Citroën introduces C5X

At just over 4.80 meters in length, Citroën positions its new flagship model in the D-segment, following the same path as with the C4: by subtly raising the C5X, it creates a seating feeling similar to an SUV while still offering more comfort and lower consumption despite foregoing a diesel engine. The C5X comes only in two gasoline variants as well as a plug-in hybrid, the latter with 225 hp and 50 kilometers of EV range. Interesting is the statement from Citroën CEO Vincent Cobée, who claims to have discovered that people like to sit high, have plenty of space, and a large trunk, but actually don't need an SUV.

Finally unusual again: The design

So, with the C5 as with the C4, they also took the "middle way" of subtly raising a fastback sedan to avoid direct competition and to elegantly package the higher seating. This also applies to the new active suspension and the interior, which is now also more luxurious at Citroën with chrome and open-pore wood.

This is complemented by 238 millimeters of knee room in the rear and a standard trunk capacity of 545 liters, all packaged in an unusual fastback silhouette with a roof that extends far to the back, providing plenty of headroom in the rear and masterfully bridging the gap between fastback and station wagon. The dimensions are 4,805 mm in length, 1,865 mm in width, 1,485 mm in height with a 2,785 mm wheelbase. The trunk volume can be expanded up to 1,640 liters with the rear seats folded down.

New head-up display and enhanced assistance

The infotainment has also been upgraded: "My Citroën Drive Plus" is being used for the first time, designed to be even more intuitive to operate. Over-the-air updates should be possible, and voice recognition should function even better - an area where the French have not previously set standards. The head-up display has also been taken a step further to optimize display and readability. The interior is otherwise similar to the C4 with proper usability and fine materials.

However, the C5X is not produced in France, but in Chengdu, China, because according to Cobée, the market volume for sedans there is three times larger than in Europe. Delivery will start in China in October 2021, and Europe should follow at the turn of the year 2021/2022.

What does that mean?

Citroën continues to forge its own path with the C5X as well – thank you for that! With the C5X, they will appeal to new customers as well as die-hard Citroën enthusiasts and are likely to offer one of the most comfortable and visually unusual options in the segment. They are less innovative when it comes to drive and infotainment. The former is known – the 225-horsepower plug-in version is familiar from other company products, and they are at least making progress with the latter. To what extent they are advancing in this area was not entirely clear from the presentation. In any case, the C5X, as a touring sedan, fills a gap in the lineup and is likely to find its way. Whether the fuel consumption can be reduced without diesel, however, remains to be seen. Nevertheless, Citroen foregoes it in the C5X.