A French automaker with a history of innovation introduces a brand-new automobile with the Citroen C5 X. A large hatchback, perhaps? Is this an elegant estate? A low-slung SUV, maybe? It may have a strange appearance,
The new Citroen C5 X is an intriguing vehicle from a company that has historically not shied away from trying something new. It’s a long-awaited successor for the outdated Citroen C5 saloon and estate or even the ancient C6 luxury sedan, although it’s more complicated to categorize than that.
Citroen is a little sick of the traditional body style classifications that characterize the automotive business. It asserts that many consumers agree and that the popularity of towering, boxy, and inefficient huge SUVs has already peaked and will begin to decline. It believes consumers are again prepared for a new kind of big family vehicle, much as they were about ten years ago when the SUV market exploded.
This kind of thinking led Citroen to produce some quite unconventional vehicles in the latter part of the 20th century, which is advantageous in a market that is becoming more homogenized. Citroen C5 X’s ‘X’ alludes to the equally outré Citroen CX and XM by combining an estate, saloon, and SUV into one vehicle.
As a result, the C5 X has several competitors. There are the typical big three-box family vehicles like the Skoda Superb, Ford Mondeo, and Vauxhall Insignia, all of which are now extinct but were once quite popular. It will need to entice shoppers away from family SUVs like the Hyundai Tucson, Volkswagen Tiguan, and Mazda CX-5 to succeed.
Of course, Citroen already has the C5 Aircross to compete in the family SUV market. That automobile is reasonably typical, but this one isn’t. And that takes us to the aesthetics: is it attractive? It is undoubtedly different and challenging. We haven’t made up our minds yet. Citroen’s design director said they intended for the first people to view it and not entirely comprehend it (like the now-iconic DS and CX), and they have undoubtedly succeeded.
Once the controversial design is removed, familiar elements are present. The Citroen C5 X has the same base and selection of gasoline and plug-in hybrid engine choices as other major Citroen, Peugeot, and DS cars. As the company’s flagship model, it costs more than the C5 Aircross but less than vehicles like the Insignia and is priced between VW’s Tiguan and Passat’s basic models.
The sophisticated inside has more room, high-quality materials, and technology than any modern Citroen, making it suited for a flagship model. Regarding the latter, the firm has just introduced new infotainment far more sophisticated and user-friendly than its earlier subpar attempts. It’s pretty comfy, has enough space for four people who are six feet tall to spread out, and has a large boot.
The driving experience of the Citroen C5 X is aimed toward comfort since Citroen doesn’t do sport these days. It employs a more sophisticated version of the company’s unique suspension technology (more on that moment) to provide a waffly feel that rivals certain executive vehicles in performance. It’s also a peaceful environment to go long distances, thanks to features like acoustic glass on top versions and thick tire sidewalls.
Nevertheless, it doesn’t lurch much in the corners since it isn’t as tall and top-heavy as other SUVs. Although the mild steering and relaxed engines and gears discourage sporty driving, most family car purchasers place more excellent value on a vehicle’s ability to smother Britain’s damaged road surfaces.
Unlike the large Citroens of the past, the Citroen C5 X is refreshingly novel and out-of-the-box. It is also reasonably priced for a brand flagship that showcases cutting-edge technology, making some of the DS brand’s efforts seem pricey. The only aspect of the outside design that can cause controversy is that.
Is the 2022 Citroen C5 X right for you?
If you aren’t interested in the wide selection of generic, identical-looking SUVs and big family saloons or hatchbacks available, the Citroen C5 X could be the correct choice. It’s something a little unusual, with a style that could polarize but will undoubtedly pique your neighbors’ curiosity.
If you already drive a big saloon or hatchback, such as the Passat or Mondeo, this car is for you, but you want to get in and out more efficiently and have a higher driving position without looking like an SUV.
It also works well as a family vehicle. It’s not quite as practical as a seven-seat SUV or as extensive as a Skoda Superb Estate, but it’s still more than enough for the requirements of the majority of people. Given its degree of luxury and sophistication, it even offers an economical substitute for an executive saloon or mansion
Which Citroen C5 X model and engine should you pick?
