PITY THE POOR DYSLEXIC because when it comes to car models, the numbers look like they’ve been chosen completely at random.
Once upon a time, Citroën had a reasonably logical list of model names, but these days, there is simply no rhyme or reason (or, at least, not as far as we can discern).
Citroën’s new flagship, the C5 X, breathes new life into the large car segment with an original design that combines a saloon and a station wagon, an innovative proposition in the purest tradition of great Citroën cars.
This new model, available in both petrol and plug-in hybrid versions (although not necessarily in Australia), expresses modernity, status and innovation, all of which are high expectations for customers in the large car as well as SUV segments.
Vincent Cobée, Citroën CEO, said: “With C5 X, Citroën has created an ambitious, large touring vehicle, a real tool for winning over customers who are increasingly inclined to explore the world.”
“An audacious and original proposal that truly embodies all of Citroën’s expertise: innovation, care and above everything well-being which we elevate here as a certain form of art of living.”
Citroën Australia is working closely with the factory regarding evaluating the new Citroën C5 X for local introduction.
The specification mentioned throughout this release is in relation to the global reveal of the new Citroën C5 X. Final Australian specification may vary.
An avant-garde body style reshuffles the deck in a traditional segment
C5 X delivers the unexpected in a rather traditional segment. With its strong concept, unique in the market, C5 X is naturally positioned as Citroën’s new top-of-the-range car and is inspired, right down to its name, by the CXperience Concept, unveiled at the 2016 Paris Motor Show.
Pierre Leclercq, Citroën Design Director, said: “With its innovative styling that combines the elegance of a saloon, the dynamism of a station wagon and the robustness of an SUV, C5 X embodies the audacity of Citroën’s style.”
“Its unique morphology, aerodynamic lines and modern light signature make it a true Citroën, immediately recognisable on the road.”
A unique concept: a modern and innovative body style
C5 X’s body style features a fastback body style that blends saloon and station wagon by adding some elements that make SUVs so appealing. It is an all-new shape with particular attention paid to aerodynamics.
Its long bonnet, fluid and aerodynamic lines, high waistline and kick above the rear wheels bring distinction and dynamism; they are also reminders of various cars that have marked the history of Citroën’s top range. Its tailgate, another distinctive feature of Citroën’s large cars, offers all the practicality of a station wagon: it has a wide, functional opening and a low loading sill for easy, practical everyday use.
An elevated stance to better control the road
Its elevated stance, thanks to increased ground clearance compared to a traditional saloon and large-diameter 720 mm wheels fitted with 19-inch tall and narrow tyres on most versions, allows a higher driving position for greater safety and visibility, a feature much appreciated by SUV customers.
With a wheelbase of 2785 mm for outstanding rear-seat space, C5 X offers generous exterior dimensions, with a length of 4805 mm, a width of 1865 mm and a height of 1485 mm.
A modern, high-tech lighting signature: see and be seen
C5 X features Citroën’s new V-shaped light signature at the front and rear, introduced on new C4. Immediately identifiable as a Citroën, this technological light signature comprises LED headlights on the whole range. It is visible both day and night and underlines C5 X’s unique exterior design.
An invitation to travel in absolute comfort
Elegance and comfort, combined with innovative but discreet technology, are the watchwords of this welcoming passenger compartment, in the purest Citroën tradition.
A lounge area, an invitation to well-being and tranquillity
In keeping with Citroën’s customisation philosophy, C5 X offers original interior environments that allow the passenger compartment to be shaped in the driver’s own image. They give pride of place to warm materials, in refined combinations, with a real sense of detail.
The Advanced Comfort seats in C5 X are the benchmark for seating comfort. They offer a unique welcome and visual comfort thanks to special padding, like a mattress topper. The dynamic and postural comfort is produced by a high-density layer and thickened structured foam, allowing you to feel relaxed even after the longest journeys.
The Citroën Advanced Comfort suspension is fitted to C5 X and is a Citroën exclusive design that aims to overcome all obstacles, potholes, kerbs, speed bumps in comfort. On the plug-in hybrid version, C5 X takes control a step further with Citroën Advanced Comfort active suspension. With a choice of three modes, the suspension control system enhances the effectiveness of the Progressive Hydraulic Cushions by relaxing the suspension even more during driving phases and offer greater efficiency, particularly in corners.
