Mondial de l'Auto: the 2025 Citroen C5 Aircross is larger and very comfortable
Citroën unveils the C5 Aircross concept which foreshadows the second generation of the compact SUV, planned for 2025. © Citroën
Citroën is taking advantage of the 2024 Paris Motor Show to present its C5 Aircross concept to the public, thus announcing the next generation of the compact SUV marketed in 2025. The French manufacturer claims that this vehicle is a “vision of its future C-segment SUV” and, according to its CEO Thierry Koskas, “95% close to the final model”.
A marked design
Citroën continues to deploy its style language characterized by square elements inaugurated with the concept car Olivia and since seen on the Citroën C3 and its variant Aircross. The automaker describes the C5 Aircross concept as a “dense, muscular, organic block, sculpted for aerodynamics”.
Black trim on the lower bumper extends into the wheel arches to create a rugged off-road look, which continues to the rear bumper. The rear lights also feature the three-point light signature, now an essential element of the Citroën range.
The upper lights, called Citroën Light Wings, extend from the bodywork with a specific function: guiding the airflow around the area. They should nevertheless be largely mitigated on the production model.
The fin-shaped taillights may not survive the transition to production. © Citroën
This new generation gains 15 cm in length to reach 4.65 m. Let's hope that Citroën will do better than its cousin Peugeot 3008 which has clearly grown, but without offering additional space to passengers, on the contrary.
The exterior design of the production car should closely resemble that of the concept, but we haven't yet had the chance to take a look at the interior, which is currently mysterious, but promises to be spacious and comfortable. T. Koskas declared that “the C5 Aircross is probably the most comfortable car in its class”.
We're not showing you the inside yet, we want you to be a little patient. But it will be spectacular. Citroën is back!
The first electric C5 Aircross
Goodbye, the group's old EMP2 platform. This gives way to the new multi-energy platform STLA Medium, which is already found under the Peugeot 3008. Like the latter, the Citroën C5 Aircross will be available with gasoline, hybrid and fully electric engines.
The front end takes up the style language inaugurated by the Oli concept car. © Citroën
Nothing has yet been announced, but the SUV should have a 1.2 liter turbocharged 3-cylinder with mild hybridization of 136 hp and 230 Nm, widely used within the Stellantis group.
On the electric side, Citroën should offer the 73 kWh and 98 kW battery packs, with a WLTP range approaching 700 km for the latter if powered by a single electric motor. A two-motor version should also be born with an all-wheel drive system.
