Citroen C5 X. Crossroads of desire
The Citroen C5 X is a mid-size cross-liftback manufactured by Citroën (France) since 2021. The model is intended to revive the segment of midsize cars with an original design that combines the features of a sedan and an estate in harmony with the best traditions of Citroën. Following its pioneering tradition, Citroën has developed a vehicle that does not fit in any of the popular formats, but looks like all of them at once. Such a design is meant to satisfy the conflicting desires of customers, which is indicated by the X in the name, which, in fact, is the symbol of the crossroads. Based on the EMP2 platform by Stellantis (comprising the PSA and FCA Groups), just like the Peugeot 508, DS7 and Citroën C5 Aircross, the new Citroën C5 X is produced in China and exported to Europe from October 2021.
Available in both petrol and plug-in hybrid versions, Citroën’s new flagship can satisfy the demands of those who buy midsize vehicles and SUVs, including contemporary design, status and innovation. Unlike other representatives of the rather conservative D segment, the Citroen C5 X is delightful and admirable at first sight. The concept of the model is unique.
Exterior
The new Citroen C5 X is 4.81 meters long, 1.87 meters wide and 1.49 meters high. The wheelbase reaches 2.79 meters. The C5 X is stylistically based on the C4, but you can only see that when looking at the rear end design. Several styling elements, most notably the LED headlights, are inspired by the 2016 CXperience Concept, which is designed in compliance with Citroën’s new “Advanced Comfort” styling. In addition, the C5 X has been specially designed to bring back the flying carpet style of Citroën’s flagship models.
The C5 X is the perfect embodiment of Citrоёn’s philosophy and uniquely combines the elegance of a sedan, the practicality of an estate and the increased ground clearance of an SUV.
The 2021 Citroen C5 X is an automotive melting pot of sorts, so it’s hard to classify it. The front face with a flat hood is reminiscent of sedans, but the profile looks more like a low SUV with large wheel rims, and the rear with a steep rear door topped with a spoiler reminds you of estates. The high seating position, so appreciated by SUV owners, is due to the ground clearance, which is higher than that of traditional sedans, and the impressive 19-inch wheels installed on most modifications.
Marketers believe in the success of the C5 X. They even have calculated that about 25% of Citroen buyers will abandon estates, 21% will drop sedans and 15% small SUVs in favor of the new model. It should be noted that the C5 X looks cool, attracts the eye with its eccentric image. The model is long, fit, slender, sporty, but not pretentious or rude. At the same time, the vehicle looks serious due to a concave toothy air intake, original ‘three-eyed’ headlights, and an interesting hood with aerodynamic cavities.
Interior
Thanks to the new body type, the interior is quite spacious with plenty of backseat space and a flat floor for easy loading. The trunk’s accessibility is facilitated by an electronic cover and a low sill. The trunks volume is 0.5 cubic meters or an impressive 1.64 cubic meters with the rear seats folded down. The panoramic roof and large windows ensure excellent interior illumination, while the front and rear windows are completely acoustically insulated.
‘With C5 X, Citroën has created an ambitious, large touring vehicle, a real tool for winning over customers who are increasingly inclined to explore the world. An audacious and original proposal that truly embodies all of Citroën’s expertise: innovation, care and above everything well-being which we elevate here as a certain form of art of living’
The vehicle features a 12-inch touchscreen of the latest voice-activated infotainment system, compatible with smartphones, wireless updates and a customizable tablet-style home screen. Four USB ports and a full color head-up display are also standard equipment.
Powertrains and chassis
The 2021/2022 Citroen C5 X can be equipped with a 1.2-liter 3-cylinder gasoline engine producing 130 hp or a plug-in hybrid drive, consisting of a 1.6-liter gasoline engine and an electric motor with a capacity of 225 hp. The vehicle can travel more than 50 km (WLTP cycle) in the fully electric mode, the maximum speed in this case being 135 km/h. The vehicle can be charged at home, work or at a public charging station as needed.
The Advanced Comfort suspension is adapted to overcome all obstacles, potholes, curbs, speed bumps and other road intersections. The plug-in hybrid version is standardly equipped with a drive mode switch with a choice of three suspension settings. The Highway Driver Assistance System, linked to Active Cruise Control with Start-Stop, enables semi-autonomous driving. That is, the system automatically adjusts the speed and monitors the vehicle’s position in the lane.
