After six years on sale, and a facelift, there’s an all-new, second-generation Citroen C5 Aircross. It boasts a bolder design, an even higher level of comfort, and an all-electric version.
Design and interior
Outside, Citroen tell us the new C5 Aircross welcomes a new, bolder chapter in Citroen design – we’d certainly say it’s a more masculine and assertive look, than we’ve seen from the iconic double-chevron brand before.
From the front, the C5 Aircross gets the latest version of the family three-point LED light signature, with a redesigned grille, and streamlined front bumper. At the side, there’s an unusual horizon line, which slopes heavily down in the rear quarters, picking out the rear lights that stick out from the car. The roofline also curves cleverly behind the rear seats to increase headroom. Elsewhere, there’s lots of angular plastic cladding, a lower cut out, and a new choice of 18 and 19in wheels. Highlight of the back of the C5 Aircross are the unusual, high-set, split rear light clusters, and big Citroen logo.
Inside, the biggest change to the C5, or any Citroen interior that we’ve ever seen, is the 13in ‘waterfall’ HD touchscreen, which as the name suggests, flows from the dashboard into the centre console vertically. This floating display has both fully customisable and fixed sections, for quick and easy access to essential functions, and there’s impressive central stowage underneath the screen. This Citroen’s instruments are taken care of by a 10in fully digital driver display, that’s also customisable, putting essential information directly in the driver’s line of sight, along with an extended head-up display projecting key information onto the windscreen.
The ’waterfall’ screen looks great, and feels a real step-up from the previous Stellantis norm, but in our opinion, in use it only just feels big enough – considering the fixed area at the bottom. Also, its touchscreen seemed slow in its operation, and we were wondering if these early cars were on unfinished software?
Elsewhere, there are the latest Citroen Advanced Comfort seats, which combine plush, high-density foam, with wider cushions and integrated heating, plus optional ventilation and massage functions. These do exactly what they say, supporting the body in all the right points, and are a new C5 Aircross highlight. Carrying on this Aircross’s calming atmosphere in the interior, are the soft-touch dash materials, and an interior layout apparently inspired by home furniture design.
Overall, we’re fans of the new C5 Aircross interior. It looks and feels great, and the driving position is comfy thanks to the previous mentioned Advanced Comfort seats. Although, the hard plastics on the tops of the doors and dashboard, remind you of this Citroen’s more budget roots.
Longer than the old C5 Aircross, this is the result of the new model being the first Citroen to be built on Stellantis’s STLA-Medium platform, same as previously driven sister models the Peugeot 3008 and 5008, and more recently the Vauxhall Grandland. The extra legroom is most obvious in the back of the C5 Aircross, although the sunroof eats into the headroom, meaning taller passengers might be uncomfortable. Although this will be helped by the reclinable seats. Another C5 Aircross interior bonus is the cavernous 651-litre boot – which is one of the best in class.
Other positives of the C5 Aircross being built on the STLA platform, are the driving aids that it offers, plus the latest connectivity and infotainment. Although, perhaps most importantly, this platform is electrified, equalling the first all-electric E-C5 Aircross models, with 210hp and 231hp, available alongside the upgraded 145hp hybrid, and 210hp plug-in hybrid (PHEV).
Performance and drive
We first drove the E-C5 Aircross with a 97kWh battery, 231hp, and a claimed range of up to 435 miles in the long-range form. There is also a 210hp, 73kWh standard range version, with a credible 323 miles of range. We noticed that even in ‘Sport’ mode, the E-C5 Aircross is no firecracker off the mark. Although, the reserved feel fits in well with Citroen’s comfort branding, and speed quickly builds. Another part of the E-C5’s comfort character, is the impressively refined ride, thanks to the Progressive Hydraulic Cushions fitted to the suspension. Impressive in the first C5 Aircross, it feels like Citroen’s engineers have added extra polish for the second-generation car. Most impressive in the all-electric E-C5 in our opinion, they shook off the worst unbroken Spanish roads could throw at them and gave an impressively luxurious flow and feel to this car. Not sporty, as you’d expect. There’s some body roll in corners, and the steering lacks some precision, but there’s plenty of grip.
When it comes to charging, the E-C5 Aircross charges at up to 11kW domestically, although it can be rapid charged up to 160kW, equalling a 10-80% charge in around 30 minutes – which seems competitive.
The PHEV, which combines rechargeable hybrid technology, has two energy sources: a 150hp turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, a 125hp electric motor, and a 21kWh battery, that powers the front wheels, that in our opinion, isn’t as impressive to drive. Yes, it can be driven on electric power alone for up to 53 miles – nearly double what the old car was capable of. However, although the transition between electric and petrol power is reasonably smooth, the noise of the petrol engine working hard (which it always seems to be doing!) spoils the otherwise impressive refinement.
Otherwise, the PHEV drives largely the same as the E-C5, so think refined rather than sporty.
Our pick of the range is the all-electric E-C5 Aircross, thanks to its impressive composure to the ride. In fact, we’d go as far as to say, that in electric form, it’s our pick of these STLA-Medium platform SUVs – it really is that good.
Positive: Decent EV range, impressive ride and refinement, well-equipped, still affordably priced.
Negative: Comfortable rather than fun to drive, hard interior plastics, looks might not appeal to all.
Standard equipment: 18in alloy wheels, LED headlights with high beam assist,13in touchscreen with 3D navigation, wireless smartphone charger, adaptive cruise control, Urban Grey interior with Sofa fabric.
Engines: Hybrid: 145hp 1.2; Plug-in hybrid: 210hp 1.6; Electric: 210hp, 231hp
Equipment grades: You, Plus, Max
Transmissions: Six-speed DCT automatic, single-speed automatic
| Model | Citroen E-C5 Aircross 210hp Comfort Range Max |
| P11D (not including Electric Car Grant) | £39,280 |
| Residual value | TBC |
| Depreciation | TBC |
| Fuel | £3,537 |
| Service, maintenance and repair | TBC |
| Cost per mile | TBC |
| Range | 323 miles |
| CO2 (BIK%) | 0g/km (3%) |
| BIK 20/40% a month | £20/£39 |
| Luggage capacity | 651 litres |
| Battery size/power | 73kWh/201hp |
| Score | 8/10 |
