New Citroën C5 Aircross 2025 : the strategic choices revealed by the product manager

Nearly a month ago, Citroën unveiled the second generation of its C5 Aircross, with its commercial launch scheduled for the second half of the year. While the design of this new model has garnered interest, some of the brand's decisions have raised questions, notably the absence of a seven-seat configuration, an option available on the smaller C3 Aircross. Sébastien Moraux, the C5 Aircross product manager, agreed to share the motivations behind these strategic choices.

Platform, modularity, and comfort: redefining the fundamentals

One of the initial questions concerns the choice of the technical platform. While the C3 and C4 families are based on more cost-effective platforms within the Stellantis group, the new C5 Aircross benefits from the platform of the recent Peugeot 3008. Sébastien Moraux justifies this choice by explaining that no more "entry-level" platform was available to meet the vehicle's ambitions, particularly in terms of electric range. "We didn't want to undertake the sole development of a platform. So, we aligned with the platform of others because we needed to offer a vehicle with greater electric range, and this platform allowed us to achieve 500 to 680 km."

This platform choice has enabled Citroën to offer a true C-segment SUV while retaining its core values: comfort. This is reflected in the integration of Advanced Comfort suspension, seats with revised padding for better initial comfort, and a carefully designed interior that contributes to a serene on-board experience. The simplification of the range with three trim levels and a limited number of options, along with the availability of four types of powertrains (MHEV, PHEV, and two electric versions), also aims to make the choice easier for consumers. Price accessibility is also a priority, with a price positioning lower than that of the current model.

Regarding rear modularity, the previous generation of the C5 Aircross stood out with its three individual, sliding, and reclining rear seats. The new version opts for a fixed bench seat. Sébastien Moraux explains this change as a result of an architectural constraint shared with other vehicles in the program. However, Citroën has turned this constraint into an advantage by enhancing the comfort of this bench seat. Although fixed, it now offers a split-folding backrest that is also adjustable for inclination, allowing each passenger to adapt their comfort. This choice has also led to weight savings and a lower seating position, thus improving interior space.

While Citroën emphasizes the comfort of its seating, those in the new C5 Aircross do not have AGR certification, unlike some Peugeot and Opel models. Sébastien Moraux clarifies that the brand has prioritized its own "synthesis" of comfort, with more welcoming and less firm seats than those of competitors. This comfort is enhanced on higher-end versions with electric, ventilated, massaging, and, for the first time in a Citroën, heated rear seats. Another notable innovation is the adjustment of the backrest bolsters on the front seats, allowing lateral support to be adapted according to body shape.

Absence of 7 Seats and competition: the new landscape

The absence of a seven-seat version for the new Citroën C5 Aircross has also raised questions, especially since Citroën offers this configuration on the C3 and C3 Aircross. Sébastien Moraux explains that integrating seven seats within the chosen length of the C5 Aircross would have compromised the comfort of rear passengers. Additionally, the rear design, with its rather "fastback" line after the second row, would have required lengthening the vehicle, impacting aerodynamics. The brand has therefore prioritized a compromise between size and interior space, considering the current configuration to be the most relevant. He reminds that the Berlingo and C3 Aircross remain options for those seeking seven seats.

Regarding competition, and particularly the comparison with Dacia models, Sébastien Moraux believes that the new C5 Aircross does not directly compete with the Bigster. While the entry-level C5 Aircross might be slightly more expensive than the top-of-the-range Bigster, he argues that it would offer a more advantageous price-to-product ratio thanks to a higher level of features, made possible by the more advanced platform.

With this new C5 Aircross, Citroën has therefore made strategic choices dictated by the platform and the ambition to make this second generation the new flagship of the brand. These decisions have sometimes required concessions, particularly in terms of modularity, but they are part of a desire to offer a compact SUV with assertive styling, comfort, and significant electric range. The brand's optimism rests on a controlled price positioning and a wealth of equipment that should appeal to a broad clientele, beyond just Citroën enthusiasts.