New Citroën C5 Aircross (2025) : Spectacular !

Here we are. Ten years after the presentation of the first eponymous concept, Citroën lifts the veil on the second generation of its C5 Aircross. This newcomer embodies the renewal of the brand's high-end range and brilliantly demonstrates its ability to maintain its audacity. In a compact SUV segment that is often standardized, Citroën chooses a distinct path with a model that is resolutely spectacular, combining an assertive design, benchmark comfort, and an electrified proposition to address the challenges of modern mobility. This new C5 Aircross doesn't just evolve; it reinvents itself, building on the strengths of its predecessor while integrating the brand's latest technological and stylistic advancements. It arrives on the market with the ambition to make an impact and offer a relevant and attractive alternative to families and drivers looking for serenity and space.

Spectacular style: between power and aerodynamics

The design of the new C5 Aircross is distinguished by a powerful and muscular stance on the road, while remaining slender and incorporating numerous clever features to enhance aerodynamics,  thereby continuing and valuing Citroën's design renewal.  In a SUV market where architectural constraints and trends often lead to models with exaggerated, massive, and inefficient designs, Citroën breaks the mold by successfully combining the power of a muscular and dense style with the aerodynamics of taut and fluid lines.  Every element has been designed with the dual objective of optimizing both design and efficiency.  The new C5 Aircross departs from the characteristic curves of the previous generation to adopt the more taut and sharp lines of Citroën's new design language,  based on widened tracks and pronounced shoulders that give it a confident posture on the road.  It presents itself as a dense block with generous volumes, prioritizing simplicity in the overall treatment of its silhouette.

An assertive exterior presence

The front end, expressing strength and fluidity, features the new Citroën logo proudly positioned in its center.  The brand's new three-point light signature is interpreted here with particularly fine horizontal segments that emphasize the elegance of the front part and visually reinforce the car's width.  The Citroën Matrix LED headlights are connected by a glossy black band that is both chic and discreet.  Another distinctive element demonstrating particular attention to detail is the molded grooves in the bumper, animating a flat surface and echoing the grille's chevron pattern,  thus conveying a very statutory expression, blending modernity, technology, and character.  It is worth noting that, on the electric version, the front end is completely closed to further optimize aerodynamic efficiency.    

Its silhouette is entirely sculpted in the service of efficiency. Laterally, the new C5 Aircross expresses fluidity with a character line traced in a single gesture, running from front to back, from the grille to the tailgate,  bringing tension and energy without superfluous embellishments.  The plunging hood enhances dynamism and promotes air penetration.  The roofline slopes slightly after the second row, a design aimed at optimizing aerodynamics while preserving interior volume, clearly asserting the new C5 Aircross's family vocation.  Thanks to the possibilities offered by the STLA Medium platform, the height of the C5 Aircross is contained at 1.66m, thus promoting air penetration while improving interior habitability and maintaining a ground clearance of 200mm.  The roof is sloping, always with the aim of improving aerodynamic efficiency, and deflectors and air inlets are integrated in various places on the vehicle to further optimize its overall aerodynamic performance.    

The rear, tapered and spectacular, adopts a sophisticated horizontal glossy black band, echoing the front.  This band underlines a very vertical tailgate, specifically designed to increase boot volume,  helping to visually reinforce the vehicle's width, while the rear is tapered in its upper part to optimize aerodynamics and reveal muscular shoulders.  On the quarter panel, there are aerodynamic appendages whose design is inspired by the world of technology and electronic devices;  the presence of these two-tone striped elements on the quarter panel guides the airflow.  Promise kept since the C5 Aircross Concept, the Citroën Light Wings are indeed present on the new C5 Aircross.  The characteristic three-point light signature is particularly spectacular here, with the two outer light points detached from the bodywork, seeming to float like two small wings on the vehicle's flank.  This unique innovation on the market pursues both aesthetic objectives – a distinctive light signature and positioning that widens the car's stance – and aerodynamic ones,  these lights combining a recessed section and the two deflectors that protrude from the vehicle to guide airflow in this strategic area of the bodywork.  The results of all this work on aerodynamics are tangible and significantly limit the impact of the silhouette on drag.  The SCX is significantly improved compared to the previous generation, dropping from 0.84 to 0.75,  a performance that directly benefits customers, resulting in an additional electric range gain of over 30 km on the highway when comparing the two generations.    

