes 27 minutes to go from 20 to 80% battery at a fast charging station thanks to a peak power of 160 kW.

The C5 Aircross will appear on the market in September at a more attractive price than the Peugeot 3008.