After six years on sale, and a facelift, the all-new, second-generation Citroen C5 Aircross has finally hit UK shores. 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 brand before, with just the right amount of quirkiness that you expect.
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. Highlights of the back of the C5 Aircross are the unusual, high-set, split rear light clusters, which we’re told add 15 miles to the EV range, and the 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, with 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 still only just feels big enough – considering the fixed area at the bottom.
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 Advance 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 C5 Aircross 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 and Jeep Compass. The extra legroom is most obvious in the back of the C5 Aircross, and our UK Max-spec test car wasn’t fitted with the sunroof that we noticed at the international launch eats into the headroom, making taller passengers uncomfortable. Although, the reclinable rear seats will help the passengers of drivers who like the extra light that the sunroof gives. Another C5 Aircross interior bonus is the cavernous 651-litre boot – which is one of the best in class.
Performance and drive
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, here tested for the first time with the Comfort Range battery, with 210hp. The Long Range battery versions of the E-C5 Aircross, with 231hp, and 435 miles of range, are available to order now, with deliveries expected by April 2026. An upgraded 145hp hybrid, and 210hp plug-in hybrid, we will review separately.
The Comfort Range version of the E-C5 Aircross, has a 73kWh battery and a claimed range of up to 322 miles. Just like Long Range versions, this E-C5 Aircross doesn’t feel that athletic off the mark – even in ‘Sport’ mode. Although, the relaxed performance sits well with Citroen’s comfort branding, and speed quickly builds.
The absolute highlights of the E-C5 Aircross’s comfort package is the impressively refined ride, thanks to their Progressive Hydraulic Cushions fitted. A highlight of the first-generation C5 Aircross, it feels like Citroen engineers have added extra polish for the second-generation car and it suits the EV drivetrain best in our opinion. A mixture of roads on the UK test drive route again highlighted the comfort and impressively luxurious flow and feel to this car. This car will attract fleet drivers who drive long distances, thanks to its comfort and easy-going nature. It’s never sporty (even in Sport mode), as you’d expect, but overall, the drive is more cohesive than before. Yes, there’s some body roll in corners, and the steering lacks some precision, but there’s plenty of grip, and overall, it’s a tidy drive.
When it comes to charging, the E-C5 Aircross can be AC charged at up to 11kW, and can be DC rapid charged at up to 160kW, equalling a 10-80% charge in around 30 minutes – which seems competitive.
The only concern with the Comfort Range E-C5 is the range. Our test car was only charged to 80%, which equalled a 230-mile figure, that quickly dropped to the mid 100s on the 40-mile mixed test route. However, in the Citroen’s defence, it was a cold winter day. We’d need more time with this car to be certain about the range.
The all-electric E-C5 Aircross is still the pick of the range in our opinion, thanks to its impressive comfort and composure. Range confirmation aside, even in Comfort Range electric form, it’s still our pick of these STLA-Medium platform SUVs – it really is that good.
Positive: Impressive ride and refinement, well-equipped, unusual styling, still affordably priced.
Negative: Range concerns, comfortable rather than fun to drive, some hard interior plastics.
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: Electric: 210hp, 231hp
Equipment grades: You, Plus, Max
Transmission: 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/210hp |
| Score | 8/10 |