The Citroen C5 X has a precise selection of engines, models, and trim options. Three trim levels, no diesel, and three petrol engines (one of which is a plug-in hybrid) are available. A saloon or estate variant is not open because the C5 X aspires to mix the two body styles.
The entry-level PureTech 130 turbo petrol engine, with performance that punches above its modest 1.2-litre size, will be suitable for most people. While the plug-in hybrid is quite costly, it will suit individuals who often make in-town trips and have access to home charging. The average Puretech 180 feels a little smoother and more manageable but doesn’t give a significant gain in performance.
Even the most basic Sense Plus standard comes with most of the equipment you’ll need and feels anything from basic to trim quality. Mid-spec Shine, on the other hand, has half-leather trim, a substantial head-up display, wireless phone charging, and the requested larger infotainment screen. However, the top-tier Shine Plus is fully equipped with equipment sometimes included in expensive option packs on the C5 X’s German competitors.
Which other vehicles compare well to the Citroen C5 X?
The Citroen C5 X has no direct rivals due to its unique body form, but it will try to steal customers from traditional family SUVs and big hatchbacks, saloons, and estate variants.
The C5 X will likely be compared against the brand’s C5 Aircross and more traditional estate vehicles like the Skoda Superb and Volkswagen Passat. Along with high-end wagons like the BMW 3 Series Touring or Volvo V60, the fashionable Volkswagen Arteon Shooting Brake is also worth looking at.
You may also want to consider a big SUV like the Skoda Kodiaq, Hyundai Santa Fe, or Kia Telluride if you require a practical family SUV.
Citroen C5 X interior, combining comfort and styleThe Citroen C5 X brings new levels of quality finish and useable technology to a brand that previously struggled to deliver on both counts… It’s spacious, too, although large estates are roomier still, and visibility could be better.”
Many Citroens from the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s featured interiors drastically different from the usual ones, which sometimes worked and sometimes didn’t. But the brand’s cabins got increasingly conventional and uninteresting throughout the next twenty or so years. The Citroen C5 X is the most outstanding example of how it has regained its mojo.
Okay, so the C5 X’s cabin isn’t very innovative, but it is neatly styled and more aesthetically appealing than the comparably spartan German counterparts. The quality is also exceptional at this price point, with a wide range of aesthetically attractive materials and soft-touch finishes. Most significantly, it’s a serene and comforting place to sit, which supports Citroen’s goal of enhancing “well-being” when operating a motor vehicle.
Citroen’s chevron insignia are deftly sewn into the door upholstery, on the wood trim and soft-touch dash plastic, and on higher-end trims, in the perforated leather on the seats, among other charming elements. Ambient lighting in various areas further enhances the upscale vibe without flooding the cabin with light at night, like a floodlit football field.
It is undoubtedly more refined and well-made than Citroen has produced recently. But with clever ergonomic accents, it’s not all show and no substance. The Citroen C5 X has actual dials for the temperature settings in a separate stack, much like the smaller C4, which is far preferable to hiding them in the touchscreen. Despite the small glovebox, there are large door bins and a helpful armrest-center cubby.
Thankfully, the C5 X also receives a brand-new infotainment system that is considerably more user-friendly than Citroen’s previous attempts. The 12-inch HD touchscreen is sharp and snappy and features smartphone-style menus that function surprisingly well once you figure out the arrangement. We haven’t yet tested the smaller entry-level screen. All versions come with digital dials, while mid-spec and higher variants have a large head-up display.
The driving position strikes a comfortable medium between being neither as high as in full-size SUVs nor as low-slung as in saloons. The Citroen Advanced Comfort seats are comfortable for long trips and provide lots of flexibility to fit all shapes and sizes. However, visibility may be improved owing to the windscreen’s severe angle, the A-pillars’ thickness, and the short back window caused by the roofline’s slope. Nevertheless, all versions come with all-around parking sensors, and the highest trim comes equipped with a real 360-degree camera.
When you enter the back, it’s evident that Citroen has gotten more room out of this platform than any other manufacturer. There is a ton of legroom, and even though tall individuals will sit closer to the ceiling than in an SUV due to the roofline, it is not crowded. While the boot is relatively broad and well-shaped, it is ultimately less helpful than the ones seen in the most incredible estate vehicles.
