The Citroën C5 X is a mid-size crossover SUV produced by French manufacturer Citroën. The C5 X was previewed by the CXperience concept in August 2016, and later put into production in September 2021 for the Chinese market. Internally codenamed 'E43', the C5 X is the first vehicle to use the front-wheel drive based EMP2 platform which is closely shared with the 408 crossover and the 308 hatchback.

, the C5 X is the longest passenger vehicle produced by the brand in Europe, slotting above the C5 Aircross compact crossover. The vehicle is marketed in Europe, Australia, and in China, where it is known as "Citroën Versailles C5 X", which is similar to the name for the French-built Ford Versailles.

History

The CXperience concept was revealed at the 2016 Paris Motor Show as a mid-sized, crossover-inspired station wagon. The concept includes V-shaped daytime running lights, which are made up of 3mm wide strips, with the indicators placed in between. The interior is finished in Citrus Yellow, which according to the brand was used to show an “optimistic mindset”.

The CXperience measures  in length, which is approximately  longer than the production model.

Overview
The C5 X was revealed on April 12, 2021, as the first vehicle to use the newly-established, front-wheel drive based EMP2 V3 platform. Replacing the previous C5 model that used a similar nameplate, it maintains its similar size and belongs to the British D-segment size segmentation. The vehicle uses an all-time front-wheel drive system, which is shared with all vehicles belonging to its platform. Eurig Druce, Managing Director of Citroën UK states that the new C5 X represents a long-anticipated return to the D-segment, and also that it combines advanced comfort features with exclusive technology.

The C5 X is generally classified as a mid-size / large family estate, but is also classified as a mid-size crossover, or a hatchback. The vehicle is exclusively sold as a two-row passenger car.

Equipment
The C5 X features Citroën's most advanced head-up display, which shows the information on the windscreen. It also features an enhanced, ultra-wide, 12-inch, HD infotainment screen with ambient backlighting, which includes the infotainment system, "My Citroën Drive Plus", which has been designed with optimum ergonomic efficiency. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across all models. Safety systems such as Active Safety Brake, Collision Risk Alert, 360-Vision, Long Range Blind Spot Monitoring System, Highway Integrated Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Active Lane Departure Warning System and Extended Traffic Sign Recognition and Speed Recommendation are included standard through all models.

All models feature Citroën’s Advanced Comfort Suspension with Progressive Hydraulic Cushions. PHEV models are upgraded to Advanced Comfort Active Suspension, which includes automatic electronically controlled damping for a smoother ride. PHEV models come with 4 driving modes: Electric, Hybrid, Comfort and Sport, which can be modified to meet the driver's wants. All models come with Citroën Advanced Comfort Seats which come with 15 mm of added memory foam padding, which provides more support on rides.

Trim levels
The vehicle comes in 3 trim levels: Sense Plus (£36,470), entry-level, Shine (£37,970), mid-level, and Shine Plus (£39,960), upscale trim. 

The Sense Plus trim comes with 19-inch "Aero-X" alloy wheels, automatic LED headlights, along with electronic and heated door mirrors. Sense Plus models come with Urban Grey Ambiance, and grey herringbone fabric. A 10-inch central touchscreen is standard with Apple CarPlay is available. 

The Shine trim comes with satin chrome trimming on the rear bumper. Wheels remain 19-inch, but are upgraded to Diamond Cut Alloys with Onyx Black Paint and inserts. It features the Metropolitan Grey interior ambiance, with the black 'Paloma' leather with the 'Nixon' leather-effect Advanced Comfort Seats. Steering wheel is heated, with a 12-inch screen, which is upgraded using 'Citroën’s Extended Head-Up Display' that is projected to the windscreen. 

The Shine Plus trim brings extra-tinted rear quarter windows. 'Hype Black' ambiance is standard, and driver and front passenger seats come heated. Technology includes 360-vision camera and Extended Blind Spot Monitoring.

Markets

Europe
The C5 X was released in the United Kingdom in 25 July 2022. It comes in all models, inclduing PHEV and two petrol.

Australia
The C5 X is started production in Australia in Q4 2022. The plug-in hybrid model is due sometime in 2023-2024.

Powertrain
The C5 X has 3 engine choices, the base being the  EB2DTS Puretech engine which produces  at 5,500 revolutions per minute, and  of torque at 1,750 revolutions per minute. It has a top speed of , and has a  of 11.3 seconds. The mid-spec model, the  EP6FDT engine, produces  at 5,500 revolutions per minute, and  of torque at 1,900 revolutions per minute. It has a top speed of , and has a  of 8.8 seconds. 

The top-spec model, the  EP6FDT plug-in hybrid engine, produces  at 6,000 revolutions per minute, along with an electric motor which produces , which makes a combined output of . The PHEV's engine  of torque at 1,750 revolutions per minute, along with the electric motor which produces , which makes and combined torque of . It has a top speed of  ( when in electric only mode), and has a  of 7.9 seconds. It uses a 12.4 kWh lithium-ion battery, with an all-electric range of .

All models come with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Safety
The 2022 Citroën C5 X scored four stars overall in its Euro NCAP test.

References

Mid-size sport utility vehicles
Crossover sport utility vehicles
2020s cars
Cars introduced in 2022
C5 X
Station wagons
Cars of China
Plug-in hybrid vehicles
Euro NCAP executive cars
Flagship vehicles