New Citroën ELO: The idea lab redefining interior space and future mobility

The automotive world is in a state of perpetual mutation, constantly seeking to reconcile ecological imperatives, growing mobility needs, and the desire for user comfort. After making a significant impact and sparking numerous debates in 2022 with the Oli concept—a radical manifesto advocating for lightness, frugality, and energy efficiency—Citroën is now opening a fascinating new chapter in its centenary history.

The brand with the double chevrons unveils the ELO concept car, a bold proposition that will see its World Premiere at the Brussels Motor Show starting January 9. While Oli explored the technical paths of weight reduction to minimize consumption, ELO completes this strategic vision by tackling another fundamental pillar of future mobility: habitability, usage, and the radical optimization of interior space. This vehicle is not just a styling exercise; it is a rolling laboratory of ideas, a technological and societal demonstrator that embodies the values of boldness, creativity, and well-being cherished by the Brand. In an era where time is becoming a precious resource and the boundaries between professional life, leisure, and travel are blurring, Citroën reaffirms its role as a pioneer by offering a concrete, optimistic, and welcoming solution.

The clever return of the MPV: a "Tiny House" on wheels

With ELO, Citroën makes a bold and assertive return to a silhouette that once defined the brand's glory days and shaped its family image: the monovolume (or MPV). Long neglected in favor of SUVs, this architecture is here rehabilitated and sublimated by electrification. Far from being a nostalgic choice, the "one-box" profile stands out as the most rational solution to maximize interior volume within a restricted exterior footprint.

The secret of ELO lies in its dedicated 100% electric platform. By freeing the vehicle from the traditional mechanical constraints of internal combustion engines—notably thanks to a compact motor positioned on the rear axle—engineers and designers were able to push the wheels to the four corners and reduce overhangs to the strict minimum. This technical layout allows for unexpected interior volume while maintaining an extremely compact exterior footprint. ELO thus presents itself as the "small one that thinks big," an architectural feat that defies the usual standards of the B-segment.

But ELO is much more than just a car to live in or a means of transport from point A to point B. The concept is described by its creators as a genuine "tiny house" on wheels. It pushes the logic of the Citroën Advanced Comfort program to its peak. While previous models, like the C4 or C5 Aircross, aimed to create a "living room on wheels" effect thanks to their suspension and seats, ELO aims to become a fully functional mobile living room. It is an extension of the home, a space capable of adapting to different parts of the day, whether it's transporting the family, serving as a nomadic office, or becoming a spare bedroom during a getaway.

Packed with tricks, clever storage, and unprecedented features, this concept stands proudly in the lineage of iconic vehicles like the Berlingo, the pioneer of leisure activity vehicles, or the C4 Picasso, the reference for "visiospace." It reinterprets the spirit of these family vehicles to support a daily life where versatility is king, responding optimistically to contemporary challenges by being responsible, accessible, and hyper-functional.

Style breaking the codes: function dictates form

At first glance, ELO's style may seem disruptive to the observer accustomed to the aggressive and overloaded lines of current productions. Yet, it follows an implacable logic dear to industrial design: function dictates form. This approach results in new, almost cubic proportions that exude immediate friendliness. Its atypical silhouette, solid and firmly planted on its wheels, breaks with norms to offer remarkable versatility.

A compact, robust, and luminous exterior architecture

ELO's true feat lies in its dimensions. With a contained length of 4.10 meters, it is similar in size to a Citroën ë-C3. This compactness makes it particularly at home in urban areas, its favorite playground, where it weaves through traffic and parks with disconcerting ease. Yet, thanks to its vertical proportions and electric architecture, it offers interior space unmatched by its exterior size, rivaling vehicles from the segment above.

The exterior is distinguished by a particularly generous treatment of glass surfaces, countering current trends that reduce window size in favor of sheet metal (the "bunker effect"). ELO offers an exceptional glass surface area of 4.5 square meters, bathing the cabin in natural light and offering a panoramic view of the environment. The very graphic design of the beltline is particularly low, rising sharply at the second row, creating a unique visual signature. The flat or slightly curved windows, beyond their sleek aesthetic, recall a direct lineage with the Oli concept and contribute to cost and weight reduction.

