Citroën ë-C3 Aircross MAX review: value comes at a cost

Even in this range-topping MAX specification, the well-equipped Citroën ë-C3 Aircross still counts its price among its strongest selling points.

---

The Citroën C3 Aircross has one clear rival in its sights: the highly successful Dacia Duster. Like its competitor, it aims to deliver plenty for comparatively little, while going a step further with the option of up to seven seats and a fully electric version, denoted by the “ë” badge.

The two features cannot, however, be combined in one vehicle. Even so, I approached this test with some anticipation. I had already read Miguel Dias’s initial drive of the C3 Aircross, but after many years of testing cars, there is no substitute for reaching your own conclusions.

The test car is a Citroën ë-C3 Aircross MAX, which means it is also the best-equipped version in the range. Its black-painted roof contrasts with the three-layer Elixir Red finish - perhaps the most suitable colour for this model, in my view - while the 17-inch wheels reinforce the impression. This is the ë-C3 Aircross with every available extra.

Yet I cannot overlook the fact that price is this model’s key attraction. In this electric form, it is the cheapest electric SUV available to buy. Even in MAX trim, it remains among the most affordable choices.

That raises questions about the formula Stellantis engineers have used to provide so much equipment for so little money. What is the real price of being inexpensive?

A robust first impression

From the outside, the initial impression is one of solidity. Although the Citroën ë-C3 Aircross belongs to the B-SUV segment, it has generously proportioned bodywork and high ground clearance of 19 cm, giving it the appearance of an adventurous SUV.

Inside, that robust character continues through a minimalist layout, which also features a smaller “Peugeot-style” steering wheel.

The trim combines patterned fabrics, synthetic leather with matching stitching and hard plastics, including on the door panels, which are not particularly pleasant to touch. Nevertheless, the assembly feels sturdy and, so far, there are not many unwanted noises in the cabin.

The familiar French focus on comfort

There is little to criticise about the space on offer in the Citroën ë-C3. The front seats offer wide-ranging adjustment, good support and make a major contribution to the high level of comfort. In the second row, the outer passengers will be happier if the middle seat is unoccupied, giving them more room, but overall the rear seats of the ë-C3 Aircross are perfectly comfortable.

Further back, Citroën claims a maximum boot capacity of 460 litres beneath the parcel shelf, although it genuinely appears to be more spacious than that. The floor is removable and can be set at two different heights; in its upper position, it creates an additional compartment underneath, ideal for storing charging cables.

Unlike many electric models, there is no frunk beneath the front bonnet. Here are the first signs of cost control.

A tightly managed budget

For the Citroën ë-C3 Aircross to achieve an accessible price, it is easy to see that its development was subject to stringent cost control. There are no financial miracles, after all, and like every other model, it needs to be profitable for its manufacturer.

This is apparent not only in the lack of a frunk, but also in the minimalist instrument display, which provides only the functions needed for driving, and in the very basic central touchscreen, whose interface offers little scope for customisation.

Before even setting off, there is another “cutback”, although this one is more unusual. In 2025, what is the point of an electric car that requires you to insert a key into the “ignition” and turn it to start the system? After all, there is no “ignition” in this fully electric ë-C3 Aircross. Moving on...

Citroën ë-C3 Aircross: an SUV for town driving

Before pulling away, the instrument display showed 98% charge and a remaining range of 277 km. This is the version with the smaller 44 kWh battery and an official combined WLTP range of just 303 km. The ë-C3 Aircross with the 54.2 kWh battery (total capacity), which claims 400 km, has since arrived in Portugal.

If, like me, you enjoy monitoring average consumption, forget it. The Citroën ë-C3 Aircross does not offer that option. Its trip computer displays only the remaining range, battery charge and total and trip mileage.

Within the first few urban kilometres, it becomes clear that this is where the ë-C3 Aircross feels most at home, with comfort very much the priority.

That conviction became even stronger on the motorway. With an SUV body shape - not ideal aerodynamically - just 113 hp and a modest-capacity battery, there could only be one outcome: the battery charge falls at a rather brisk pace. It is better to choose A-roads and maintain a more restrained speed.

Without a trip computer, I had to use a calculator to find the average consumption figures I wanted. As I covered mostly urban and suburban routes, I achieved a better figure than the official claim: 17.2 kWh/100 km, below the stated 18.3 kWh/100 km. On the motorway, however, it was using almost 22 kWh/100 km.

Better equipped, but at what cost?

The Citroën ë-C3 Aircross appeals through what it includes in its specification: LED lighting, automatic air conditioning and a rear parking camera are all welcome features.

The 10.25-inch touchscreen with 3D navigation is also very welcome. However, as wireless smartphone connectivity via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto is also included, the navigation system is entirely unnecessary. Personally, I would like to see greater customisation of the user interface and... average consumption figures on the trip computer; an update is planned.

Including the €900 Elixir Red paint option, the Citroën ë-C3 Aircross MAX has a list price of €31,790. Yes, that is a difficult price to beat for a well-equipped fully electric car with enough space to carry almost everything.

What the ë-C3 Aircross is missing

On the other hand, some untrimmed areas of the body structure are visible inside, material quality leaves considerable room for improvement, and the need to insert the key into the barrel makes little sense.

Alongside the attractive bodywork - particularly in this colour - the ë-C3 Aircross features original details, such as the engraving inside the glovebox lid, depicting some of the French brand’s best-known models and carrying the message “Iconic Since 1919”.

There are also positive messages on the doors intended to lift your mood, although they prompted another thought: “it is not enough to look the part; it also has to be the part”. That was precisely the impression the Citroën ë-C3 Aircross left with me: it only appears to be a highly appealing proposition at a competitive price.

Verdict

Technical specifications