Citroën C5 X: what future for the oldest member of the range?

The year 2025 marks a turning point for the Citroën range: with a wave of recent renewals and launches, notably the new C3 and C3 Aircross, followed by the facelift of the C4 and C4 X and the expected arrival of the future C5 Aircross, the chevron brand is showing a certain dynamism. In this rejuvenated landscape, one car will soon stand out for its relative age: the C5 X. Launched in 2021, the large saloon, Citroën's flagship, will be the oldest car in the catalogue. With no mid-life facelift planned and no replacement on the horizon, the question is: how will Citroën maintain the appeal of its large tourer until the end of its life cycle? Between commercial challenges and mechanical developments, the future of the C5 X promises to be complex.

A courageous position, but a mixed commercial career

The Citroën C5 X has never been a consensual car, and its career reflects its concept: a lively topic of discussion among observers and enthusiasts alike. It must be said that its launch was a bold gamble on Citroën's part. Entering the D-segment of large, mainstream saloons and estate cars in 2021 - a market that has been losing momentum for years, cannibalised on the one hand by the growing appeal of C-segment SUVs (often just as spacious and more fashionable) and on the other by the dominance of German premium brands - was almost a gamble.

Many mainstream manufacturers have thrown in the towel on this segment (Ford Mondeo, Opel Insignia, Renault Talisman, etc.). So let's applaud Citroën's courage in not only sticking to its guns, but also offering a unique and unconventional interpretation that mixes the codes of saloon, estate and SUV. This originality, combined with the highest levels of comfort thanks to the Advanced Comfort suspension and seats, as well as generous spaciousness, is the DNA of this endearing car. However, daring is not always enough to guarantee commercial success. It is clear that the results have not lived up to the expectations of a flagship. With only 4,296 units sold in Europe in 2024, the sales of the C5 X show a significant decline of 64% compared to the previous year. The reasons for this disappointment could be analysed at length (economic context, fierce competition, brand image, price positioning, production in China?), but the figures are there and testify to a difficult commercial path.

The intrinsic values of a unique grand tourer

Despite these headwinds, it would be unfair not to acknowledge the intrinsic qualities of the C5 X. It embodies Citroën's modern vision of comfort and travel. Its exterior design, divisive for some, leaves no one indifferent and gives it a prestigious presence without being aggressive. Inside, there is plenty of space for both front and rear passengers, and the (particularly generous) boot is ideal for holiday trips.

Technology is no exception, with a modern touchscreen infotainment system, an efficient head-up display and a full range of driver assistance systems. But it's on the road that the C5 X reveals its true nature: a grand tourer that gobbles up miles with remarkable silence and smoothness. The suspension, with its progressive hydraulic dampers, filters out road imperfections with a mastery rarely seen on the market, offering the "magic carpet" effect so dear to the brand, without sacrificing roadholding, which remains secure and calm in all circumstances. These qualities, recognised by the specialist press and appreciated by owners, form a solid base on which Citroën can build.

Towards a simplified range... then renewed?

In this delicate commercial context, and in the absence of a cosmetic overhaul, Citroën could use another lever to try to revive interest: the engine range. The first major change is expected in the coming weeks with the simplification of the plug-in hybrid range. The PHEV 180 and PHEV 225 versions are expected to disappear from the catalogue. This decision, probably dictated by industrial rationalisation and perhaps the commercial performance of these versions, will initially leave only the 145 hp hybrid engine to attract customers seeking electrification.

However, this situation should only be temporary. The C5 X should logically benefit from the new 195 bhp plug-in hybrid powertrain developed by Stellantis. This engine, which combines an optimised thermal engine with a new, larger capacity battery and a more efficient electric motor, will replace the older 180 and 225 versions on many of the group's models (Peugeot 3008/5008, C5 Aircross, etc.). Its arrival under the bonnet of the C5 X would bring a double advantage: a comfortable combined power of 195 hp and, above all, a significantly improved range in 100% electric mode, possibly exceeding 80 or even 90 kilometres (WLTP). Combined with the careful aerodynamics and relatively low mass of the C5 X, this new engine could offer remarkable efficiency and give the large Citroën a strong argument in the fleet market and among individuals concerned about their consumption and carbon footprint.

The end of a complex career

"Difficult" is undoubtedly the word that best sums up the Citroën C5 X's career so far, and probably until the very end. Born in a segment in decline, it has had to contend with fierce competition and a market that favours other body styles. Its original positioning, while faithful to Citroën's spirit of innovation, also seems somewhat at odds with the brand's recent strategy of refocusing on more accessible and popular models, embodied by the new C3.

In addition, the outsourcing of production to China, a first for a Citroën model sold in Europe, may have raised logistical or image issues for some customers, despite the generally recognised build quality. With the brand confirming that there will be no direct replacement and no facelift on the horizon, the C5 X enters the second half of its life without the usual assets to relaunch it.

However, all is not doom and gloom. The expected arrival of the new 195 bhp plug-in hybrid engine, more powerful and especially more efficient in electric mode, is an interesting card to play. It could help to shed some light on this model, which is not lacking in qualities and which, despite its commercial challenges, remains one of the most comfortable and original offerings in its category. For fans of different and prestigious large road cars, the C5 X retains an undeniable charm, that of a bold and successful Citroën, even if its journey will undoubtedly remain that of a misunderstood in a rapidly changing market. Optimism therefore remains modest, but we can hope for a calmer final chapter thanks to hybrid technology.