Changan Deepal S05 PHEV vs Citroën C5 Aircross Hybrid: efficiency, technology and price side by side

The plug-in hybrid SUV segment is enjoying its most interesting moment in 2025. Chinese brands have arrived with technologically ambitious offers and disruptive prices, while European manufacturers respond with comfort, dealer networks and refinement. At this crossroads, two protagonists with very different philosophies stand out: the Changan Deepal S05 PHEV, recently launched in Spain with a connected-car DNA, and the Citroën C5 Aircross Hybrid, a classic of the French C-SUV segment that bets on onboard well-being.

Two PHEV philosophies in the Spanish C-SUV segment

The comparison between the Changan Deepal S05 PHEV and the Citroën C5 Aircross Hybrid is not just a battle of spec sheets. It is a clash between the new Chinese school — giant screens, OTA software, high-voltage powertrains — and the European maturity of a manufacturer with decades of experience in ride comfort. Both compete in the C segment and both plug in, but the way they understand the car is radically different.

Changan Deepal S05 PHEV: the Chinese technology landing — from approx. €35,000

The Changan Deepal S05 PHEV arrives as the spearhead of the Changan group in Europe. Its plug-in hybrid system combines a 1.5 turbo petrol engine acting mainly as a generator with a powerful electric motor, in an advanced Range Extender-type architecture. Its WLTP electric range is around 80–130 km depending on cycle and configuration, a very competitive figure within the PHEV SUV electric range segment.

The interior revolves around a large central screen with a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, native voice integration and OTA updates. It is undoubtedly one of the most connected plug-in hybrid SUVs you can buy in Spain today.

160 kW

218 CV

~180 km/h

~115 km WLTP

~1.1 L/100km

ZERO

PHEV

Citroën C5 Aircross Hybrid: French comfort and PHEV maturity — from approx. €40,000

Compared with the newcomer, the Citroën C5 Aircross Hybrid is a known quantity. It inherits the EMP2 platform of the Stellantis group and combines a 1.6 PureTech turbo with an electric motor integrated into the eight-speed e-EAT8 gearbox. Its homologated electric range is around 55 km WLTP, lower than the Deepal’s but more than enough for most daily urban journeys.

The Citroën’s great asset remains its suspension with progressive hydraulic bump stops and the Advanced Comfort seats, which turn any long journey into a relaxing exercise. The characteristics of the Citroën C5 Aircross Hybrid point to a more conservative buyer who values smoothness over technological fireworks.

Rivals that provide context: MG, EBRO, Hyundai and Volvo

No honest analysis of the segment can ignore the rivals that set the bar. The MG HS PHEV is probably the benchmark in power-to-price ratio, with 249 kW (339 CV) and 103 km of WLTP electric range from approximately €37,000. MG has managed to impose a very demanding yardstick.

249 kW

339 CV

200 km/h

103 km WLTP

0.54 L/100km

ZERO

PHEV

The EBRO s700 PHEV, built in Barcelona under the technological umbrella of Chery, offers 255 kW (347 CV) and 90 km WLTP from about €37,700. EBRO leans hard on the national component without giving up muscle.

The Hyundai Tucson PHEV, meanwhile, defends the Korean corner with 195 kW (265 CV), HTRAC all-wheel drive and about 62 km WLTP, from around €42,000. Hyundai remains one of the benchmarks for perceived quality and after-sales network in the segment, with a consolidated PHEV range that also includes the Santa Fe. Reliability Hyundai adds many points for the rational buyer.

In the premium bracket, Volvo keeps the XC40 as its benchmark. Although the Swedish brand has decisively pivoted to 100% electric — its EC40 offers up to 582 km WLTP from about €52,700 — Volvo has shown that premium buyers accept moving from PHEV to BEV when the offer convinces them. Geely, owner of the Swedish manufacturer, sets the technological tone of the group here.

Summary table and segment ranking

We rate from 1 to 10, weighing electric range, efficiency, technology, price and overall proposition as best plug-in hybrid SUV 2025.

All prices mentioned are manufacturer’s recommended retail prices (RRP), excluding current offers, dealer discounts, one-off campaigns or purchase aids such as the Plan MOVES.

Editorial verdict

The Changan Deepal S05 PHEV offers the most disruptive proposition in electric range and software per euro invested. The Citroën C5 Aircross Hybrid responds with comfort, refinement and an established dealer network. If the buyer prioritises technology and real-world electric efficiency in urban use, the Changan Deepal shows the way; if they value brand maturity and smooth ride quality, the Citroën still has solid arguments.

Frequently asked questions

Which has more WLTP electric range, the Changan Deepal S05 PHEV or the Citroën C5 Aircross Hybrid?
The Changan Deepal S05 PHEV homologates around 115 km WLTP, practically double the approximately 55 km of the Citroën C5 Aircross Hybrid.

Which plug-in hybrid SUV is cheaper of the two?
The Changan Deepal S05 PHEV starts from approximately €35,000, while the Citroën C5 Aircross Hybrid starts from about €40,000 RRP.

Do both have the DGT ZERO label?
Yes. By exceeding 40 km of WLTP electric range, both models display the ZERO emissions label, with the associated tax and urban mobility advantages.

Which alternatives should be considered in the same segment?
The MG HS PHEV, the EBRO s700 PHEV and the Hyundai Tucson PHEV are direct rivals. In the premium electric niche, the Volvo EC40 represents the natural step to 100% electric within the Geely group.