Quality and finish
Citroens from the early 2000s never had an excellent reputation for high-quality finish due to their flaky trim and mediocre materials. However, the brand has been advancing recently, and the C5 X represents an outstanding step forward.
Most of the items you can prod and poke feel high quality, with (depending on trim) fabric or leather-lined door cards, a ton of soft-touch materials on the top portions of the dash, and a good combination of two-tone colors and textures. The seats are also covered in soft, elegant leather or cloth with an upscale feel. Although the black piano trim on the bottom center console attracts dust and fingerprints, something we don’t like, many other automakers also do it.
The glovebox lid and door bins are made of rough, scratchy plastics, which only remind you of the Citroen C5 X’s relative affordability when you reach the lowest parts of the interior. A VW Passat has a somewhat more chiseled feel, but Citroen’s design-first philosophy is undoubtedly alluring.
In the Citroen C5 X, the infotainment system
At least for the top-tier trims we tested, Citroen has made significant advancements in this area. This was a major weakness of Citroen vehicles in the 2010s, and it has only recently been strengthened on facelifted or new models.
A reasonably small digital instrument display is included on all C5 X versions. It provides the necessary information, allows you to change between views and information on the stalks, and lets you customize the layout using the touchscreen. Still, it’s not as clean and precise as the efforts made by the VW Group.
Thankfully, a head-up display is added to the Shine trim and above. This is an accurate windshield projection with a perceived picture width of 21 inches, not a fold-out piece of perspex on the dashtop or a little speed display you have to strain your eyes to see. Sounds unwelcome? It performs pretty well, giving you much information without impeding your ability to see through it.
Although we haven’t used it, the entry-level Sense Plus trim features a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system that runs on the same software as the more extensive displays. You may upgrade to a 12-inch high-definition configuration with Shine and Shine Plus. Both use a brand-new, wirelessly updatable interface called My Citroen Drive Plus.
Many menus and options are scattered throughout the UI, as with other modern higher-end touchscreens, but since the vast, clear screen reacts well and rapidly to touch, navigating through them isn’t too tricky. Additionally, you may choose which features you use the most and arrange them on the car’s home screen since the menu tiles can be customized. If you’d rather skip all that, there is a more sophisticated voice command system.
Two shortcut buttons below the screen enable you to turn off features like lane quickly and keep assist without going through a lot of hassle. The C5 X is the first vehicle from the company to have wireless integration for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connection, making 3D navigation far more effective than in previous Citroen models.
A wireless smartphone charging station is included on mid-spec Shine and above to guarantee that utilizing those connection functions won’t drain your phone’s battery. The plug-in hybrid variant comes with a smartphone app that allows you to monitor the battery’s charge state and pre-condition (as in, pre-heat or pre-cool) the C5 X’s interior in preparation for your trip. There are also several USB charging connections in the front and back.
Low- and mid-spec versions come with a standard reversing camera configuration, but if you spend more money on Shine Plus, you’ll get a 360-degree camera system with four distinct viewpoints you can choose from depending on where in the vehicle you need to look.
Citroen C5 X luggage space:
The Citroen C5 X is nearly 300mm longer and 200mm lower than the next most significant model in the lineup, the C5 Aircross, at 4,805mm long, 1865mm wide, and 1,485mm high. It isn’t quite as long as the Vauxhall Insignia and Skoda Superb, but it is also longer than a VW Passat.
The C5 X is substantially more accommodating for passengers because of its longer body than the C5 Aircross SUV. Due to the ample flexibility in the steering wheel and seats, our 6-foot 3-inch tester had no trouble finding a comfortable driving position in the front. On our test vehicles, the panoramic sunroof somewhat reduces headroom, but not much.
The C5 X is probably not the right vehicle for you if you’re looking for the kind of intimidating, perched-up sitting posture a full-height SUV would provide. But while being lifted higher than its hatchback or saloon competitors, it nevertheless gives the impression that you are sitting in the vehicle rather than on it. Even for drivers with more enormous shoulders, the Advanced Comfort seats are well-shaped and plushly padded, but they don’t hold you tightly like some of the sports seats offered by competitors (which, depending on your size, may or may not be a good thing).
