Citroën C5 X: the best of its class

The brand returns to the D segment with a very original model, based on the stretched C5 Aircross platform and inspired by the CXperience Concept presented at the 2016 Paris Motor Show. It is a proposal somewhere between a saloon and an estate, slightly taller than usual, with features inherited from Citroën’s latest designs.

It offers high ground clearance thanks to the 19” wheels available on most versions, and allows a higher driving position. With a length of 4.80 m, width of 1.86 m and height of 1.48 m, it has a wheelbase of 2,785 mm, which allows very notable interior dimensions.

Its design stands out for a long bonnet, smooth and aerodynamic lines, a raised waistline and a very distinctive rear end, with a tailgate featuring electric opening and hands-free function, which offers the practicality of an estate with a load capacity of 545 litres, rising to 1,640 litres when the rear seatbacks are folded down. It features the V-shaped light signature at the front and rear, with LED headlights across the whole range.

Modern and welcoming interior

Built on the Citroën Advanced Comfort umbrella, it uses the modern cushioned-cell enveloping seats, progressive absorption suspension and plenty of space for occupants. As in the latest creations, it boasts high-level technology such as the extended Head-Up Display, with enlarged data projection on the windscreen, the Highway Driver Assist, or the new communication and entertainment interface with a 12-inch touchscreen and voice recognition system.

The brand says it has worked especially hard on noise absorption, fitting acoustic laminated front and rear windows that provide superior insulation.

It debuts a new communication interface focused on connectivity. With a high-resolution 12” screen, 4 USB Type-C ports and a wireless smartphone charger, it updates in real time via the cloud and pairs Mirror Screen without the need for a cable. It also offers the option to customise settings preferences and the presentation and widgets on the welcome screen.

The cabin, with carefully considered details, conveys a sense of spaciousness and comfort, and offers interior ambiences the driver can select according to each need. The suspension with progressive hydraulic dampers evolves in the plug-in hybrid variant with the active system, which offers three modes selectable by the driver.

Cutting-edge technology

The C5 X stands out in terms of safety and driver assistance, based on radars, cameras and sensors, offering the latest generation of level 2 semi-autonomous driving with the Highway Driver Assist, which combines adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go function and lane keeping assist.

Naturally it also features a host of additional aids, such as the blind spot monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, which detects vehicles or other hazards approaching when reversing, the Top 360 Vision that facilitates manoeuvres by showing the car’s surroundings on the touchscreen, or the Proximity hands-free access and start system, which automatically locks and unlocks the doors as the driver approaches or moves away from the vehicle.

Efficient engines

For now it is known that there will be no diesel engines in the range, although there has been no confirmation of the possibility of fully electric versions nor whether there will be four-wheel-drive variants. The latter option makes more sense, as there are already models in the group that include a four-wheel-drive system supported by the electric motor.

The most complete offering is the plug-in hybrid variant. With 225 CV of power, it has the advantages of a zero-emissions vehicle without the range limitations. It offers more than 50 km in pure electric mode, a mode that can be used up to a speed of 135 km/h.

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