Citroen C5 X revealed as Citroen’s new flagship model, gets plug-in hybrid powertrain

Citroen has taken the wraps off an all-new offering – the C5 X. Revealed during an online world premiere event, the Citroen C5 X is the brand’s new flagship model, and will be positioned above the Citroen C5 Aircross , which was recently launched in India. Some may be confused by what the Citroen C5 X is, and for good reason – it is a cross between a sedan, a station wagon and an SUV. At over 4.8 metres in length, the C5 X has the size of a large sedan, but has the silhouette of a station wagon and the height and stance of an SUV. [caption id=“attachment_9520041” align=“alignnone” width=“1920”]  Citroen says the C5 X is designed to attract buyers from the large sedan, SUV and station wagon segments. Image: Citroen[/caption] ‘Fluidity’ is the word Citroen uses a lot to describe the C5 X, which it says doesn’t necessarily target vehicles of a certain segment, but instead straddles several segments and rivals many cars and SUVs. To be manufactured at the brand’s facility in Chengdu, China, the C5 X is said to be Citroen’s idea of what a ‘touring’ car will look like in the future and is clearly inspired by the CXperience concept revealed in 2016. [caption id=“attachment_9520051” align=“alignnone” width=“1920”]  As standard, the Citroen C5 X rides on 19-inch alloy wheels. Image: Citroen[/caption] It has the same double chevron element up front that stretches out to form slender LED daytime running lights, below which you’ll see the triple LED projector headlight units, positioned in a triangular housing. Heavy plastic cladding encases the C5 X, which rides on 19-inch wheels as standard. The roof and pillars are blacked out to create a ‘floating’ roof effect, and standouts at the back include wraparound LED tail-lights and a ducktail-style spoiler mounted at the base of the windscreen. All in, the Citroen C5 X looks like an SUV-flavoured station wagon; albeit one that will certainly grab attention. [caption id=“attachment_9520061” align=“alignnone” width=“1707”]  12-inch touchscreen runs the new-gen Citroen MyDrive Plus infotainment system with natural voice recognition. Image: Citroen[/caption] The Citroen C5 X’s interior features an all-digital instruments display, a 12-inch touchscreen that runs the new-generation Citroen MyDrive Plus infotainment system (with natural voice recognition), wireless smartphone charging, four USB Type-C ports and an extended colour head-up display. Also part of the package are a panoramic sunroof and Citroen’s Advanced Comfort seats, which are said to feature high-density layer and thickened structured foam, all of which come together to enhance comfort on long-distance travels. Additionally, Citroen claims the C5 X has oodles of rear-seat space thanks to its 2,785 mm wheelbase, and a 545-litre boot, with luggage room expanding to 1,640 litres with the rear seats folded down. [caption id=“attachment_9520071” align=“alignnone” width=“1395”]  The top-spec Citroen C5 X features an extended colour head-up display. Image: Citroen[/caption] What’s also new with the Citroen C5 X is the adjustable Citroen Advanced Comfort active suspension, which brings three suspension modes to choose from. Other features include adaptive cruise control, 360-degree cameras, long range blind spot detection, rear cross traffic alert and hands-free tailgate opening. Citroen refrained from providing powertrain details but said the C5 X will get two petrol engine options, as well as the same plug-in hybrid powertrain as seen in the Citroen C5 Aircross Hybrid. The combination is of a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine paired with a gearbox-mounted electric motor, which draws power from a 13.5 kWh battery. Combined power output is in excess of 220 hp, and the C5 X has a pure-electric range of over 50 kilometres, with a top speed limited to 135 kph. The Citroen C5 X will go on sale in select markets overseas in the second half of 2021 and is expected to cost more than the C5 Aircross. In India, the Citroen C5 X is not expected to be introduced anytime soon, as the company is now focusing on rolling out made-in-India, made-for-India models under its C-Cubed programme.