International Automotive News – June 2023


Citroen Introduces the C5 Aircross Hybrid 136
Copyright Adrien Cortesi @ ContinentalProductions
Citroën debuted its an all-new engine for C5 Aircross: the Hybrid 136 in Poissy, France on 30 May 2023. Based on the compact and lightweight Hybrid 48V technology, the new powertrain comprises a 48V battery that recharges during some driving phases, and a 136 hp PureTech petrol engine designed specifically to adapt to this new hybrid system, coupled to a new ë-DCS6 gearbox with a 21 kW electric motor.
With this C5 Aircross Hybrid version, Citroën offers an electric mobility solution that combines simplicity, energy efficiency and a unique comfort experience at a price that is comparable to diesel version one, but with lower CO2 emissions.
The combined WLTP cycle shows that the C5 Aircross Hybrid 136 variant emits only 129g of CO2/km, which is 15% less CO2 than the comparable non-electric petrol version. Its pricing roughly corresponds to a diesel variant with an equivalent engine, although the latter emits about 12% less CO2. Additionally, it offers all the advantages of electric mobility, including better driving enjoyment and the ability to travel in areas with low-emissions requirements.
The Hybrid 136 completes the electrified lineup for the C5 Aircross, which also includes the plug-in Hybrid 180 and plug-in Hybrid 225, which together account for 40% of all C5 Aircross sales. More broadly, it advances and speeds up Citroen’s electrification strategy, which consists of 10 models ranging from hybrids to 100% electric and plug-in hybrids, from the Ami to the C5 X, from passenger cars to commercial vehicles, each of which aims to provide a solution that is specific to the needs of the customer while keeping costs in check.
Copyright Adrien Cortesi @ ContinentalProductions
Thanks to this 48V Hybrid technology, mixed or 100% electric driving times with no emissions are optimised, providing owners with greater driving comfort, reduced consumption, and lower CO2 emissions. This lightweight and compact hybrid technology is based on:

A new-generation 1.2 PureTech petrol engine, specially developed for hybridisation (40% of the parts are new) with 3 cylinders and 1199 cm3, delivering 136 hp (100 kW) at 5500 rpm and a torque of 230 Nm at 1750 rpm. The choice of a variable geometry turbocharger and timing chain contributes to its performance and robustness. Complying with the Euro 6.4 standard and operating in accordance with the Miller cycle, the engine has improved thermal efficiency.
A permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor, capable of developing a peak power of 21 kW (28 hp) and a torque of 55 Nm. It allows the C5 Aircross to be driven 100% electric for low torque requirements, at low speeds, when manoeuvring or slowing down and assists the petrol engine when starting. During deceleration, it acts as a generator to recharge the battery, which reduces the wear and tear of the brakes at the same time.
A belt starter, powered by 48V. It enables to start the petrol engine quickly and responsively.
A new electrified dual-clutch gearbox, the ë-DCS6, a 6-speed dual-clutch system with no torque break, specifically designed for hybrid systems. The gear changes are shorter and the drive is more comfortable. The electric motor, the inverter and the ECU are all integrated, optimising space under the engine bonnet.
A 48V Lithium-Ion battery with an available capacity of 432 Wh is installed under the left front seat, so there is no impact on the boot or interior space.
In addition, thanks to a voltage converter, part of the electricity produced by the 48V electric motor is transformed into 12V in order to supply the car’s equipment. This way, two separate electrical networks can exist side-by-side.

Copyright Adrien Cortesi
Driving the C5 Aircross Hybrid 136 in electric mode is possible in urban areas, and during more conservative driving. With no pollutants and no vibration, this hybrid version can complete up to 50% of city trips in electric-only mode. On-board comfort is improved throughout routine local or long-distance trips because of the advantages of entirely electric driving.
The 48V HYBRID technology optimises the performance and fuel consumption of the C5 Aircross, with average fuel saving of 1 litre/100km (i.e. 15%) compared with the PureTech 130 EAT8 petrol engine making the engine highly efficient in urban driving conditions which can provide drivers with almost 30% average fuel saving.
The engine also has a positive impact on CO2 emissions: which can be reduced by up to 15% (20g) compared with the PureTech 130 S&S EAT8 petrol engine. With 129g of CO2/km (according to the combined WLTP cycle and version), the C5 Aircross Hybrid 136 ë-DCS6 offers the freedom to drive without constraints in many areas with traffic restrictions.
The hybrid drive of this new C5 Aircross version uses its two engines (electric and petrol), which operate together or separately, automatically, smoothly and without driver intervention. When aggresive acceleration is required, the electric motor delivers an additional 9 kW (approximately. 12 hp). 
As the battery recharges automatically when the car decelerates, this new engine makes daily driving less of a hassle for customers who want to experience electric drives without the need to recharge.
Copyright Adrien Cortesi @ ContinentalProductions
Copyright Adrien Cortesi @ ContinentalProductions
C5 Aircross Hybrid 136 ë-DCS6 keeps all the on-board comfort features of C5 Aircross (Citroën Advanced Comfort® suspension and seats, space and modularity), the same customisations and the same trim levels (Feel, Feel Pack, Shine and Shine Pack).
The digital instrument panel has been upgraded with a specific display that provides drivers with all the information they need about hybrid driving directly in front of their eyes without looking away:

Tachometer in blue shows 100% electric driving,
The energy flow of the hybrid engine,
Battery charge level,
Driving mode via a power meter (Charge, Eco, Power),
Percentage of distance travelled in electric mode, at any time and on average

Copyright Adrien Cortesi @ ContinentalProductions
With this offering, Citroën provides a new electrified alternative that includes the comfort of purely electric driving, saves fuel and reduces CO2 emissions, while keeping costs under control.

Photo credits: Stellantis N.V.