Test Drive Citroën e-C4 X: Comfortable Electric Car at Combustion Engine Price

Citroën is taking the next step in its transformation into an electric brand. The C4 X will be available as a BEV only in 14 markets, including Germany. In the C4 X, the French present a crossover design that aims to combine the elegant silhouette of a fastback with the modern dynamism of an SUV and the spaciousness of a four-door sedan. With a length of 4600 mm, the e-C4 X slots into the Citroën model range between the C4 (4360 mm) and the C5 X (4800 mm). The wheelbase is the same as the e-C4 at 2670 mm. Like the e-C4, the e-C4 X is based on the company's CMP platform.

Up to the C-pillar, a C4

From the front, C4 and C4 X look identical. From the C-pillar onwards, the short C4 is more expressively designed, while the new C4 X opts for a saloon-like line. Quite elegantly, the C4 X extends into the compact class. But while the smaller brother C4 is also available as an internal combustion engine in this country, the C4 X is fully committed to electric.

“With the ë-C4 X, we continue the consistent transformation to an ë-brand and offer our customers a particularly attractive proposition: The model builds on the strengths of the ë-C4 while offering even more space, an even larger boot, and even more comfort – and all of this at a similar price. We look forward to welcoming the new member to our Citroën family,” says Citroën Germany CEO Wolfram Knobling.

Here electric cars, internationally also combustion engines

The e-C4 X is the next model to be sold exclusively as an electric vehicle in many European markets. Customers in EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa) and international markets, as well as in a few southern/eastern European countries who prefer a combustion engine, can choose between Citroën's PureTech petrol engines and BlueHDi diesel engines in the new C4 X. The new e-C4 X and C4 X models will be built for all markets at the Stellantis plant in Madrid, Spain.

"We are excited about the opportunities that the new e-C4 X offers, as it will make an important contribution to our brand presence and sales targets," adds Vincent Cobée, CEO of Citroën.

Many customers have wanted an affordable, responsible, and elegant alternative to the many hatchback and SUV offerings in the compact class, Cobée continues, and this is the "best interpretation of this need."

Fastback, sedan, and SUV

Viewed from the side, the vehicle's dynamic roofline flows seamlessly from the top edge of the windshield into the upper panel of the trunk lid, creating a fastback silhouette. The rear overhang disguises the length needed to accommodate the roomy 510-liter trunk. Large wheels with a diameter of 690 mm, combined with a short front overhang, give the vehicle a higher driving position.

The front end features Citroën's distinctive brand face with separate daytime running lights. The high, horizontal hood with concave indentations and the chrome strips that extend across the full width of the body connect with the LED headlights. In fact, the e-C4 X appears more elegant in reality than in some photos, where it seems somewhat disproportionate from certain angles.

"The e-C4 X stands out from the crowd - it retains the curves and design language that are unmistakably Citroën at the front, but when you walk around the car, you see that its silhouette is unique - much more dynamic and exciting," advertises Citroën Design Director Pierre Leclercq.

The aim was to have more length to offer rear passengers more comfort and a very large trunk volume, without the car looking boxy or clumsy. Therefore, the hard points were refined as much as possible to achieve a fastback roofline that seamlessly transitions into the trunk lid and then extends down through the sculpted rear panel to the bumper. Combined with the higher body height and the robust cladding around the car, this conceals the vehicle's length and makes it push forward in a sporty manner, Leclercq continues.

Flying Carpet

Citroën calls the intended driving feel the "Flying Carpet." And indeed, the seats are comfortable; they are relatively wide and have a special foam overlay. This is meant to give occupants the feeling of sitting in a comfortable armchair that isolates them from the road's bumps. The rear seats can be optionally heated, and the front seats can even be heated and equipped with a massage function. The Advanced Comfort suspension ensures even more driving comfort. In this system, two progressive hydraulic shock absorbers are used in conjunction with the shock absorber and the spring, instead of mechanical stops.

More Air with Panoramic Roof

Inside, the new e-C4 X is spacious for its class. This is especially evident in the rear, with a generous 198 mm of knee room in the second row, and headroom is sufficient even for the nearly 1.90 meter tall editor despite the sloping roofline. For an even more generous sense of space, a panoramic roof can be ordered. The French have also come up with something special for the front passenger. The e-C4 X offers a mount for an iPad or other tablet computers. The retractable system is directly integrated into the dashboard and allows the front passenger to make optimal use of their time on the go. And should the smartphone battery run low, there is an open area for wireless charging next to two USB ports in the center console. Two additional USB ports are located in the rear.

Comfortable Driving

The known standard engine from the Stellantis Group reliably delivers 100 kW (136 hp). Thus, it doesn't accelerate particularly rapidly. The electric vehicle goes from 0 to 100 km/h in Sport mode in 9.5 seconds, with a top speed of 150 km/h. The fully electric e-C4 X achieves a range of up to 360 km WLTP. The 50 kWh battery is designed as a 400-volt high-voltage lithium-ion battery. Three driving modes are available – Eco, Normal, and Sport, with the crossover unleashing all 136 horses only in Sport mode.