CITROEN

Citroën C5 Aircross 2025: We drove what is currently Citroën's flagship car

In just two years, the French company Citroën has completely revamped its entire lineup, both passenger cars and commercial vehicles. And the icing on the cake is the new Citroën C5 Aircross, a mid-size SUV that has become the brand's flagship—according to CEO Xavier Chardon—and with the permission of the more complex and smaller C5 X.

The prototype presented at the Paris Motor Show almost a year ago made it almost 100% clear where the photos were going. The final result, now without the flashy green color of that concept car, significantly improves the impression. The new C5 Aircross grows in size, says goodbye to the "soft" shapes of the model launched in 2018 (and refreshed in 2021), and introduces numerous interesting design details, such as spoiler-shaped taillights, flared wheel arches, carefully crafted aerodynamics, and, in general, much more visual presence.

It also features a new light signature and an advanced matrix lighting system, capable of delivering great power without dazzling other drivers. Be your judge, but for us, this C5 Acuracross reminds us of a Toyota RAV4 in some details.

This increase is particularly notable in the rear seat legroom, which is a benchmark in its segment and on par with many luxury sedans.

A very interesting detail is that this capacity remains the same across all versions—mild hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or all-electric—despite the differences in battery size. This is made possible by the versatile STLA Medium multi-energy platform.

Furthermore, the new C5 Aircross can be equipped with wheels up to 20 inches—a first for Citroën—and maintains a generous ground clearance of 19 cm, similar to that of many 4x4s. All this without increasing the overall height (1.66 m) or compromising aerodynamics. In fact, this aspect has been improved, providing up to 30 km of additional range in the electric version.

We mentioned that one of the main new features of the new Citroën C5 Aircross is its increased size. This generation—more than 560,000 units of the previous generation were sold—measures 4.65 meters long, 16 cm longer than the previous one; it is 1.90 meters wide (5 cm longer), and has a wheelbase of 2.78 meters, 6 cm longer.

100% new interior...The exterior change is profound, but the interior is even more impressive. As soon as you step into the cabin of the new Citroën C5 Aircross, you notice a clear leap in design and technology.

Let's start with the only downside: the presence of rigid plastics in some areas, a decision made to control costs. Even so, the feeling is improved thanks to the textile materials used in the upholstery. Furthermore, as an eco-friendly car, no natural leather is used on the seats, chrome is minimized, and 160 kg of recycled metals are used, along with 47 kg of reused plastics, for example, from agricultural waste, such as vine shoots.

Besides sustainability, what really catches your eye is the new dashboard. For the first time in a Citroën (and Stellantis) model, a large central multimedia screen is installed, positioned vertically and slightly inclined, what the brand calls a "waterfall." This screen offers a highly technological look, offering crisp graphics and intuitive functionality.

Connectivity is also a key element: it includes a virtual assistant with ChatGPT and an intelligent route planner, which takes into account real-time variables, from traffic to road gradients, to ensure the driving experience, especially in the all-electric version, is as smooth and efficient as possible.

Other details include advanced infotainment systems, large screens, wireless integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as ambient lighting and various comfort features in all seats. Thanks to this comprehensive equipment, the C5 Aircross not only stands out for its design and versatility, but also for offering a modern, safe driving experience adapted to the needs of its occupants, making it a very competitive option within the mid-size SUV segment.

At the bottom of the screen are shortcuts to the most common functions, and below that is a row of physical buttons, including one that allows you to deactivate several previously selected ADAS systems whenever you start driving.

The instrumentation is also fully digital, with a customizable display that supports different views and can be complemented by a large head-up display—30% larger than the previous one—with a wealth of information.

The entire system is finished off by an elegant horizontal line that runs from one side of the instrument panel to the other, integrating speakers at the ends and part of the ambient lighting—another detail never before seen in a Citroën.

Highlights include the Level 2 autonomous driving system, capable of automatically overtaking on highways. The panoramic roof has an openable front section, increasing the cabin's brightness and spaciousness.

Advance Comfort Seats...The seats of the new Citroën C5 Aircross represent a clear evolution of the Advance Comfort philosophy that the French brand has been perfecting in recent years. This feature, along with the suspension with progressive hydraulic stops, is essential to offering the driving comfort that traditionally distinguishes Citroën.

The front seats can be equipped with a wide range of functions: power adjustment, heating, ventilation, massage, and even new inflatable side bolsters that adapt to the occupants like a glove. This feature, a first for this model, significantly improves comfort on long trips and lateral support during cornering.

The only minor criticism is that the front seatbacks could be a little higher to offer better support for larger passengers. However, overall, comfort is excellent and reaffirms the brand's reputation in this area.