The situation at the rear is also favorable. There is plenty of room for taller people to flex their knees and drop their feet beneath the dash, unlike earlier EMP2 platform vehicles that seemed to prioritize trunk capacity above back legroom. It doesn’t seem as limousine-like at first glance as the Skoda Superb, but it’s not far off. Wide door openings also offer easy access, which is helpful if you often install kid seats.
The roofline is relatively low, and the side windows aren’t that big, so taller folks may feel a little boxed in compared to competitors. The headroom is adequate unless you are tall, and because the panoramic sunroof doesn’t extend as far back as it does in other vehicles, it doesn’t take up much room. Additionally, the seats are pretty comfortable, there is good shoulder space, and three persons may fit comfortably in the middle row because of the low cal tunnel.
The boot has a capacity of 545 liters with the back seats in. Although it isn’t as spacious in capacity as some of the most prominent estates, Citroen claims you could fit a washing machine inside without folding the seats thanks to the low load lip (lower than taller SUVs) and wide aperture.
There are stylish chrome runners on the floor, knobs on each side of the trunk for folding the back seats, and some (but not a lot) under-floor storage. It’s important to note that the hybrid models have a higher floor so the batteries can be placed beneath, which results in a 60-litre volume loss. A drawback of less expensive versions without the hands-free electric opening is that it takes two hands to shut the tailgate, even if the load cover slides up with the tailgate to keep it out of the way.
Handling and ride quality:
Comfort is vital in this situation, and the Citroen C5 X excels at providing it. Although virtually nothing about how it drives invites you to fling it about, it doesn’t roll around nearly as much as higher SUVs.
The C5 X’s driving characteristics significantly influence Citroen’s aim to create a tranquil, simple vehicle. The balance is skewed from tight body control and fast steering to a relaxed suspension and steering tuning, much like all of the brand’s cars in recent years.
Nowadays, too many everyday family vehicles insist on having large wheels, low-profile tires, and a sporty, constrained configuration, even though they spend considerably more time driving about town and on highways than they do on Welsh back roads. The Citroen C5 X uses something called “Progressive Hydraulic Dampers,” making it the ideal remedy.
In essence, oil-filled suspension parts enable Citroen to soften the ride without wallowing too much in the corners and assist in delaying suspension movement to prevent abrupt jolts. According to your driving mode, the adaptive suspension on plug-in hybrid C5 X models changes how the vehicle rides and handles. All variants come with 19-inch wheels, although the relatively large tires allow plenty of flexibility.
Consequently, the ride feels silky and supple when driving around town, smoothing out ugly ruts and potholes better than nearly any competitor, including some far more costly luxury vehicles. Although it isn’t almost as smooth as a Rolls-Royce, and some harsher bumps may still be felt, this automobile is highly decent for its price range. However, it’s important to note that we haven’t yet driven the C5 X in the UK.
The C5 X cruises nicely on faster highways, keeping the body relatively level and insulating you from the pavement without making you queasy. With its comfortable ride and low wind and road noise levels, it’s also fantastic on the highway.
This vehicle, however, does not lend itself to being hurried down a winding route in a hurry. Even if it doesn’t lean over like a cross-channel ferry during severe corners since it isn’t as high up as an SUV, there is still quite a bit of pitch and roll. Although there are a lot of grips and the steering is relatively accurate, you wouldn’t claim that you were having joy when making any quick turns.
However, the Citroen C5 X is all the better for it. Numerous vehicles will excite you along your favorite route, but there aren’t as many inexpensive vehicles that will envelop you and exude peace as this one does. It’s impossible to have a more significant driving experience without paying tens of thousands of dollars more than this.
What Citroen C5 X engines and transmissions are offered?
The Citroen C5 X has three different engines, all of which are petrol-powered. Gallons of diesel are just less popular as new vehicle owners become increasingly concerned with meeting higher emissions regulations.
Several Citroen, Peugeot, and Vauxhall vehicles use the 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbocharged engine as their base model. With 130PS, it doesn’t seem like it will move the large C5 X with much vigor, yet because of its robust mid-range, it outperforms its counterparts. Only the slightly trembling three-cylinder thrum deters from the C5 X’s upscale appearance.
