Transitioning into its second generation, the Citroen C5 Aircross has grown in nearly every dimension. That, combined with a radical new exterior and interior, and an optional EV powertrain, sets big expectations for Stellantis’ French SUV.
Recently, we got up close with the first-ever Citroen e-C5 Aircross, taking a close look at all the changes in detail. Here’s our report following our experience:
Design
Quirkiness remains central to Citroen’s design philosophy, and the second-generation C5 Aircross continues showing allegiance to that approach. The new model looks unlike most compact SUVs in its segment, retaining a distinct visual identity, with plenty of aerodynamic enhancements.
Compared to the first-generation car’s squarer and softer shape, the new C5 Aircross adopts a longer, wider, and noticeably sharper body. The surfaces are tauter, the lines are cleaner, and the stance is lower and more planted.
At the front, the new Citroen logo sits at the center of a wide, clean fascia. The three-point lighting signature appears in thin horizontal elements that visually emphasize the SUV’s width.
The matrix LED headlamps connect through a gloss black strip, while the bumper features subtle molded detailing. On the electric version we saw, the front end is largely closed to improve aerodynamics.
On the sides, a strong character line runs from nose to tail, and the roofline tapers slightly after the second row to aid efficiency without compromising space. The rear continues the horizontal theme with a wide gloss black panel linking the taillights and an upright tailgate to maximize cargo volume.
The “Light Wings” rear lighting elements sit visually detached from the body and also act as small air deflectors, adding a technical, futuristic touch.
Interior
Moving to the interior, the combination of a slim, boxy upper dashboard and a curvy, tubular lower section works well, with the latter finished in foam fabric that also appears on the door panels and seats.
Despite the more mature execution, Citroen has not abandoned its taste for quirky details. For instance, the compact steering wheel with a flattened bottom is paired with an unusually tall, oblong center pad.
The 13-inch HD portrait touchscreen is quite tall, but it is practically complemented by a row of physical controls for the climate system, defogger, and audio functions.
The e-C5 Aircross features 10-way power-adjustable front seats with massage, heating, and ventilation functions, as well as electrically adjustable side bolsters.
The same design approach appears in the rear seats, which can be reclined between 21 and 33 degrees and are also available with heating.
Experience in the Citroen e-C5 Aircross
My experience with the Citroen e-C5 Aircross started with the basics. It uses normal, chunky door handles that are familiar and easy to use. The floor feels a bit higher than I expected. Citroen combines the window switches and mirror controls into a chunky tab that also works well as a door pull.
At the front, electrically adjustable seats with an adjustable headrest offer excellent under-thigh support, back and shoulder support, and headroom for my 6-foot frame. It has a large dead pedal and a well-sorted pedal box.
The dashboard shows Citroen quirks in materials and speaker integration, with a U-shaped upper section and horizontal vent panels; functional, not premium.
Outward visibility is a mixed bag as it has chunky A-pillars. The roofline stays fairly flat, then tapers after the C-pillar, with small quarter glass. Rear visibility was decent, and the rear headrests slide into the backrest to improve the inside mirror view.
The two-tier center console has purse space, cup holders, and phone charging. Electrically adjustable steering wheel has a quirky design, and doesn’t get in the way while settling in.
At the rear, behind my driving position, I notice a slight knee-up posture, which is not ideal. Knee room is adequate, and my size 12 shoes partially slide under the front seat.
Back support is good, headrests are comfortable, rear headroom is abundant, and outward visibility is nice. Under-thigh support matters less here. The rear seat base does not slide, but the backrest angle adjusts, and the default angle felt fine.
Specifications
The Citroen e-C5 Aircross sits on the STLA-M platform like the Jeep Compass Electric, and is 4,652 mm (183.1 in.) long, 1,936 mm (76.2 in.) wide, and up to 1,691 mm (66.6 in.) tall and has a 2,784 mm (109.6 in.) wheelbase.
In the UK, Citroen gives a choice of standard-range and long-range variants, both with a permanent magnet synchronous motor powering the front wheels.
The base variant, with 157 kW (213 hp) and 343 Nm (253 lb.-ft.) of torque, accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 8.9 seconds and achieves a top speed of 106 mph. The top variant increases the peak power to 170 kW (231 bhp) and reduces the 0-62 mph acceleration time to 8.8 seconds.
The e-C5 Aircross features a 73.7 kWh battery pack in the standard-range variant and a 96.9 kWh battery pack in the long-range variant, both consisting of NMC cells and allowing charging at up to 11 kW (AC)/160 kW (DC). The base variant delivers a WLTP range of 320 miles, and the top variant 421 miles.
Price
The retail prices of the Citroen e-C5 Aircross in the UK start at GBP 34,065 (approx. USD 46,000) and go up to GBP 43,965 (approx. USD 59,000).
An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 17 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading global CEOs and vehicle developers.