Thanks to the possibilities offered by the Stellantis STLA-Medium platform, Citroën was able to give the new C5 Aircross a perfect balance while favoring particularly generous dimensions: 4,652 mm long (+150 mm) and 1,902 mm wide.  The wheelbase now reaches 2,784 mm, 60 mm more than the previous C5 Aircross, an increase almost entirely dedicated to increasing rear passenger legroom, thus offering exceptional space, identical, for example, to that offered by the C5 X, a recognized benchmark in this area.  In terms of style, this platform allowed for the adoption of 740 mm diameter wheels (+20mm), associated with rims up to 20 inches, a first for Citroën,  thus giving the car's side profile a lot of power.  The spectacular and modularly designed rims are conceived to increase aerodynamic efficiency, with open sections promoting brake cooling.  The new C5 Aircross also incorporates "color-clips," distinctive design signatures of the latest generation of Citroën models,  these interchangeable personalization parts graphically signing the vehicle.  These thin vertical elements, available in gold or glossy black, are positioned on the front doors and the vehicle's front end,  adding a touch of elegance in a sophisticated interplay with the horizontal nature of the grille on the one hand, and the lower body sills and the upper part of the wheel arches on the other.

Aninterior designed as a cocoon of well-being

With the new C5 Aircross, Citroën offers the most comfortable electrified family SUV in the C-segment on the market.  The interior has been meticulously designed applying the principles of Citroën's "C-Zen Lounge" architecture, whose objective is to offer maximum well-being, in a lounge spirit, for both passengers and the driver, whose task is facilitated to the maximum extent thanks to meticulously thought-out ergonomics.  On board the new Citroën C5 Aircross, passengers are invited to settle in as if in a living room, surrounded by furniture and fabrics reminiscent of interior design, and offering the same cozy comfort.  Citroën's beloved "Sofa Design" translates into an airy dashboard, all in length and horizontality, imagined as a real piece of living room furniture.  Its lower part is covered with a high-quality foamed fabric that extends harmoniously to the door panels and seats, creating a homogeneous and pleasant atmosphere, a true cocoon of serenity.  Several ambiances (light or dark) are offered to personalize the interior atmosphere.  The warm atmosphere of the cabin is enhanced by extended ambient lighting, offering for the first time at Citroën a choice of eight different colors.  It subtly highlights the horizontal nature of the dashboard and is also found on the tweeters located at its ends, on the doors, and on the lower part of the central console.  Another distinctive element echoing the exterior of the vehicle, colored touches positioned on the dashboard and seats recall the exterior color-clips through their design.

The new Citroën Advanced Comfort seats are a key element of well-being on board the C5 Aircross, their quilted design inviting you to sink into them.  The culmination of Citroën's research and experience gained on other models, they reach an unprecedented level of comfort on this new model.  The seat cushion and the lower part of the backrest are particularly welcoming thanks to very thick textured foam elements.  The upper part of the backrest wraps around passengers' shoulders like a shawl and then descends along their backs to form lateral supports which, for the first time, are electrically adjustable thanks to a pneumatic system, allowing for perfect adjustment to each person's body shape for optimal support and comfort.  The ultimate expression of comfort, the front seats can also benefit from electric adjustment up to 10 positions, as well as heating, ventilation, and massage functions, offering five different programs.  Rear passengers also fully benefit from the Citroën Advanced Comfort qualities, particularly with a bench seat and backrests receiving high-quality foam.  The backrests can be reclined between 21° and 33°, offering an ideal posture, especially appreciated on long journeys,  and on higher trim levels, the rear seats are heated.    

Road irregularity filtration is optimized thanks to the Citroën Advanced Comfort suspensions with Progressive Hydraulic Cushions, which absorb imperfections and thus provide a "magic carpet" sensation.  They ensure optimal contact between the wheels and the road surface, defining a perfect level of comfort for passengers, while also contributing to driving pleasure.  At the front, there are even two progressive cushions per shock absorber, one for compression and one for rebound;  this suspension architecture ensures greater flexibility and better comfort over small irregularities, without compromising the damping needed to keep the body stable when driving on rough roads.  In the latter case, the system gradually slows down the movement at the end of the travel.  Unlike a conventional mechanical stop which absorbs energy and reduces comfort by releasing some of it as a jolt, the progressive hydraulic cushion absorbs and dissipates this energy.    

