New Citroen C5 X offers a smoother travelling experience.
All-New Citroën C5 X offers a smoother travelling experience.
Citroën’s all-new flagship C5 X model features an original design that combines the elegance of a saloon, the dynamism of an estate and the elevated stance of an SUV. In keeping with Citroën’s reputation for all-out comfort, the C5 X features Citroën Advanced Comfort™ suspension, which is designed to recreate the iconic magic carpet effect. Hydraulic bump stops smooth out the shocks generated by extreme compressions and rebounds, and this enables the car to glide over potholes and minor road imperfections with ease.
Innovative & Distinctive.
On the outside, the C5 X exudes confidence with a distinctive modern and innovative body style. The striking fastback silhouette and V-shaped front/rear light signature offers an assertive stance, while the long bonnet with fluid, aerodynamic lines and high waistline demonstrates distinction and dynamism. Traditional Citroën practicality is also evident from the easy opening tailgate, wide loading area and cavernous boot space of 545-litres, which increases to 1,640-litres when the split-folding rear seats are folded down. The C5 X features an elevated stance, thanks to increased ground clearance and large-diameter 19” wheels allowing for a higher driving position with greater safety and visibility. The C5 X stands at 4,805mm long, 1,865mm wide and 1,485mm high, placing it at the heart of the D-segment, while a wheelbase of 2,785mm ensures spectacular interior space and comfort for driver and passengers alike.
Spacious & Practical.
Inside, spaciousness and practicality are evident all around. ‘Advanced Comfort Seating’, an uncluttered dashboard design and a spacious rear cabin invites rest and relaxation. The C5 X introduces an all-new infotainment system for Citroën that combines a new 12” HD infotainment interface, natural voice recognition system, customisable widget-based display, 4 USB Type C sockets and wireless smartphone charging. The feeling of well-being on board is even further increased by additional technologies such as the extended Head Up Display and Highway Driver Assist, which combines Adaptive Cruise Control with a Stop & Go feature and Lane Keeping Assist to provide level 2 semi-autonomous driving.
Engine & Trim Variants.
The new C5 X is available with a choice of two petrol engines: a 1.2-litre PureTech 130PS and a 1.6-litre PureTech 180PS, both of which come with Stop & Start technology as standard. Also available is a Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) version which combines a 81.2kW electric motor (allowing up to 55km of electric range) with a 1.6-litre PureTech 180PS petrol engine for a total power output of 225PS. The battery in the PHEV can be charged from 0-100% in 1 hour 40 minutes with the optional 7.4kW on-board charger. A fully electric drivetrain is planned for 2024, enhancing the appeal of the C5 X even further. Trim options consist of entry-level ‘Feel Pack, mid-spec ‘Flair’ and range-topping ‘Flair Pack’ – all of which come with an electric automatic transmission (ë-EAT8) as standard.
Test Car.
My test car was a C5 X Flair PHEV, which was finished in Platinum Grey metallic paintwork with contrasting 19” Aero X diamond-cut alloys with Onyx black paint and Onyx black aero inserts. The PHEV starts up in electric mode and it remains whisper quiet up to 80km/h as long as there is enough charge in the 13.2kWh battery. Sharp acceleration does result in the four-cylinder petrol engine emitting a harsh sound, but a more relaxed manner of driving will result in the engine unobtrusively wandering in and out when required. Laminated side windows in the C5 X keep occupants well insulated from wind and tyre noise, ensuring that the hybrid experience achieves optimal comfort and silence for all occupants. The fast and efficient ë-EAT8 automatic transmission enhances the overall driving experience with plenty of on-demand pulling power. With 225PS (222bhp) and 360Nm of torque on offer, the C5 X PHEV can accelerate from 0-100km/h in just 7.9-seconds, and it can travel at speeds of up to 135km/h in full electric mode. There are four driving modes to choose from, and drivers can select Electric, Hybrid, Comfort or Sport according to their individual driving style or road conditions. An advantage of PHEV ownership is that the car can provide the benefit of all-electric, zero-emission driving around town or on short journeys, as well as having an internal combustion engine to call upon on longer journeys or unexpected motorway trips. The C5 X PHEV is capable of consuming as little as 1.3-litres of petrol for every 100km driven on a WLTP combined driving cycle, with consumption optimised by daily charging of the battery. A low Co2 emission figure of 30g/km leads to annual road tax of just €140.
Verdict, Pricing & Warranty.
The new Citroën C5 X is a highly commendable car, and its distinctive styling certainly makes it stand out in a crowd. Its super-comfortable ride quality, spacious interior and terrific practicality are characteristics that are sure to find favour with families and company car drivers alike. In fact, the new Citroën C5 X is such an impressive car that it was voted ‘Irish Large Crossover/SUV of the Year 2023’ by the Motoring Media Association of Ireland in association with Continental Tyres. The new Citroën C5 X is in Citroën dealerships across Ireland now, with prices starting at €42,370. My PHEV test car is priced from €52,520 (excluding delivery and dealer related costs). All Citroën passenger cars come with a 5-year warranty package, plus a 12-year anti-perforation warranty and a 2-year paint warranty (T’s & C’s apply).
Visit www.citroen.ie for further information.
