As part of a real product offensive, Citroën has recently renewed its B-segment with the new C3 and C3 Aircross, which embody the brand's new positioning: an accessible brand without being boring or banal. Now that these two major new products for 2024 have been launched, attention is turning to the equally important replacement of the C5 Aircross with a generation that will embody the new philosophy in a much higher segment.
Still a family SUV
The current C5 Aircross has always been one of the most family-friendly SUVs in its segment, particularly thanks to its three independent sliding and folding rear seats, a real feature of the brand's large SUV, inherited from the C4 Picasso which it replaced in the range.
With a length of 4.50 m, the C5 Aircross offers excellent spaciousness with a good boot volume, which can be easily extended or reduced according to needs thanks to the sliding rear seats, offering one of the best adaptability on the market.
Naturally, the next generation will follow in the footsteps of the current one by offering a volumetric body that provides maximum space for the five occupants, since the future C5 Aircross, known under the codename CR3, will only be offered in a 5-seater version, unlike its little brother, which offers two additional seats as an option. Like the recent Peugeot 3008 and 5008, the future C5 Aircross should also grow so as not to tread on the toes of the C3 Aircross, which is dangerously close to its big brother at 4m40. The future generation of the brand's large SUV should also grow significantly to around 4m60, providing more than ample space for the occupants, who should, however, lose a little more in terms of modularity. Based on the STLA Medium platform, the future C5 Aircross will offer a 100% electric version as well as hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions. This multi-energy platform does not seem to allow the installation of sliding rear seats, so the future C5 Aircross should feature a rear bench seat, a step backwards compared to the current generation, in favour of greater passenger comfort thanks to more elbow room.
A real Citroën
In terms of style, it is still difficult to know exactly what the brand's teams are preparing for us, but the future C5 Aircross, of which a concept or vision could be announced soon, should keep the style inaugurated by the C3 and C3 Aircross, which it will push even further thanks to a higher selling price that opens up more possibilities.
Also, without revealing everything since no photos of prototypes are circulating yet, the future C5 Aircross should adopt a rear inspired by the current restyled version and the brand's latest models in an extended version, we are talking about rear lights clearly emerging from the body and incorporating the new visual signature of the brand.
At the front, it seems that the genesis of the future C5 Aircross was difficult, but the future large SUV from Citroën should adopt a front end close to those of the C3 and C3 Aircross, but again much more worked, much more careful.
Inside, however, the future C5 Aircross should impress with an interior worthy of a real Citroën, or at least one that only a Citroën can offer. The future C5 Aircross will be the brand's top-of-the-range model at the end of 2026 and, if it wants to be popular and accessible, it will meet the needs of customers in the C-segment, where price is not the first consideration. It seems that the design of the dashboard is very pretty with a touch screen that is still growing and which would be positioned in a new and unknown way at Citro.ën pour le moment.
100% electrified
Based on the STLA Medium platform, the future C5 Aircross should logically use the engines of the new Peugeot 3008 and therefore only offer more or less electrified versions, sacrificing the diesel versions.
Thus, the future C5 Aircross would offer the 136 Puretech hybrid engine as an entry-level version, followed by a plug-in hybrid version with 195 hp and an increased range of around 80 kilometres.
Finally, the 100% electric version will be available from launch, with an output of 210 hp and, combined with a large battery, a range of more than 500 kilometres.
A 100% electric range for the future C5 Aircross, which will do without the diesel engines required by European standards, but which will allow consumers to find an engine adapted to their needs, with a variable degree of electrification and a very wide range of engines.
The future C5 Aircross, built at the Rennes plant where it will replace the current C5 Aircross in 2025, will continue Citroën's family car tradition and will grow to offer more living space, even if it loses modularity with a rear bench seat. Resolutely modern, it will be built on one of the latest Stellantis platforms, it will offer a wide range of electrified engines to meet everyone's needs, but above all it will be a real Citroën. So be patient for a few more months before you find out who will take over the role of top brand in the short term.
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