Citroën C5 X: what if its future is a daring SUV Coupé?

Introduced in 2021, the Citroën C5 X immediately established itself as a unique proposition in the automotive landscape. Blending the design cues of a sedan, a wagon, and an SUV, it embodies a modern vision of grand touring, Citroën-style, centered on supreme comfort and a distinctive look. However, in a rapidly evolving lineup, it already feels like a veteran. The news is now official: the current C5 X will receive neither a mid-life facelift nor a direct replacement. This decision is driven by the decline of the large sedan segment, which has been overshadowed by SUVs. Here at Passionnément Citroën, rather than resigning ourselves to this fact, we wanted to envision a logical and desirable successor for this iconic nameplate. Drawing on the brand's upcoming strengths, particularly the future C5 Aircross, we have sketched out a reimagined yet fundamentally and proudly Citroën proposal.

A Coupé SUV to crown the Citroën range

With the scheduled discontinuation of the C5 X, the future C5 Aircross will de facto assume the role of the chevron brand's flagship. This is a leading role for a model that is poised to become a strategic and commercial pillar, representing the pinnacle of Citroën's family-oriented and status-enhancing offerings. Yet, this situation opens the door to an interesting line of thought, inspired by the strategies of premium manufacturers that dominate the upper market. Brands like Audi, BMW, and Mercedes have long understood the value of diversifying their SUV lineups. Alongside a traditional version focused on volume and family (like the Q5), they offer a sleeker, more dynamic "SUV Coupé" variant (the Q5 Sportback), which appeals to a clientele seeking exclusivity and style without sacrificing the popular high-riding position.

Why couldn't Citroën adopt a similar strategy? Turning the future C5 Aircross into a dual-pronged offering would be a particularly clever move. It would allow the brand to create a spiritual successor to the C5 X at a minimal cost. Such a vehicle, positioned as a "C5 Aircross Coupé" or perhaps a brand-new C5 X, would align perfectly with current market trends. It would present a credible and bold alternative, capable of capturing customers disappointed by the disappearance of traditional sedans while tapping into the massive enthusiasm for SUVs. It would be a pragmatic and intelligent way to sustain a strong nameplate and continue to compete in the upper segment with a relevant product.

A clear and mastered stylistic lineage

For this vision to be credible, it must be industrially and financially feasible. This is the core of our proposal, as illustrated in the accompanying image. The central idea is to maximize parts sharing with the future C5 Aircross to minimize development and production costs. Consequently, the entire front section of the vehicle, from the bumper to the front doors, would be directly carried over from the C5 Aircross. It would feature Citroën's new light signature and assertive design identity. The magic would happen at the rear.

From the B-pillar backward, the roofline would adopt a more pronounced slope, flowing elegantly into a sharply raked tailgate. This "fastback" silhouette is the key to its coupé appearance. To reinforce this unique character and create a link to the brand's heritage, the design of the rear quarter panel would draw subtle inspiration from the unforgettable 2012 Numéro 9 concept car, while maintaining a family resemblance to the current C5 X to ensure a clear lineage. To give the car a more grounded stance and perfect its sedan-coupé profile, the ride height would be slightly lowered compared to the C5 Aircross. This would also improve its aerodynamics, a crucial factor for the efficiency of electrified powertrains. Naturally, this model would share the same platform, the same hybrid and all-electric powertrains, and would be produced in the same factory as its C5 Aircross sibling. The interior, while retaining the dashboard, could feature a four-seat configuration to maximize passenger space and comfort, staying true to Citroën's reputation.

A proposal, no matter how relevant, remains a conceptual exercise without the will to bring it to life. However, the current context within Stellantis and Citroën could be fertile ground for new ideas. The arrival of Antonio Filosa at the helm of the group and, more recently, the appointment of Xavier Chardon to succeed Thierry Koskas as the head of the Citroën brand, could reshuffle the strategic deck. This, in any case, is the wish we are expressing today. Our concept aims to provide a pragmatic solution to a dual challenge: how to replace the C5 X without investing in a declining segment, and how to strengthen Citroën's brand image in the upper market.

By transforming its large sedan into an SUV Coupé, Citroën would not only enter a growing and profitable market but would do so smartly. The extensive technical commonality with the C5 Aircross would ensure far greater profitability than a model developed on a unique platform. It would be an opportunity to continue offering a high-image vehicle that is comfortable, innovative in its approach, and perfectly in tune with the expectations of customers looking to stand out. It is a proposal that combines creative audacity with economic rationality. A daring, yet pragmatic proposal. The ball, as they say, is in Citroën court.