Citroën's New e-C5 Aircross Electric SUV Gets a Screen You Could Get Lost In
Image Credit: Stellantis.
Citroën has decided to give their C5 Aircross SUV a bit of a glow-up. And when I say glow-up, I mean they've slapped in a screen so big, you could probably watch a drive-in movie on it. They're calling it the "C-Zen Lounge" inside, which sounds like something you'd find at a very chic spa, not necessarily in a family hauler. Maybe after a long day of ferrying the kiddos and the groceries, a little Zen is exactly what we need.
The new C5 isn't just a pretty face with a massive screen. Citroën is jumping headfirst into the electric revolution, offering this bad boy in fully electric, mild-hybrid, and plug-in hybrid flavors. The fully electric version, the e-C5 Aircross, comes in two strengths. The Standard Range packs a respectable 207 horsepower and can supposedly whisk you away for about 323 miles on a single charge from its 73 kWh battery. Not too shabby for a jaunt across the countryside, although I'll believe that range when I see it – those European figures can be a tad optimistic.
Image Credit: Stellantis.
Then there's the Extended Range, flexing a slightly more potent 227 horsepower and boasting a grand total of 422 miles of range thanks to a larger 97 kWh battery. Now that's more like it! I can just magine the road trips! Though, you'll still have to stop to, you know, stretch your legs and grab a decent cup of coffee. And when you do finally plug in, it can handle up to 160 kW DC charging, which should get you back on the road in a jiffy.
For those not quite ready to go full-on electric, the C5 Aircross Hybrid 145 sounds rather intriguing. It's got a little 1.2-liter three-cylinder turbo engine (bless its tiny heart) putting out 134 horsepower, teamed up with a modest 12-horsepower electric cheerleader giving the petrol engine a tiny boost. The Plug-in Hybrid 195 combines a slightly beefier 1.6-liter four-cylinder turbo with an electric motor for an output of 193 horsepower. More importantly, it offers a claimed 53 miles of pure electric driving, which is perfect for those guilt-free school runs or quick trips to the shops.
Image Credit: Stellantis.
The new C5 Aircross has bulked up a bit, stretching to a length of 183.1 inches with a wheelbase of 109.6 inches. That's a good chunk longer than the old one, meaning more room inside for your precious cargo – both human and inanimate. Speaking of cargo, the trunk space is a rather generous 23 cubic feet, no matter which powertrain you choose. Plus, there are little nooks and crannies scattered about, adding up to another 4 cubic feet of storage. Perfect for stashing away those emergency snacks and rogue toys.
Citroën being Citroën, they haven't forgotten about comfort. They're still banging on about their "Progressive Hydraulic Cushions" in the suspension, promising a ride so smooth it'll feel like you're floating on a magic carpet. I'll reserve my full judgment until I've actually experienced it firsthand, but the idea of gliding over those pesky potholes does sound rather appealing.
And inside, they've gone all soft and squishy with foam fabric covering pretty much everything. The seats are their latest "Advance Comfort" design, and you can even get them with electric adjustments, heating, ventilation, and a massage function! The rear passengers also get to recline their seats and can even have them heated. Sadly, they've ditched the three individual rear seats from the previous model, which was a rather clever trick.
Aside from that behemoth of a 13-inch infotainment screen, you also get a 10-inch digital instrument cluster and an optional head-up display. They've even thoughtfully included physical buttons underneath the main screen, because sometimes poking at a touchscreen while you're trying to navigate is about as relaxing as wrestling a greased pig. Wireless charging, ambient lighting, and a panoramic sunroof are also on the menu.
Visually, it's definitely a Citroën. It's got that distinctive front end that's now part of their family look, and the bodywork is a bit more sculpted, supposedly to help with aerodynamics. They've even kept those funky LED taillights from the concept car, which adds a touch of that delightful French eccentricity. And while the wheel sizes have gone up to a rather substantial 20 inches, they've also given it a healthy 7.9 inches of ground clearance, just in case you fancy a bit of gentle off-roading or, more likely, mounting a particularly high curb.
Image Credit: Stellantis.
The new Citroën C5 Aircross is shaping up to be a comfortable, practical, and increasingly electrified option for families who want something a little different. It's not going to set your pulse racing with its performance figures, but it promises a smooth ride and a tech-filled cabin. It's the sensible shoes of the SUV world, but with a rather fabulous pair of sparkly socks underneath. It's due to hit European showrooms in the second half of 2025, with prices to be announced closer to the time. I gotta say, I am rather curious to see if this quirky French number can truly deliver on its promises of comfort and tech wizardry...
