BERLIN: The DS appeared almost 70 years ago, the XM 40 years ago and even the C6 is now almost 20 years old.
Recently, Citroën has not had much to say in the upper echelons of modern mobility.
But this French manufacturer isn’t giving up and is now making a fresh attempt with the C5X.
And when they bring this crossover from the factory in China to Europe in May as their new flagship, it’s no coincidence that a bit of the old cult CX plays a role.
After all, the latest Citroën is a direct descendant of one of the most popular executive cars of the 1970s.
Three cars in one
For prices starting at €35,730 (RM164,000) in Europe, you essentially get three different cars in one. The C5X wants to be as robust and brawny as an SUV, as spacious as an estate and as elegant as a coupé.
The result is idiosyncratic and not necessarily cohesive. But while the top dogs from German manufacturers look as drab as a grey business suit, the Citroën at least catches the eye.
The technical basis for this somewhat exotic company car is the largest platform of the Stellantis group, on which the Peugeot 508 and the DS9 are also built.
Citroën has stretched it to a wheelbase of 2.97 metres and a length of 4.81 metres, thus fulfilling the promise of ample space. Even in the rear, two adults can sit comfortably, and the boot with the flap up to the roof holds 585 litres.
A coupé dressed as an SUV
The French have also implemented the coupé idea consistently. Not only because of the sloping roof line above the – small flaw – four doors. The elegant interior with decorative stitching and smart materials also fits the bill.
Added to this are upmarket equipment and a host of assistants. The cockpit, for example, has a head-up display and a digital screen landscape around the steering wheel.
Treat this like an SUV, and you’ll soon be disappointed: Although the C5X has a beefy appearance and offers plenty of ground clearance, it lacks all-wheel drive.
The engine line-up is rather down-to-earth, at least at the lower levels. The entry-level model is powered by a three-cylinder engine with a displacement of 1.2 litres and 96 kW/131 hp, which isn’t much to write home about in this class. Above that is a four-cylinder engine with a displacement of 1.6 litres and 131 kW/180 hp.
Unlike in the past, there’s no diesel, but a plug-in hybrid that also takes on the role of a sports car. Drive it with both power sources and you have 165 kW/224 hp at your disposal.
With that, you can race from 0 to 100 in 7.9 seconds and hit 233kph at full throttle (not bad, considering Citroën practised more restraint in the past).
And those who care at least a little about the climate can charge the 12.4 kWh battery at home in two hours at best and drive up to 60km at up to 135 kph without the combustion engine.
With power comes tranquillity
When it comes to driving behaviour, the big French car is remarkably calm. German models in particular focus on rigidity and directional stability and shrug off irregularities in the road, but the Citroën calmly irons out any such irritations.
This is made possible by a suspension with hydraulic dampers. In the plug-in, there is also an anticipatory control system.
Finally, the armchair-like seats, which are upholstered with a special kind of foam, make the Citroën a competitor in terms of cosiness.
With the C5X, Citroën makes a virtue out of necessity: Since the German competitors from the Audi A6 to the VW Passat are hard to beat anyway, the French aren’t even trying the classic combination of saloon and estate.
Instead, they are reinventing the mid-size class. For those who want to go their own way with a little extra comfort, it’s an attractive alternative.
Data sheet: Citroen C5X plug-in hybrid
Engine and drivetrain
Hybrid drive with four-cylinder direct-injection petrol engine and electric motor
Displacement: 1598cc
Petrol engine
Max. power: 130 kW/180 hp at 6000 rpm
Max. torque: 250 Nm at 1750 rpm
Electric motor
Power: 81 kW/110 hp
Max. torque: 320 Nm
System
Max. power: 165 kW/224 PS
Max. torque Torque: 360 Nm
Drive: front-wheel drive
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Dimensions and weights
Length: 4805 mm
Width: 1865 mm
Height: 1485 mm
Wheelbase: 2785 mm
Unladen weight: 1796 kg
Payload: 463
Boot capacity: 485 litres
Driving data
Top speed: 233 kph
Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 7.9 s
Average consumption: 1.2 l/100 km
CO2 emissions: 29 g/km
Electric range: 60 km
Important standard equipment
Safety: Six airbags, LED headlights, automatic distance control, lane departure warning system
Comfort: automatic air conditioning, digital cockpit, rear view camera, navigation, comfort seats
Keyword: Extravagant and cosy: C5X a true Citroën