Citroën gives the C5 Aircross a facelift: Enhanced with a new "piano key theme"

With over 260,000 C5 Aircross sold since its market launch in 2018, the model is one of Citroën's success stories. Now it has received a facelift, mainly focusing on infotainment and aesthetics. Pierre-Yves Couineau, product manager of the Citroën C5 Aircross, explains that the C5 Aircross has become "more elegant and dynamic," with "sharper exterior design and more modern, higher-quality colors and materials for the interior."

The clear lines and vertical planes are intended to visually widen the front of the C5 Aircross. We think that the C5 Aircross has consequently become more mundane and interchangeable, but perhaps also more universally appealing. The brand logo has been reinterpreted here as well, now executed in black lacquer with chrome trim. The double chevron visually merges into the LED daytime running lights through a series of progressively tighter chrome and black piano keys, seemingly dissolving into the daytime running lights. This distinguishes the design from other current Citroën models where the double chevron extends to the daytime running lights through a chrome strip.

Piano playing as a visual theme

Characteristic of the new Citroën design language is the V-shaped LED signature of the daytime running lights in the form of piano keys, which gives the front headlights a modern 3D effect and visually extends the black grille. At the rear, the French have also endowed the vehicle with a new three-dimensional LED light signature featuring redesigned taillights. For improved aerodynamics, the shape of the casings has been revised. Without changing the size, the lighting unit is now equipped with dark and textured glass that highlights the three LED light modules. As at the front, the subtle piano key design enhances the deep 3D effect of the light signature.

Interior: Better ergonomics and new 10-inch touchscreen

 The C5 Aircross now features a new 10-inch touchscreen inside, which seems to float above the dashboard and improves ergonomics by providing direct access to the climate controls and better readability. The air vents are now located below the screen and have been designed with a new sharp, horizontal design. The high and large center console has also been revised and visually tidied up. The new, small, and elegant switch for gear selection replaces the previous large gearshift lever, accompanied by a switch for selecting the drive mode (Electric, Hybrid, or Sport) in the hybrid version. The center console also houses a new storage compartment and a second, additional USB port.
 

The seats have also been made more comfortable

The C5 Aircross is now also equipped with the new generation of Citroën Advanced Comfort seats, already available in the C4 and C5 X. The seats consist of high-density foam at the core, an additional 15-millimeter-thick foam layer, and a special construction.

In addition to the seat heating, a massage function has also been added. Furthermore, the colors and materials have been refined. Starting from the "Shine" trim level, there is a new soft-touch Alcantara and a new, high-quality perforated leather option. As the only SUV in its segment, the C5 Aircross offers three individually adjustable, foldable, and retractable rear seats for maximum modularity.
 

What does this mean?

Technically, not much has changed with the C5 Aircross – however, the facelift version looks tidier but also significantly more conservative and now offers better infotainment. Those who expected more economical engines or a purely electric version were disappointed: it remains a partially electrified plug-in hybrid. A fully electric version is expected to appear only with the next generation.