Citroën hits bullseye with comfort-driven EV SUV

I road test a multitude of new models every year, and while there are a few that stand out as having hit their design goals, the new Citroen e-C5 Aircross is, in my opinion, one of those new cars!

There are three trim levels available, with a starting price of €39,939, namely YOU, PLUS and MAX

The car on test here is the 73kWh battery version in the top MAX specification. For powertrains, Citroen recognise that not everyone can or indeed wants to go electric, so they offer a broad range of powertrains. Two electric versions, one mild hybrid petrol and one plug-in-hybrid petrol.

The two 100% electric powertrains are a 210 bhp motor combined with a 73 kWh battery, as I am reviewing here, offering a claimed range of 520 km WLTP and a 230 bhp motor paired with a 97 kWh battery offering a claimed 680 km WLTP.

The mild Hybrid 48V version is ideal for those who cannot plug in. With a claimed range of more than 950km combined WLTP.

Citroen claim the new C5 Aircross Hybrid can be driven up to 50% of the time in electric mode in towns.

For those who wish to take advantage of Plug-In Hybrid technology, the new C5 Aircross is also available as a PHEV and offers 33% more range than the previous model, with over 100 km now available in town driving.

So something for everyone, it would seem.

First impressions, how does it look?

I really like the muscular contemporary shape of the car. There are some nice design touches, such as the different lining around the wheel arches, and I particularly like the styling of the rear with that distinctive rear light cluster design. Fitted with 19-inch “Moondust” diamond cut alloys, the new e-C5 certainly has presence on the road.

What about the cabin?

Slipping inside, I was immediately impressed by the overall design of the interior.

The standout features are the ‘cascading” portrait-style central curved touchscreen, which almost seems to float above the central tunnel. Below and behind it is a handy storage area.

The detailed finishing of the cabin on this MAX version is very appealing with cloth-type materials on the dashboard and door panels, and these sections were finished in a lovely, subtle green on my test car, which complemented the exterior colour of Astoria Green metallic.

The next standout feature is the excellent seating, which has a quilted finish to the leatherette upholstery. Deviated stitching and white piping on the seats add to the luxurious feel. Citroen call this unique design their C-Zen Lounge Architecture. MORE BELOW PHOTO.

Standard equipment is very good too, highlights of which are items such as the large extended head-up display, that floating style touchscreen, an excellent voice activation system, and of course that big panoramic glass roof. There are a host of other features too numerous to list here, but suffice to say, you really want for nothing in this MAX version.

What is under the bonnet?

This electric version is powered by a 73kWh battery and an electric motor driving the front wheels. With some 210bhp on tap, performance is very good indeed, providing smooth, swift acceleration and plenty of mid-range punch to facilitate swift and safe overtaking.

Like all EVs, it did not achieve anywhere near the WLTP claim of 520km. Over a mix of rural roads, city work and some motorway driving, I achieved a real-world range of 365 km. That is quite good, and I would suggest that if driven in less testing conditions, you should hit an average of 400km between charges.

The car supports 160kW DC peak charging or 11kW AC standard. Re-charging from 20% to 80% takes about 35 minutes on average if you can use a high-power charger. All of this puts the e-C5 on a par but not above its rivals, such as the Skoda Enyaq, Peugeot e-3008 or Opel Grandland EV.

What is it like to drive?

As it was unashamedly designed to be first and foremost comfortable, in that it scores a bullseye! The trade-off is, of course, a softer ride and therefore handling that will not encourage you to hustle it along a country road.

This e-C5 does drive very well, but it encourages a more relaxed pace and is certainly not an involving driving experience. That said it is unsurpassed in this class for ride comfort. I drove the car extensively on twisty, bumpy country roads, and it simply absorbs all the road imperfections with aplomb, almost floating over the bumps and dips with a serene quality you will not find in any of its rivals.

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Noise levels are commendably low, and it can be a quiet and refined motorway cruiser too.

Accommodation is excellent both front and rear with lots of leg and headroom, plenty of handy storage space, numerous USB-C outlets, two backlit ports up front and two backlit ones in the rear. It is very child seat friendly, and with up to 1,985 litres of load area space with the 40/20/60 split-fold rear seats folded, it’s a vast and capable load lugger.

Hugh’s Verdict below photo

The new e-C5 Aircross is definitely where comfort meets practicality in the family SUV world. It is not perfect, though. It is unengaging to drive, and the range is just average. It does not set any new standards in that department. The MAX version on test here is priced from €47,190.

So who should buy this car?

I think it makes for excellent family transport. If you value comfort over a rewarding driving experience, you will pick the C5 Aircross over the Skoda Enyaq, Peugeot e-3008 or Opel Grandland electric. Without doubt, this is currently the best family SUV in this class for pure comfort. The e-C5 also scores highly for being very spacious, well kitted out and practical.

I think its rivals may have some catching up to do!

Pros:

A class winner for supreme comfort.

Lovely interior design.

Very well equipped.

Cons:

Steering has no real feedback. Feels too light.

Spongy long travel brake pedal feel.

Body roll in corners limits fun element of driving it.