Citroen unveils new C5 X flagship, maybe for Aus

CITROEN has ripped the covers off its new flagship, the C5 X, described by the brand as combining the best elements of a sedan, wagon and SUV into one “original” package.

With a local introduction currently under evaluation, the C5 X is 4805mm long, 1865mm wide, 1485mm tall and rides on an elevated 2785mm wheelbase (ground clearance has not been quoted), putting it roughly on par with the Skoda Superb Scout.

Boot space is rated at 545 litres, a figure that expands up to 1640L when the rear seats are folded flat.

Flaunting a sloping rear end, the C5 X’s design is full of kinks and curves with the busy front fascia taking on a multi-layered look, a theme hammered home by the slim daytime running light design.

Taking cues from Hyundai, the headlight clusters are set low down in the cheeks of the front fascia, almost hidden away in the myriad of details and lines present.

Smooth bonnet indents are matched on the flanks by subtle sculpting while the flared and raised hip line adds a quiet sense of muscularity, complemented at the front too.

According to Citroen design director Pierre Leclercq, the C5 X’s unique design “embodies the audacity” of the brand’s style.

“Its unique morphology, aerodynamic lines and modern light signature make it a true Citroen, immediately recognisable on the road,” he said.

Inside the cabin, the multi-layered theme continues with a two-layer dashboard that is largely clutter and fuss-free with the two layers distinguished by classy looking wood trim – which also extend onto the doors.

Mounted prominently on said dash is a new 12-inch infotainment touchscreen with voice recognition and smartphone mirroring.

While variant specifics are yet to be confirmed, standard equipment highlights in the C5 X include 19-inch alloy wheels, advanced comfort seats, adaptive suspension, panoramic sunroof, acoustic laminated front and rear windows, extended head-up display, keyless entry and start, hands-free tailgate, the aforementioned infotainment system and wireless phone charging.

Active safety systems meanwhile consist of highway driver assist (adaptive cruise control with stop and go and lane keeping assist), long-range blind spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert and surround-view monitor.

Said by Citroen to be offered in both petrol and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) forms, the brand has only vaguely detailed the electrified drivetrain as part of the reveal.

Developing a combined 168kW of power, Citroen says the C5 X’s PHEV powertrain will propel the flagship crossover more than 50km on electric power alone, however no other details have been confirmed.

Looking at the wider Citroen/DS stable, we expect this to be the same powertrain as found in the DS9 luxury sedan, pointing to a torque figure north of 320Nm and an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Running with this theory, we would also expect the internal combustion engine to be the same 168kW mill earmarked for the DS9.

Citroen CEO Vincent Cobée said the C5 X was a touring vehicle designed to win over new customers to the brand, especially those “inclined to explore the world”.

“Its unique morphology, aerodynamic lines and modern light signature make it a true Citroën, immediately recognisable on the road,” he said.

“An audacious and original proposal that truly embodies all of Citroen’s expertise: innovation, care and above everything well-being which we elevate here as a certain form of art of living.”

It is not yet known if or when the C5 X will be coming to Australia, however Citroen sales have taken a hit so far this year ending March, down 43.3 per cent year-on-year from 60 units to 34.