The average engine is a 1.6-liter turbocharged unit that is once again entirely powered by gasoline. Because it is a four-cylinder, it is a little bit smoother and more refined. It boasts 180PS, which translates to more easy performance. High revs make it a bit boomy, but you won’t often call there because you don’t need to crank it to get the most out of it.
The plug-in hybrid (PHEV), which combines the same 1.6-litre turbo engine with an electric motor and a 12.4kWh battery pack, is the top model in the lineup. The result is a healthy 225PS, albeit it doesn’t seem much quicker since it is much heavier than petrol vehicles. Even so, it has a 0-62 mph pace of 7.8 seconds, can go up to highway speeds on electric power alone, and officially manages 34 miles.
The plug-in hybrid complements the C5 X’s tranquil and laid-back demeanor, making it incredibly quiet on the highway and smooth around town. However, there are a few drawbacks. The eight-speed automatic transmission dislikes being caught off guard and may sometimes take a long time to engage or drop too many gears when you only need a slight acceleration. Due to the regenerative braking that aids in battery charging, assessing the brakes at low speeds may also be challenging.
No manual transmission is available; all versions come standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission that is smoother on pure petrol cars (although not as snappy as a dual-clutch transmission).
Noise levels and Refinement
Another element that contributes to the Citroen C5 X’s effortlessness is its low noise level. Top-spec vehicles even come with acoustically laminated front and side windows, essentially double glazing, and previously only available on far more costly models.
Some wind rustling is audible even on models installed, although it is usually muffled. In contrast, the relatively thick sidewalls of the tires help to muffle road noise.
The four-cylinder engines are generally refined and smooth, only sometimes turning a little boomy at the very top of the rpm range. However, some vibrations enter the cabin during acceleration even though the three-cylinder is quieter than in other applications.
How secure is the Citroen C5 X?
Every Citroen C5 X has comprehensive active safety features, including lane keep assist, traffic sign recognition, autonomous emergency braking with front collision warning, and a driver attention alert system.
Although Citroen doesn’t say specifically, the rear-cross traffic warning system does identify pedestrians and bicycles during emergency braking. Additionally, there are features like automatic high beams and “long-range” blind spot monitoring, and all models include all-around parking sensors to lessen the possibility of low-speed collisions.
How much does it cost to operate a Citroen C5 X?
“The Citroen C5 X’s relatively small petrol engines make all of them rather efficient, and the plug-in hybrid will produce outstanding numbers if appropriately utilized. However, some people may lament the absence of diesel.
Unsurprisingly, the plug-in hybrid Citroen C5 X is the most affordable to operate on paper. Officially, it will get up to 232 mpg, although as is customary with PHEVs, you won’t achieve those numbers until you primarily drive on electric power for short distances. Additionally, you’ll need to be able to charge it as often as you can and, of course, consider that it costs more to purchase initially.
Expect the plug-in hybrid to be about as efficient as the standard 180PS 1.6-litre petrol engine if you don’t charge it up that much or use it on a long trip where you’ll drive most of the time. Officially, this achieves WLTP cycle fuel economy of 38 to 44 mpg.
Officially, the base Puretech 130 petrol achieves 41–48 mpg, which isn’t much more than the 180. But that’s probably because it requires more effort to accelerate than the larger engine.
Trim levels and standard equipment
To obtain 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, synthetic part-leather interior, front and rear parking sensors, and a reversing camera, choose the base Citroen C5 X Sense Plus model. A 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with sat-nav, Bluetooth smartphone mirroring, digital dials, and dual-zone temperature control are included.
Upgrading to Shine trim replaces the synthetic materials with genuine leather and adds satin chrome trim to the rear bumper. The heated steering wheel and ambient interior illumination are further features. A 12-inch infotainment screen has been added, and a sizable head-up display is also included.
The highest model in the lineup is the C5 X Shine Plus, which also has a 360-degree around-view camera, enhanced privacy glass with acoustic laminated treatment, an entire leather interior, heated and electrically adjustable front seats, and extended blindspot monitoring.