The body color chosen for the launch does not go unnoticed: a vibrant orange, a symbol of energy and optimism. This paint has the technical particularity of changing shade depending on the angle of the light, moving from deep orange to red and then solar yellow, creating dynamic relief that brings the bodywork to life even when stationary.

Functional details are omnipresent and testify to a design oriented towards real usage. The front and rear bumpers, for example, are made from a single piece of expanded polypropylene. This lightweight, robust, and fully recyclable material is identical to that used in the design of bicycle helmets or protective gear by Decathlon, a partner in the project. Beyond the safety aspect (absorption of small urban shocks), this textured material brings a "rugged" touch to the vehicle. It is also found on the horizontal flats at the top of the four fenders. Far from being decorative, these flat surfaces become practical spots to place a glass, a water bottle, or a plate during a picnic break, transforming the bodywork itself into furniture.

The light signature reinterprets the brand's current stylistic themes. At the front, the vertical light modules are split into two parts, framing the new oval Citroën logo. At the rear, we find the spirit of the "Light Wings" introduced on the C5 Aircross, with a floating upper element that visually widens the vehicle. Trunk access has also been rethought: it is via asymmetric double doors, inspired by vans and utility vehicles, glazed at the top to maximize rear visibility.

An interior revolution: the driver at the center of the game

It is once the door is open that the magic of ELO truly happens and the break with current production is most flagrant. The specific electric architecture has allowed for the central driving position. This original layout, extremely rare in automotive production (evoking the McLaren F1 in a completely different register!), offers the driver unprecedented panoramic visibility and perfect mastery of the vehicle's dimensions.

This central position has another major advantage: thanks to a steering column pushed back as far as possible to the front, it frees up considerable space on either side of the driver for rear passengers' legroom or for movement on board. The traditional dashboard, often massive and intrusive, disappears completely in favor of a clean interface. Driving and infotainment information is projected onto a transparent strip running across the entire width of the windshield. It is a playful and more technological evolution of the "Smartband" discovered on Oli, allowing all passengers to share information (music, navigation) while keeping their eyes on the road.

The steering wheel itself is a piece of technological craftsmanship. A historic nod to the famous single-spoke steering wheel of the DS, it returns in a modernized version, 3D printed on textile. This technique allows for a pleasant texture and reduced weight. It integrates intuitive "Joystick" type controls that centralize essential functions, reinforcing the "gaming" and playful aspect of the cockpit.

6 seats and limitless modularity in 4 meters

Modularity is simply exceptional for a vehicle of this size, defying the usual laws of physics. In standard configuration, ELO is an ultra-spacious 4-seater vehicle. But it hides its hand well: it can accommodate up to 6 people if needed.

How is this miracle possible? Thanks to two additional seats cleverly hidden under the side seats of row 2. They deploy in a simple movement to sit on either side of the driver, slightly recessed. This staggered configuration allows for transporting two extra passengers on short trips without sacrificing the comfort of the other occupants.

Row 2 consists of three independent seats of equal width, offering equal comfort to each passenger, unlike classic 2/3-1/3 benches where the central spot is often punitive. The backrests fold down to form a flat floor, transforming ELO into a small utility vehicle. Even better, the seat bases are completely removable. They can be extracted from the vehicle in a few seconds to serve as outdoor chairs during a picnic or a relaxation break. It is a direct and assumed reference to the legendary 2CV, whose benches could be removed to sit in the grass.

The cabin is designed to be "lived in" intensely, without fear of getting it dirty. The completely flat floor facilitates movement from one seat to another, and the interior is made with durable materials that are easy to clean with water. The cabin walls integrate 3D storage inspired by the world of sportswear (nets, elastic straps), allowing objects and accessories to be secured safely. In a circular economy approach inherited from the Oli project, the felt used for the removable storage boxes is made from fabric scraps and components from the previous concept, crushed and re-transformed into rigid plates. Nothing is lost, everything is transformed.

REST, PLAY, WORK: a companion for all your lives

ELO gets its name from the contraction of three English verbs that summarize its philosophy and versatility of use: REST, PLAY, WORK. To make this promise a reality, Citroën partnered with two renowned partners, Decathlon and Goodyear, to co-design specific accessories and features.

