For its third generation, the Citroën C5 radically changes style and even name since it becomes C5 X (from € 32,900)! A way to mark its crossover side and to recall the old sedans of the brand, including the XM and BX, from which it borrows certain styling details.
Officially presented in April 2021, the new Citroën C5 X is radically changing. One of the big upheavals is her surname, since she appends an X to the historic name C5, used since 2000. The X is also reminiscent of other Citroën sedans, such as the CX or the XM. The newcomer borrows from them some elements of style …
>>> Discover the new Citroën C5 X in detail <<<
References to the past on a bodywork in tune with the times
Today, large sedans are outdated … The French have abandoned or will soon abandon the segment, while others choose to adapt with new bodies. This is notably the case with Ford, which will replace its Mondeo in 2022 with the Evos, an SUV similar to the Mustang Mach-E. At Citroën too, the SUV was a source of inspiration for the replacement of the Citroën C5, discontinued in 2017. The brand has chosen to create a crossover that combines three bodies: the sedan, the station wagon and the SUV. The newcomer therefore draws in each category with a length of 4.80 m, black plastic body protections and a mover’s trunk.
However, inspiration also comes from the past. The long bonnet accentuated by a windshield set back 10 cm evokes the Citroën CX, while the glazing that runs all around the body is reminiscent of the XM of the 1990s. The treatment of the rear quarter panel, which incorporates a sticker made of horizontal lines, is reminiscent to some of the BX of the 1980s and 1990s.
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Digital and refined atmosphere on board
Inside, the C5 X has a very horizontal and digital dashboard, welcoming at the top a touch screen that goes from 10 to 12 inches depending on the version. The counters are also digital, with a 7-inch panel borrowed from the DS3 Crossback and DS4. The gear selector on the center console also comes from the cousin DS4 and the recent Peugeot 308. Comfort is maximized in the C5 X with Advanced Comfort seats which offer a sort of mattress topper on the upholstery, as well as very generous legroom and careful soundproofing thanks to the laminated windows. The trunk, which finds a tailgate, is almost identical to that of the first generation C5 station wagon. It offers 545 to 1640 liters.
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Marketing and prices
Under the mirror shared with the Peugeot 308 cousin, a black lacquered and chromed element connects the fender to the door for plug-in hybrid models.
Designed for China and manufactured locally at the Chengdu plant, Citroën’s sedan will not offer either diesel or V6. In Europe, the range will be available in three versions (1.2 PureTech 130 hp, 1.6 PureTech 180 hp and 225 plug-in hybrid ch) and four finishes (Feel, Feel Pack, Shine and Shine Pack). Since September, Citroën has opened the order book with the announcement of prices (from € 32,900 to € 49,550) but the first deliveries will not take place until March 2022.
