Citroën C5 X (2022) test: our opinion on the 180 hp petrol version

For its return to the large touring segment, Citroën wanted to keep it simple with its new C5 X: a body halfway between a sedan and an SUV, a rather short range of engines – only three proposals – and a single automatic transmission. eight-speed. The French manufacturer intends to seduce its captive customers (average age 59 years) with a 1.2 three-cylinder petrol engine of 130 hp at the entry level, but also younger families with a 1.6 four-cylinder 180 hp (the subject of our test ) and companies with a version 225 plug-in hybrid ch from which they will benefit in tax terms.

The dusted off style of the C5 X makes us forget the C5, whose career ended in 2017. We are talking more or less about the same customers, but no longer from the same generation. 4.81 m long, 1.87 m wide and 1.49 m high, the C5 X is a large five-seater model with a rather slender profile. The 180 hp version tested here is an interesting compromise in view of its displayed versatility. It is relatively light (1,467 kg empty), which augurs well for good performance, all in comfort promised as exceptional.

Citroen C5 X 1.6 PureTech 180 price

This PureTech 180 engine starts at €40,500 in the Shine version. But don’t hesitate to upgrade to the next row (Shine Pack) because, for just €2,000 more, you’ll benefit from heated front electric seats, a 360° camera, laminated acoustic glazing and even a hands-free tailgate. (see equipment on page 2). Only one paint, magnetic blue, is offered at no extra charge. For a metallic or pearl color it takes 720 €, to which are added 350 € to benefit from a black roof, as on our test model. The option not to be missed is the panoramic electric sunroof (€1,300), which floods the cabin with light and makes the trip more pleasant. This version does not escape the penalty but in reasonable proportions with regard to the price (740 to 898 € depending on the level of equipment).

Driving

The discovery of the driving position begins with the appreciation of the quilted seats, flexible on the surface and firm on the level of their underlay. They are also large and offer sufficient support. The promise of comfort on long journeys seems to be kept from the first moments behind the wheel. The inspection of the dashboard leaves, on the other hand, a less positive impression. The atmosphere lacks pep, and the finish, especially the choice of certain materials, struggles to bring the C5 X into the category of large road cars. However, even if this does not excuse everything, it should be considered that the car is offered at a price placed in the lower range of the category.

It is perhaps also in this respect that the car incorporates control elements found in the lower segments, such as the gearbox control shared with the little sister C4. At start-up, the feeling of economy continues with the illumination of the instrument cluster, which is small and has poor definition. We will console ourselves with the new head-up display, very large (21-inch impression at 4 m at the front) and complete, which is even better than many others in terms of information. Too bad it disappears when wearing polarized sunglasses.

The large 12-inch central touch screen is the most technological edge element. Pleasant to handle, rather responsive and quite easy to understand, it suffered on our test model with a GPS that lacked responsiveness. Better to use the wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto system, which comes standard with this new infotainment platform. The C5 X also has a voice command that accommodates natural language and works quite well. It is also equipped with numerous driving aids, combined in a Safety pack in the basic version and including adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go function. Note also that the C5 X retains its most common functions (car radio, air conditioning) direct access, sometimes in an exaggerated way like these large vintage wheels on the front of the dashboard.

Available with laminated acoustic glazing (standard on Shine Pack) and well insulated from mechanical noise, the C5 X quietly slices through the air. Only the aerodynamic whistles, also rather well controlled, disturb the tranquility that dominates in the cabin. The 1.6 turbo, modest in sound, is very discreet at steady speed. Well planted on its 19-inch wheels, the C5 X also emphasizes road comfort thanks to its active suspensions with progressive hydraulic stops which give it flexibility at the start of a turn and then stall it on its supports very gently. . This is a significant difference with the plug-in hybrid version which we took the wheel, which receives additional and exclusive controlled damping. This technology is partly intended to compensate for the overweight generated by the presence of the hybrid system (nearly 300 kg).

With its four-cylinder engine, the C5 X PureTech 180 offers a certain dynamism and good road holding. Only very playful driving can cause the front end to fail. There’s no shortage of power – 180 bhp is enough for this large but fairly light vehicle – and the automatic gearbox follows suit with gusto. At full load, we would like it to be a little more responsive and smooth when changing gear, but the general configuration of the car encourages a more reserved driving style. We will then retain the superior level of comfort and a serenity of road leading.

On board the Citroën C5 X

Competetion

Considering its proportions and shape, the C5 X has no direct competition. Eyeing the side of sedans, only one model can oppose it in the Stellantis group to which it belongs: the Peugeot 508, slightly shorter and already a bit dated. On the German side, the Volkswagen Passat is in its home straight, when the large Skoda Superb offers unparalleled roominess and trunk. Everything else is either much bigger and/or more expensive (DS 9) or exotic (Lexus ES). On the other hand, given the hybrid character of its bodywork, the C5 X offers only one silhouette, when its most direct competitors offer an estate variant, often more spacious and dynamic. But it remains the most accessible and the most comfortable of all.

• Citroën C5 X 1.6 PureTech 180 EAT 8 Shine: €40,500
• Peugeot 508 1.6 PureTech 180 Allure: €42,050
• Skoda Superb 2.9 TSI 190 bhp Sportline: €42,400
• Volkswagen Passat 2.0 TSI 190 Lounge DSG7: €46,440

Find the results of the test, the technical sheet and the equipment on the following page.