This is the new Citroën C5 Aircross

After the end of the C5 sedan, the Citroën lineup has thinned out at the upper and more profitable end. The brand's new flagship will be called the C5 Aircross, an SUV that aims to score with extensive driving assistance systems, connectivity solutions, and various personalization options. With the C5, hydropneumatics also disappeared for good, now it’s up to the Advanced Comfort suspension and the Advanced Comfort seats to manage.

In China, the new model is already on the market and has so far received 40,000 orders, while in Beijing, with the C4 Aircross, the next SUV level has already been launched. Like the brand’s latest models, the Citroën C5 Aircross focuses on personalization. Customers can choose between seven exterior paint colors, a two-tone paint finish with a black roof, and three style packages – a total of thirty exterior variants. Color accents bring out the Airbump at the lower part of the doors and emphasize the effect of the roof rails. Five different interior ambiance versions are available.

The new Citroën C5 Aircross SUV is equipped with a 12.3-inch TFT screen and an 8-inch HD touchscreen. It features 20 latest-generation assistance systems, including "Highway Driver Assist," the second level of autonomous driving, as well as six connectivity technologies. A wireless smartphone charging station and ConnectedCAM Citroën round out the package. Thanks to the traction control Grip Control with hill descent assistance "Hill Assist Descent," the newcomer should also be somewhat off-road capable. However, real hardcore all-wheel-drive is not offered.

The Citroën C5 Aircross starts equipped with diesel and gasoline engines, delivering 130 to 180 HP, and depending on the version, combined with the new EAT8 automatic transmission. As the brand's first vehicle, it will also come as a plug-in hybrid at the end of 2019. The introduction of the Citroën C5 Aircross to the European market will take place at the end of 2018, and in Germany at the beginning of 2019. The new SUV will be produced at the French plant in Rennes - La Janais.

What does this mean?

With the C5, Citroën enters the segment of mid-sized SUVs and plug-in hybrid technology comparatively late. Nevertheless, the C5 Aircross stands out pleasantly from the SUV monotony. It is only to be hoped that the SUV gap, which has been closed late, is still large enough for significant quantities, even slightly off the mainstream.