New Citroën C5 Aircross: Reinvented Flagship with a 435-Mile Range

Introduction

Citroën is set to launch a new version of its flagship model, the C5 Aircross, next year. This next-generation model will feature electric power for the first time, as the French firm focuses on main-segment models. However, the slow-selling C5 X will not be replaced, while the popular SUV variant of the C5 Aircross will continue into a new generation.

Electric Powertrain

The current C5 Aircross is available with petrol and hybrid powertrains. For its second generation, it will switch to the multi-powertrain STLA Medium platform, which is shared with the Peugeot e-3008 and the Vauxhall Grandland. This new platform will allow the C5 Aircross to offer an electric powertrain for the first time, with a range of up to 435 miles.

Hybrid Options

In addition to the electric powertrain, the C5 Aircross will also be offered with standard and plug-in hybrid powertrains. This makes it the only model in Citroën’s future lineup to have a PHEV option. Citroën boss Thierry Koskas explained that the plug-in hybrid option is a response to market demands, although it does come with additional costs due to the size of the battery.

Styling and Design

The new C5 Aircross is expected to take styling cues from the recently launched C3, featuring a more boxy and expressive design along with Citroën’s new logo. It will be positioned above the revised C4, which will also adopt styling cues from the smaller C3.

The Decision to Axe the C5 X

Citroën’s decision to not replace the C5 X was based on the fact that the segment it belongs to is extremely small, despite the model’s decent market share. The focus will now be on the C5 Aircross as the flagship model.