The optimization of the driving position ergonomics, through ideal integration of the latest technologies, was a priority during the design of the new C5 Aircross, with a simple objective: to ensure the driver has all elements in sight and within reach for completely serene driving and reduced mental load, relying on digital screens offering clarity and attractive graphics.  The new model features the largest central HD touchscreen ever offered within Stellantis,  a spectacular "Cascade Screen" with its light and vertical design, truly floating in front of the dashboard, then descending harmoniously to connect fluidly to the central console.  This screen offers fully customizable areas and permanent ones, allowing quick and easy access to essential functions, with a fixed status bar displaying crucial information, a large customizable area for 3D navigation, infotainment, and widgets (up to 16 per page, usable like on a smartphone), a fixed command bar for quick access (home, phone, settings), and direct access to front climate controls.  Particularly ergonomic, it can be easily manipulated with the elbow resting on the armrest, offering enhanced graphics and allowing simple control of the vehicle's main functions.    

In its rolling lounge, the C5 Aircross is connected to the outside world thanks to the latest generation of Citroën infotainment systems, including connected 3D navigation and a comprehensive audio system.  Up to eight driver profiles can be created, memorizing preferences (radio stations, destinations, screen configuration).  Smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) is completely seamless thanks to wireless connection, allowing two phones to be connected simultaneously via Bluetooth.  A 15W wireless charger is integrated into a clever storage space on the central console, offering an optimal angle for monitoring the smartphone when stationary.  The "Hello Citroën" voice recognition system allows control of various functions (temperature, navigation, radio, phone) using natural language.  Furthermore, the integration of ChatGPT, developed by OpenAI, directly into the infotainment system introduces generative artificial intelligence that makes voice recognition even more fluid and natural, enhancing on-board comfort through an interactive digital assistant that simplifies daily life.    

Visibility for safer driving is ensured by a 10-inch digital instrument cluster, customizable and ideally positioned, available on all new C5 Aircross models.  Depending on the trim level, this is supplemented by the extended Head-Up Display, a large color projection system through the windshield, offering immersive technology for a more serene and relaxed drive, as the driver does not have to take their eyes off the road to get the desired information.  Large in size (surface area 30% larger than the C5 X) and adjustable in height, this display can be customized to show information prioritized by the driver.  The Citroën Matrix LED headlights, available on some trims, guarantee optimal night vision without dazzling other road users;  each headlight contains 20 LEDs that automatically activate or deactivate based on other detected vehicles, finely adjusting the light beam for perfect vision without disturbing others.  This sophisticated system even detects road signs and reduces the intensity of the light they receive to prevent the driver from being dazzled.

The C5 Aircross asserts itself as the most spacious C-SUV in the rear, designed for families.  True to Citroën's DNA, it has been designed to make long family trips easier and more comfortable.  Thanks to its generous 2.78m wheelbase, the new C5 Aircross offers benchmark interior space in the segment, marking a significant improvement over its predecessor,  particularly in the rear seats with legroom identical to that of the C5 X and 51 mm more than the previous C5 Aircross.  Tall passengers will also be very comfortable thanks to a 68 mm increase in rear headroom.  The rear seatbacks are reclinable between 21° and 33°, adding to the feeling of traveling in comfort class,  and on higher trim levels, the rear seats are heated.  A novelty of this second generation is a rear central armrest integrating two cup holders and two smartphone slots,  which can be recharged via the two USB-C sockets located at the rear of the central console, which also offers a 12V socket.  Front passengers also have two USB-C sockets and a 12V socket at the front of the central console (a third 12V socket is in the boot).  All occupants will appreciate the brightness provided by the large panoramic glass roof (1069x720 mm), whose front part opens electrically to ventilate the cabin and provide a feeling of freedom;  an electric blind allows it to be completely hidden.    

