Citroën C5X High-rised range-topper here next year
Segment-straddling luxury range-topper combines SUV, estate and saloon styles
Citroën is hoping to “breathe more life” into the large car market its unconventional new flagship model, the CX5.
With a silhouette that draws on SUV, estate and saloon styling cues, the C5X straddles several core market segments.
It’s set to arrive in the UK early next year with a choice of turbo petrol and plug-in hybrid powertrains, while prioritising long-distance refinement and ushering in a raft of features and systems new to the brand.
The model’s X suffix refers to its market positioning at “the crossroad of customers’ needs”, according to Citroën, as it offers the raised ride height of an SUV, the extended rear cabin of an estate car and the “elegance” of a saloon.
Certain styling cues – most notably the LED headlight designs – are inspired by the radical Cxperience concept, which was shown in 2016 and with which the C5X also shares its so-called Advanced Comfort design ethos.
The C5X was conceived to replicate the ‘magic carpet’ driving style of historic Citroën saloons, such as the DS and CX. It uses a hydraulic cushion suspension set-up, as fitted to the current C5 Aircross SUV, for a ride that aims to “overcome all obstacles, potholes, kerbs, speed bumps and other road connections”.
The plug-in hybrid version is fitted as standard with a driving mode selector giving a choice of three suspension settings.
The Advanced Comfort design ethos is most prevalent in the cabin, which majors on space, luxury appeal and advanced technology and features Citroën’s new mattress-style Advanced Comfort seat designs.
A 12in touchscreen controls an entirely new infotainment system with voice control, smartphone mirroring, overthe-air software updates and a customisable homescreen, while standard equipment includes four USB ports and a full-colour head-up display.
Alongside the introduction of new technology, interior space and practicality were priorities for the design team, with Citroën highlighting the 2785mm wheelbase which allows “outstanding” rear seat space and a 545-litre boot – accessible via an electronic boot lid with a low sill and flat floor for ease of loading.
“It’s a car you want to drive, but you want to be driven in as well”, said Citroën design boss Pierre Leclercq.
A panoramic sunroof and large windows are said to
FELIX PAGE
enhance brightness, and acoustic lamination for the front and rear windows helps to reduce road noise inside.
The petrol offering has yet to be officially detailed, but it will likely comprise the 128bhp 1.2-litre and 178bhp 1.6-litre Puretech units, each driving the front wheels through an eightspeed automatic gearbox, and priced from around £27,000.
The front-driven plug-in hybrid version, which will cost from around £35,000, uses a powertrain shared with other electrified PSA models using the C5X’S EMP2 platform. A 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine is paired with a gearboxmounted electric motor for a combined output of 222bhp, while a 13.2kwh battery gives an electric-only range of 31 miles. Full performance and economy figures will be detailed in the coming months.
Citroën anticipates the C5X will tempt buyers away from more conventional models in other segments. Some 25% of buyers are expected to switch from an estate, while 21% will come from saloons and 15% from small SUVS.