Let’s talk about the new Citroën C5 Aircross. This isn’t your average SUV, blending into the traffic jam next to a dozen others. No, this is a French renegade that looks like it just strutted off a Parisian catwalk, ready to show the world that comfort and style can be best mates. And oh, it’s got some powertrains that’ll make your eyebrows shoot up in surprise. Let’s dive in, with the gusto of someone who’s had one too many espressos.
First, the looks. The C5 Aircross isn’t here to fade into the background. Stretching 4.65 meters long – a proper 15-centimeter growth spurt over its predecessor – it’s got a robust vibe without being clunky. The designers have thrown in sharp lines and wide wheel arches, with optional 20-inch alloys that scream, “Oi, look at me!” The front flaunts a bold new Citroën logo, while the headlights and taillights – poetically dubbed ‘Light Wings’ – do a three-dimensional dance that’s both futuristic and classy. The rear lights almost seem to float off the body, like wings on some trendy sci-fi bird. And then there’s the aerodynamics: with an SCx value dropping from 0.84 to 0.75, it slices through the air like a hot croissant through butter. That’s an extra 30 kilometers of range on the motorway. Hats off, Citroën.
Step inside, and it’s like walking into a posh living room, except this one’s got wheels. The Advanced Comfort seats are so plush you’d swear they’re stuffed with cloud fluff. They’ve been upgraded with extra foam that hugs you like an old pal. The dashboard is sleek and horizontal, sporting a vertical HD screen that looks pinched from a spaceship. Customizable ambient lighting sets the mood, from ‘cozy café’ to ‘Berlin nightclub’. And space? With a 2.78-meter wheelbase, the rear legroom could make a giraffe jealous. The boot swallows 565 to 1,668 liters, thanks to a near-vertical tailgate that could almost fit a bookcase. Even the hybrid versions keep this generous luggage space, which is a rare treat.
Under the bonnet – or rather, in the high-tech heart of this beast – things get properly exciting. The C5 Aircross sits on the STLA Medium platform, a sort of Swiss Army knife that handles everything: petrol, hybrid, and full electric. The old diesel’s been pensioned off, but nobody’s shedding a tear. The mild-hybrid churns out 145 hp, perfect for those who want to dip a toe in the electric pool without diving in. Then there’s the plug-in hybrid, pairing a 1.6-liter petrol engine with an electric motor for a combined 195 hp. Its 21 kWh battery lets you cruise up to 100 km on electric power in the city – ideal for zipping through low-emission zones. Fancy going full electric? You’ve got options: a 73 kWh battery with 210 hp and 520 km of range, or a 97 kWh version with 230 hp and a stonking 680 km. Fast charging hits 160 kW, and a heat pump is optional for those who don’t fancy frozen toes in winter.
Driving is where this Citroën really shines. Thanks to hydraulic bump stops – think magic shock absorbers – it feels like you’re gliding over a carpet, even on Belgian cobbles. The driver aids take you to level 2 autonomy, meaning the car helps with steering, braking, and parking, but you can’t yet kick back with a novel. The interior uses recycled materials, giving a nod to Mother Earth, and the dashboard is clad in fabric for a warm, homely vibe.
But let’s not get too misty-eyed. The C5 Aircross won’t hit showrooms until the second half of 2025, so you’ll need to cool your jets. Pricing? Citroën’s keeping that under wraps, though whispers suggest the base model might start around €40,000. And while it’s roomier and bolder than ever, it’s still in the C-segment, squaring up against heavyweights like the Peugeot 3008 and Opel Grandland. Can it hold its own? With its looks, comfort, and versatile powertrains, it’s got a fighting chance.
The C5 Aircross is a car for those who crave character without sacrificing practicality. It’s an SUV that says, “I can do it all, and I’ll do it with a French grin.” Whether you’re a family type needing space, a tech geek itching to fiddle with drive modes, or an eco-conscious driver ready to go electric, this Citroën’s got your number.
As excited as we are? Pop over to our marketplace, where you can search for and buy cars that match your vibe perfectly. Find your dream ride at https://volty.be/nl/buy/cars/overview/!