Thanks to the multi-energy design of the STLA-Medium platform and its efficient design, the new C5 Aircross offers one of the best boot volumes in its segment, identical regardless of the chosen powertrain: from 565 dm3 (651 L in water) with the rear seats in place to 1668 dm3 with the bench folded down.  The fact that there is no loss of boot volume in the Plug-in Hybrid or Electric version places it at the best level compared to the competition.  The modularity of the rear bench (40/20/40) and adjustable backrests allow the loading volume to be adapted to specific needs.  The two-part articulated parcel shelf facilitates access to the boot,  which can benefit from a motorized tailgate with hands-free control.  The boot floor is adjustable to two heights, providing an additional 75 L of storage space in the low position.  The cabin offers nearly 40 liters of additional storage – a record in this segment – including a large glove box (1.5 L), rear door bins, and generous space under the front central console.

Electrified powertrains for extended freedom

The diverse range of powertrains in the new C5 Aircross perfectly illustrates Citroën's multi-energy strategy, designed to meet the varied needs and uses of European customers, offering them total freedom of choice and supporting them at their own pace in their transition to electrification.    

The C5 Aircross Hybrid 145 Automatic represents a simple and efficient gateway to electrification with its Hybrid 48V technology,  combining great ease of use (no charging required) with a generous total range (over 950 km in combined WLTP cycle) and the ability to significantly reduce CO2 emissions, fuel consumption, and thus running costs.  In urban areas, the new C5 Aircross Hybrid 145 can cover up to 50% of the journey in electric mode.  This technology combines a 136 hp 1.2 l turbo engine (specifically developed for hybridization) with a 12 hp (peak 28 hp) synchronous electric motor integrated into a new 6-speed eDCS dual-clutch automatic transmission, powered by a 0.9 kWh battery located under the driver's seat.  Management between the two engines is fully automatic and transparent for the driver, with the electric motor assisting the thermal engine at low speed and both working together at a steady speed to optimize consumption, with the possibility of 100% electric mode in the city and during maneuvers if the charge allows, the battery recharging automatically during decelerations.  With these assets, the new C5 Aircross Hybrid 145 shows reduced consumption of about 15% compared to a non-hybrid gasoline model and 4% compared to the previous generation C5 Aircross Hybrid 145, partly thanks to its optimized aerodynamics.   

With plug-in hybrid technology, the new C5 Aircross reaches a higher level and establishes itself as a benchmark in its segment in terms of ease of use.  It offers a particularly extended electric range, reaching 86 km on average* (a 33% increase compared to the previous C5 Aircross) and even over 100 km in the city,  while its large 55-liter tank (+28%) ensures a total range of 650 km on the highway.  The system combines a 150 hp 1.6 l turbo gasoline engine with a 92 kW (125 hp) electric motor, powered by a 21 kWh battery now located under the central floor, for a combined power of 195 hp.  The electric motor is integrated into a new 7-speed eDCS dual-clutch automatic transmission.  The two engines can operate together or separately, depending on driving conditions and needs, with the driver having a choice of three modes: Hybrid (automatic management prioritizing electric), Electric (100% electric up to 135 km/h if charge is sufficient), and Sport (maximum performance with electric support and specific settings).  The new Citroën C5 Aircross Plug-in Hybrid 195 thus offers the best of both worlds: range and performance guaranteeing total peace of mind on long journeys, and zero-emission mobility in daily life,  with over 100 km of electric range in the city, allowing many users not to have to recharge daily.  The charging operation is quick, requiring 5h15 to go from 0 to 100% on a 7.4 kW wallbox with the standard 3.7 kW on-board charger, and only 2h55 with the optional 7.4 kW charger.    