The rear of the Citroën C5 Aircross combines comfort and practicality. There's plenty of legroom and headroom for passengers, and the seatbacks can recline between 21 and 33 degrees, improving comfort on long trips. Additionally, depending on the model, the rear seats can be heated, and the flat floor makes it easier to accommodate the center seat, although the latter remains slightly more uncomfortable due to the integrated backrest.

One of the previous model's strengths has been lost: the three independent rear seats, which also slid to adjust the space between passengers and the trunk. This option was eliminated to optimize pricing and avoid increasing the vehicle's overall height. In exchange, the brand gained 7 cm of extra headroom, improving the feeling of spaciousness.

There is no increase in trunk capacity for technical reasons: the pedals have been moved back, slightly shifting the passenger compartment. Even so, the car doesn't fare too badly: the trunk volume is 565 liters, including a 70-liter double trunk, and it features a very vertical tailgate, which can be opened both electrically and manually.

Citroën argues that 80% of the rear seat is used by just two passengers, so the new configuration is more comfortable. Xavier Chardon confirmed that there will be no seven-seat version, although the platform allows for it, thus maintaining the commitment to comfort and balanced design.

Powertrain Offerings...The new Citroën C5 Aircross stands out for its comprehensive range of engines, adapted to all driver profiles, and its sustainable mobility concept. One of its main features is the suspension with progressive hydraulic rebound dampers, available in up to two units in the electric version, which softens both compression and rebound damping, maintaining the brand's legendary "flying carpet" effect, but with better body roll control.

Three powertrain versions are available:

145 hp mild hybrid: The entry-level version can run exclusively on electricity when the additional 0.9 kWh battery is sufficiently charged, covering up to 50% of city driving time without emissions. This represents a 15% fuel saving compared to a conventional gasoline model, and the total range can exceed 950 km.

195 hp Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV): A significant improvement over the previous PHEV, it features a 21 kWh battery that provides a range of up to 86 km in electric mode (over 100 km in the city). Total highway range on gasoline is 650 km, and the battery recharges at up to 7.4 kW.

All-electric version: Currently, there are two front-wheel drive variants. The first develops 210 hp with a 73 kWh battery, achieving up to 520 km in the WLTP combined cycle, and is priced at 37,490 euros in the base version. The second delivers 231 hp with a 97 kWh battery, with up to 680 km of range. Both versions support 11 kW onboard charging, optionally 22 kW, and at fast-charging stations, support up to 160 kW, achieving a range of 160 km in just 10 minutes while plugged in. From 2026, both will have V2L technology, capable of supplying electricity to small appliances or even another vehicle.

Thanks to this versatile mechanical offering, the C5 Aircross adapts to urban driving, long journeys, and the needs of those seeking a modern, efficient, and comfortable SUV.

Sensations behind the wheel...During our first review of the new Citroën C5 Aircross, we tested both the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version and the more powerful electric version on a route of approximately 120 km that combined all types of roads.

The overall impression was very positive. The driving position is well-designed and ergonomic, with ample storage space for items and bottles. The 13-inch central screen is intuitive, clear, and adds a touch of technology to the cabin.

On the move, occupant comfort prevails, reinforced by excellent sound insulation and the advanced suspension, which filters out bumps without sacrificing stability. The suspension is not as soft as in previous generations, allowing for more vigorous driving speeds on winding stretches. Both versions stand out for their brake response, which avoids the spongy feel common in many electric or electrified models.

Improvements to the PHEV...The plug-in hybrid offers significant improvements: when the battery is depleted, the system switches to conventional hybrid mode without significant loss of performance. During the test, we drove 70 km in electric mode until the battery was depleted and another 50 km in a combination of electric and sport modes, achieving an average fuel consumption of 3.6 liters per 100 km.

In the electric version, the suspension is adjusted for low speeds, although the increased weight is noticeable on open roads. Even so, handling is agile and efficient, with a real-world consumption of around 19 kWh per 100 km, equivalent to approximately 450 km of range in normal use, even with more aggressive driving.

Thanks to these improvements, the C5 Aircross combines comfort, efficiency, and dynamic capability, offering a balanced and satisfying driving experience in both urban and highway environments. The new Citroën C5 Aircross offers a full range of technological and comfort features, making it one of the most advanced SUVs in its segment.

And if the appearance has convinced you...Pay attention to the prices, which start at €27,690 for the 145 hp mild hybrid version and go up to €43,590 for the 213 hp electric version. This last amount would have to be discounted if any purchase assistance were available under the Moves III Plan. These prices are very competitive considering the size of the vehicle and all it offers.

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