Citroen C5 Aircross Review
The new Citroen C5 Aircross is a large, comfortable SUV designed to offer a premium feel without being overly flashy. It stands out in the crowded family SUV segment with its unique styling, flexible interior, and multiple powertrain options including petrol, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric. In this review, we will break down the C5 Aircross by exterior, interior, comfort, practicality, driving experience, and performance, helping you understand if it’s the right choice for your family.
Pricing and Variants
The C5 Aircross comes in petrol, plug-in hybrid, and electric versions with the following approximate prices:
| Variant | Starting Price (UK) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Petrol (1.2L Turbo) | £30,500 | Front-wheel drive, automatic |
| Mid-spec Petrol/Hybrid | Up to £36,000 | More features |
| Plug-in Hybrid (1.6L Turbo + Electric) | £39,000 | 50 miles electric range, 195 hp |
| Electric EC5 | £34,000 (base), £40,000 (Max trim) | 213 hp, 0–60 in 8.9 sec |
Optional extras include paint, bigger wheels, and advanced trim features.
Engine and Performance
The C5 Aircross offers a range of powertrains to suit different needs:
1.2L Petrol: 145 hp, front-wheel drive, automatic. Quick enough for city and motorway driving.
Plug-in Hybrid: 1.6L 4-cylinder turbo petrol with electric motor, 195 hp, 50 miles electric-only range.
Electric EC5: 213 hp, front-wheel drive, no gearbox, 0-60 mph in 8.9 seconds.
Driving impressions:
Adequate acceleration for everyday use.
Braking is effective but slightly firm due to regenerative braking.
Electric version benefits from independent rear suspension for better handling and comfort.
Steering is precise and responsive; the car remains composed despite its 2.1-ton weight.
Exterior Design
The Citroen C5 Aircross has a distinctive, bold look that immediately communicates its French origin. Key highlights include:
Front design: Large grille with Citroen’s new logo, sculpted contours, and stylish headlights.
Side profile: Alloy wheels ranging from 18-inch to optional 20-inch. Black wheel surrounds and plastic cladding give a rugged SUV look despite not being an off-roader. Optional two-tone roof is available.
Rear design: Square and chunky with fin-style tail light details that add personality. The electric version has a large charging flap.
The standard exterior color is red, while other colors come at an extra cost. Overall, the doors feel solid, not cheap, enhancing the perception of quality.
Interior Design and Features
Inside, the C5 Aircross focuses on comfort, usability, and style:
Dashboard layout: Central vertical infotainment screen for navigation and media, customizable widgets, and textured materials with soft-touch panels.
Driver display: Digital instrument cluster with customizable layouts. A heads-up display shows large, clear speed digits.
Comfort features:
Electric driver seat with adjustable steering wheel.
Soft, well-contoured seats front and rear.
Ambient lighting and large mirrors for convenience.
Storage:
Dual-opening armrest cubby.
Cup holders, wireless charging pad, USB-C ports, 12V socket.
Spacious glovebox and large door bins.
Some usability quirks include climate controls and heated seats requiring screen interaction, and the digital driver display is slightly fussy to customize.
Rear Seats and Practicality
The back seats are spacious and comfortable, with good headroom and legroom. Key points:
Reclining seats on mid-spec trims and above.
Sufficient under-thigh support despite battery placement under the floor.
Middle seat usable, though slightly tight on shoulders for three adults.
Multiple storage options including cup holders, USB ports, and small trays.
ISOFIX points for child seats, though fitting some seats may require adjustment.
Boot Space
The C5 Aircross has a 565-liter boot, competitive for its segment. Practical features include:
Keyless entry on top trims.
Fold-flat rear seats for maximum space.
Under-floor storage and tie-down points.
Capacity to fit up to eight medium-sized suitcases in the top-spec model.
Comfort and Long-Distance Capability
Ride quality: Smooth and comfortable, even over uneven roads.
Noise levels: Minimal road and wind noise at 70 mph.
Range (electric version): Real-world range ~230 miles; long-range 97 kWh battery expected next year with ~300 miles realistic range.
Notable Features
5 Good Things About the C5 Aircross
Hidden recessed window sills for a clean design.
Vent in central cubby to chill drinks.
Matrix LED headlamps with adaptive beam for oncoming traffic.
Built-in ChatGPT for intuitive voice commands.
Optional vehicle-to-load (V2L) feature for running appliances, though not available on existing vehicles.
5 Annoying Things
Black plastic trim prone to fingerprints and scratches.
Small rear wiper coverage.
Rear cup holder positioning can be inconvenient.
Polishing issues on molded panels.
Integrated seatbelt holders may catch feet when exiting.
Conclusion
The Citroen C5 Aircross is an appealing choice for families who prioritize comfort, quirky styling, and practicality. Whether you choose petrol, hybrid, or electric, it offers:
A spacious and well-thought-out interior.
Large boot capacity with flexible storage solutions.
Smooth and composed ride quality with precise steering.
Distinctive French design that stands out in its segment.
If you are looking for a premium-feeling, versatile SUV with multiple powertrain options, the Citroen C5 Aircross is worth considering.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Citroen C5 Aircross
What are the engine options available for the Citroen C5 Aircross?
The Citroen C5 Aircross comes with three main powertrains: a 1.2L turbo petrol engine producing 145 hp, a 1.6L plug-in hybrid with 195 hp capable of 50 miles on electric power alone, and a fully electric version (EC5) with 213 hp and 0-60 mph in 8.9 seconds.
How spacious is the interior and the rear seats?
The C5 Aircross has a roomy interior with comfortable front and rear seats. Rear passengers enjoy excellent headroom, legroom, and foot space. Mid-spec and higher trims offer reclining rear seats, while ISOFIX child seat points are included for safety.
What is the boot capacity of the C5 Aircross?
The boot has a capacity of 565 liters, enough to fit up to eight medium-sized suitcases in the top-spec version. It features fold-flat rear seats, under-floor storage, tie-down points, and no load lip for easy loading.
What are the key interior features of the C5 Aircross?
The interior features a vertical infotainment screen with customizable widgets, a digital driver display, a heads-up display, dual-opening armrest storage, wireless charging, USB-C ports, and soft-touch materials. Top trims also offer electric seats and ambient lighting.
How comfortable is the ride and long-distance driving?
The C5 Aircross offers a smooth and comfortable ride, gliding over uneven roads with minimal road and wind noise. The independent rear suspension in the electric version improves comfort and handling. Seats are well-cushioned, making long journeys comfortable.
What is the real-world range of the electric Citroen C5 Aircross?
The standard electric C5 Aircross achieves a real-world range of about 230 miles on a full charge. A long-range version with a 97 kWh battery is expected to achieve around 300 miles in real conditions.
Does the C5 Aircross come with advanced lighting and tech features?
Yes, it offers matrix LED headlamps that adaptively adjust to oncoming traffic and a built-in ChatGPT system for intuitive voice commands. Higher trims may include features like ambient lighting, wireless charging, and vehicle-to-load technology in future models.
Are there any common annoyances with the C5 Aircross?
Some minor issues include black plastic trims prone to fingerprints, small rear wiper coverage, tricky rear cup holder placement, polished panel indentations, and integrated seatbelt holders that may catch feet when exiting.
