New Citroën C5 Aircross is bigger, electric and cheaper

The Citroën C5 Aircross was the missing piece in the puzzle that allows the French brand to complete the full renewal of its range. From the previous generation of the SUV, only the name remains. Everything else is new, starting with the exterior, which adopts Citroën’s latest design language.

It is also the first model from the French marque to use the new STLA Medium platform, which debuted in the Peugeot 3008. This broadens the available powertrain range: alongside 48 V mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid options, the C5 Aircross will gain a fully electric version for the first time.

We have already seen the new C5 Aircross in person, and Citroën describes it as the safest, most advanced and most comfortable model it has ever produced. Despite all this, it is cheaper than its predecessor:

Bigger inside and out

As well as offering a wider choice of powertrains, the new Citroën C5 Aircross has grown in virtually every dimension. It is 150 mm longer, at 4,652 mm overall, while its wheelbase has increased by 60 mm to 2,784 mm and its width by 62 mm to 1,902 mm.

That growth has directly benefited the interior, particularly the second row of seats and the boot. Its capacity now ranges from 650 litres to 1,668 litres with the rear seats folded down.

Comfort remains one of Citroën’s key strengths, so the new C5 Aircross features suspension with progressive hydraulic cushions. It also receives Citroën Advanced Comfort seats, with an additional 15 mm of padding for greater comfort on board.

Citroën C5 Aircross goes electric for the first time

As mentioned, the STLA Medium platform enables the C5 Aircross to offer powertrains for almost every preference. The main highlight, however, is the all-electric range, which is a first for the French SUV:

• 210 Standard range: 157 kW (213 hp) motor; 73 kWh battery; 520 km range (combined WLTP cycle);
• 230 Long range: 170 kW (231 hp) motor; 97 kWh battery; 680 km range (combined WLTP cycle).

For charging from 20% to 80%, the 73 kWh battery version takes 6 hours 45 minutes using a 7.4 kW single-phase wallbox, or 30 minutes at a 160 kW ultra-rapid charger. The 97 kWh version requires 8 hours 55 minutes and 27 minutes respectively.

The line-up is completed by a 145 hp 48 V mild-hybrid petrol powertrain and a plug-in hybrid version. The latter now claims up to 86 km in electric mode (WLTP), 28 km more than the previous generation, thanks to its new higher-capacity 21 kWh battery.

How much does it cost?

Although it is a new generation that is larger, more technologically advanced and safer, the new Citroën C5 Aircross costs less than its predecessor. Its entry price of €33,490 for the Hybrid 145 is more than €4,000 lower than before.

It is already available to order in Portugal, with the range split across four trim levels: You, Plus, Business and Max. The first deliveries are expected to take place later this year. See all prices:

The plug-in hybrid versions, meanwhile, will only join the French SUV range next year.