The flexibility of the STLA Medium platform allows Citroën to offer a range of electric powertrains perfectly suited to the diverse needs of European customers, meeting key criteria such as performance, range, charging speed, and acquisition and running costs.  The new ë-C5 Aircross is available with two 100% electric powertrains: a balanced and accessible offer with up to 520 km of range (WLTP) thanks to a 210 hp (157 kW) engine and a 73 kWh usable battery, and an offer more suited for long journeys with an exceptional range of up to 680 km (WLTP) thanks to a 230 hp (170 kW) engine and a 97 kWh usable battery.  The driver can choose between three driving modes (Normal, Eco, Sport) to adapt performance to their needs, with Eco mode optimizing range by reducing some functions but allowing access to full power via a "kick-down," and Sport mode offering 100% power and torque constantly with specific settings for maximum performance.  A three-level regenerative braking system (0.6, 1.2, or 1.8 m/s²) optimizes kinetic energy recovery to recharge the battery via steering wheel paddles, with the two strongest modes automatically activating the brake lights.  The Citroën ë-C5 Aircross can be equipped with a heat pump, ensuring an ideal cabin temperature with reduced energy consumption, thus increasing range (about 25 km gained in negative temperatures).  Heated seats and steering wheel also contribute to comfort while limiting consumption.  The connected navigation system includes an "EV trip planner" that programs the most efficient route in real-time, considering various factors (distance, charge level, limits, traffic, stations, etc.) and automatically integrating necessary recharges at the most powerful stations to optimize journey time;  the e-ROUTE smartphone app is also available.  Charging performance is among the best in the segment: an 11 kW three-phase charger is standard, and from 2026, an optional 22 kW bi-directional three-phase charger will be available, allowing ultra-fast charging (up to 160 km of range in 10 minutes).  Charging times from 20% to 80% with the 11 kW charger are very competitive: for the 73 kWh battery, 6h45 on a 7.4 kW wallbox, 4h30 on an 11 kW wallbox, and 30 minutes on a 160 kW fast charger;  for the 97 kWh battery, 8h55 on a 7.4 kW wallbox, 6h30 on an 11 kW wallbox, and 27 minutes on a 160 kW fast charger.  From 2026, the ë-C5 Aircross equipped with the 11 kW or 22 kW bi-directional chargers will benefit from V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) technology, allowing the vehicle to supply electricity to external devices, transforming it into a mobile and flexible power source, particularly useful during trips or outdoor activities.    

French know-how and recycled materials

The new C5 Aircross highlights the quality of "made in France" know-how as it was designed and conceived in France and is assembled at Citroën's historic plant in Rennes, Brittany.  With a focus on sustainability and reducing the carbon footprint, the use of recycled and biosourced materials has been prioritized; the seat coverings are made with recycled fabrics.  The vehicle incorporates 160 kg of recycled metals and 47 kg of recycled or biosourced plastics.  A particularly innovative illustration of this approach is the incorporation of 20% vine shoots from organic vineyards in Burgundy into the clear plastics of the door and console storage areas, processed locally, making the new C5 Aircross the first car in the world to integrate this material, which is usually burned after harvest.  Overall, 47 kg of plastic materials are from recycled or biosourced materials, 160 kg of metal parts are from recycling, and 20% of the tires are recycled.  The use of leather is completely absent, and the use of chrome is very limited.    

French know-how is also found in the electric powertrain: the 97 kWh battery of the Long Range version is produced at the ACC gigafactory in Douvrin (Nord),  and the assembly of the battery packs (73 or 97 kWh) is carried out directly at the Rennes plant.  The electric drive module (EDM) is designed and produced in France (Trémery) by the NPE joint venture,  and the e-Powertrain electric machine, a permanent magnet synchronous motor, is produced by the STL-NIDEC joint venture in Trémery,  being offered here in a new generation providing more power and better efficiency.  Finally, the inverter, positioned between the battery and the electric motor, is manufactured and produced by Stellantis in Valenciennes (France)

With this second generation of the C5 Aircross, Citroën makes a strong impact on the highly competitive compact SUV segment, offering a surprising car on the market, both in terms of exterior and interior style, which are resolutely spectacular.  More than a simple evolution, this new model embodies the brand's high-end range and demonstrates its ability to innovate while remaining true to its DNA focused on comfort, space, and on-board well-being. Spacious, exceptionally comfortable, and largely electrified, the new C5 Aircross ticks all the right boxes to become a success, especially since, if the brand maintains its position as an accessible mainstream brand, it should be very well placed compared to the competition. With this second generation of the C5 Aircross, Citroën shows all the audacity that still characterizes it and asserts itself as one of the only brands to see its entire range clearly differentiate itself from the competition. The new C5 Aircross is much more than a compact SUV; it is an invitation to travel, rethought by Citroën.