REST: Absolute relaxation and a night under the stars

In REST mode, ELO metamorphoses into a soothing cocoon, a bubble of serenity far from urban turmoil. The cabin has been designed to transform into a comfortable sleeping space for two people. Unlike makeshift arrangements, here everything is integrated: two mattresses are stored in dedicated trunk compartments without impacting daily cargo volume.

These mattresses are the fruit of collaboration with Decathlon. They use "Dropstitch" technology, well known to water sports enthusiasts as it is used for inflatable paddleboards. Once taken out of their housing, they inflate in moments thanks to the air compressor integrated into the vehicle (accessible via a nozzle in the rocker panel). Once pressurized, they offer surprising rigidity and sleeping comfort, far from the classic soft and unstable air mattress.

The "chic camping" vibe is pushed even further. The capsules of the rear lights, visible from the inside, can light up gently to serve as bedside lamps. For movie nights, the vehicle integrates specific mounting bases (derived from Decathlon paddleboard fins) allowing a small projector to be clipped on. Associated with a retractable screen, it transforms the cabin into a private home cinema. And for romantics, the large roof opening opens generously, allowing you to fall asleep contemplating the Milky Way from your bed.

PLAY: Adventure and leisure within reach

In PLAY mode, ELO becomes the ideal base camp for outdoor leisure and sports activities. The collaboration with Decathlon makes perfect sense here. The V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) technology allows the energy stored in the car's traction battery to be used to power external 220V electric devices. You can thus plug in an electric BBQ, a high-performance cooler, or a large speaker for an impromptu party on the beach or in the forest.

The designers thought of everything for outdoor life. The four rear-opening side doors (without a B-pillar for total accessibility of 1.92 m wide) are equipped with hook points allowing awnings to be stretched on each side of the vehicle. ELO thus doubles its sheltered area, protecting occupants from the sun or a passing shower. The trunk sill has been specifically reworked and reinforced to offer a comfortable seat, ideal for sitting down to change shoes after a muddy hike or to put on a wetsuit.

Tires also play a key role in this versatility. Developed specifically by Goodyear, these smart tires are connected. They measure their pressure and wear in real-time, communicating data to a dedicated app. An LED integrated into the rim (with a very graphic honeycomb design) visually indicates the tire status: green all is well, red it needs inflating. Their tread is bi-material: a smooth part for energy efficiency on the road, and a textured part (colored orange) to ensure optimal grip on paths and wet grass.

WORK: The ultimate mobile office

Finally, WORK mode meets the growing needs of nomadic workers and hybrid telecommuting. ELO was designed as an extension of the office. The driver's seat, swiveling 360 degrees, can turn completely to face the rear passengers or simply orient inwards.

A rigid tablet, cleverly stored under the central rear seat when not in use, attaches to the driver's seat base. You then get a stable, ergonomic, and comfortable desk, perfect for placing a laptop. In this configuration, the projection system under the windshield changes function: it is no longer about driving, but working. The interface can display your video conference, agenda, or notifications in large format, transforming the windshield into a giant screen.

Extractable tables, hidden in the interior wheel arches, deploy to offer additional surfaces to place a smartphone, headphones, or a coffee cup. Connected, comfortable, and isolated, ELO becomes an ideal concentration or meeting space between two appointments.

A humanist vision of technology

ELO is undoubtedly a concept of rare richness and density. It does not settle for being a gratuitous style exercise but proposes concrete solutions. After Oli brilliantly explored the paths of energy efficiency and lightness, Citroën here masterfully revisits interior space by rehabilitating the architectural intelligence of the MPV.

ELO succeeds in squaring the circle: maximizing livable volume while remaining ultra-compact, being technological while remaining simple and playful. It accompanies us with benevolence in the multiple lives we lead daily, moving from the role of school shuttle to that of an office, then to a camper van on the weekend. It follows in Oli's footsteps as a true Citroën, drawing inspiration from the brand's glorious past to better invent the future. It is a joyful, responsible, and deeply human concept, which perfectly embodies the new brand signature and proves that the automobile still has beautiful stories to tell.