Roominess was one of Citroën’s main concerns when designing C5 X. At the front, the comfortable seats and the uncluttered dashboard provide a vast and clear living space. The spacious rear area invites rest and relaxation, with exceptional legroom, comfortable width and generous headroom.
Roominess is further enhanced by the brightness of the 360-degree glass areas around the car, including quarter windows, and a large opening glass sunroof that allows light to flood in whenever required.
To make journeys as relaxing as possible, particular attention has been paid to acoustics, with acoustic laminated front and rear windows providing exceptional insulation from outside noise.
All the advantages of a station wagon: versatile and practical on a daily basis
Practicality has been considered down to the last detail in the design of C5 X. In order to appeal to customers who are keen on versatility, the boot of C5 X has been designed in the spirit of a station wagon, both in terms of its dimensions and its exclusive features.
Offering a generous load volume of 545 litres and up to 1640 litres when the rear seat is folded down, providing a flat floor, a wide and functional opening, a low sill and straight walls.
A luggage roll-up, linked with the tailgate, makes loading easier, while the motorised tailgate has a hands-free function so that you are not caught unawares when opening or closing it with your arms full.
The entire passenger compartment contains cleverly designed storage spaces, which have been carefully designed to hold, store or conceal all your everyday items.
Plug-in hybrid’s ë-Comfort: electric every day, combustion engine if necessary
C5 X also offers a Plug-in Hybrid version. Delivering 225hp (168kW), this hybrid offers the pleasure of silent start-up and operation with zero CO2 emissions, with the possibility of driving more than 50km in ZEV mode, a range in electric mode suitable for the majority of users’ daily journeys, up to 135 km/h.
At the same time, it is possible to go on weekends or holidays without worrying about recharging, as the internal combustion engine, which is economical and efficient, takes over.
C5 X Plug-in Hybrid is a modern, high-tech electric mobility vehicle that offers comfort and versatility of use: ë-Comfort class mobility, perfectly insulated from the road and the outside world, in complete peace and quiet, with all external influences filtered out.
The silent operation, smoothness and movement of the vehicle, pleasure of driving, the gentle suspension, the soft Advanced Comfort seats, the absence of vibrations on board, the ergonomics and ease of use of the interfaces and dedicated services all contribute to enhancing comfort on board, for all occupants.
Technology for well-being and serenity on board
Citroën C5 X adopts state-of-the-art technologies to make travel more relaxed, safer and even more fun.
Extended Head Up Display: all relevant information in the driver’s field of vision to reduce mental load
C5 X offers an innovation that is as spectacular as it is useful: the Extended Head Up Display, a large-scale, full-colour, head-up display projected through the windscreen, a first step towards augmented reality.
This is an immersive technology, foreshadowed in 19_19 Concept, which provides a more serene and relaxed driving experience: drivers no longer need to take their eyes off the road to get the information they want from speed to phone calls and navigation.
An environment comparable to tablets with My Citroën Drive Plus
C5 X introduces an all-new infotainment interface for Citroën, with a focus on connectivity. Combined with a 12-inch HD touch screen, four USB Type C sockets and wireless smartphone charging, it updates in real time via the Cloud and features Mirror Screen without the need to plug in your smartphone.
Its interface has been designed as if it were a touchscreen tablet: customisation, settings and display preferences with widgets on the home screen.
This system has natural, efficient and easy-to-use voice recognition, a personal assistant that understands and answers questions and carries out commands, similar to the personal assistant offered on 19_19 Concept.
A set of driving assistance systems for safer and more relaxed driving
Citroën C5 X is also at the cutting edge of technology in the field of driving assistance systems, using the various devices installed all around the vehicle: radar, cameras and sensors.
C5 X offers semi-autonomous level 2 driving in compliance with current legislation: Highway Driver Assist, which combines Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go and Lane Keeping Assist.
Many other features make daily life easier, such as long-range blind spot detection, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, which can detect a danger when reversing, Top 360 Vision, which makes manoeuvring easier by displaying the outside environment on the touchscreen tablet, or Proximity hands-free access and start, which automatically locks and unlocks the doors when the driver approaches or leaves the vehicle.
Laurence Hansen, Citroën Product & Strategy Director, concluded: “With C5 X, we wanted to provide an emotional and rational response to D-segment customers looking for modernity, refinement, comfort and versatility.”
“With its unique body style, increased comfort, its plug-in hybrid engine and innovations, C5 X offers pleasure and peace of mind in a true Citroën way.”