[Passionnément Citroën Review] Citroën C4 X (2024) hybrid and electric: it will make you forget SUVs

Alongside the recent launch of the new C3 and the facelift of the C4 hatchback, Citroën has also significantly updated its C4 X, the brand's daring fastback-style sedan. Benefiting from the same aesthetic enhancements as its hatchback sibling, the C4 X now boasts a more modern and assertive presence, with a style that feels more balanced and retains its signature elegance. This classic trunked sedan, often overlooked in certain markets, proves to be one of the most relevant automotive propositions today. We confirmed this during our dual test drive of the Hybrid 145 version, a champion of versatility, and the ë-C4 X Electric 156, a master of efficiency. These two powertrains perfectly enhance the intrinsic qualities of a car designed for well-being and peace of mind.

A more mature and refined exterior and interior styling

Visually, the facelift of the Citroën C4 X is an undeniable success. The completely redesigned front end incorporates the brand's new light signature and its "neo-retro" logo, giving it a more assertive and premium look. This modernization refines its unique silhouette—a blend of a traditional sedan and a coupé—which stands out with a rare elegance in its segment. The rear, with its seamlessly integrated trunk, gives the car a sleek profile and a sense of balance that some felt was missing from the C4 hatchback. The C4 X fully embraces its sedan identity, and it does so with flair. Inside, the environment is familiar yet highly effective. The well-designed dashboard is a welcome sight, combining physical climate controls with a large, responsive touchscreen for the infotainment system. Cabin space is generous, especially for rear passengers who enjoy excellent legroom. The main advantage of this architecture remains its 510-liter trunk, a substantial volume that makes it particularly suitable for family needs. However, the persistence of some hard plastics on the lower dashboard and door panels is a minor drawback in an otherwise very welcoming and comfort-focused cabin.

Hybrid or Electric: where comfort and efficiency reign supreme

On the road, the Citroën C4 X delivers on the promise of the Citroën Advanced Comfort program. Whether in the Hybrid 145 or Electric 156 version, the car glides over road imperfections thanks to its Progressive Hydraulic Cushions®. The silence inside the cabin is remarkable, especially in the electric model, contributing to a soothing and serene driving experience. The new Hybrid 145 powertrain, which combines a PureTech gasoline engine with a small electric motor and an e-DCS6 gearbox, shines with its smoothness and efficiency. Capable of running in full-electric mode for nearly 50% of urban journeys, it boasts a very low average fuel consumption, often below 5.5 L/100 km, making it an invaluable daily companion. Meanwhile, the ë-C4 X version, equipped with the new 156 hp motor and 54 kWh battery, establishes itself as a benchmark for efficiency. We recorded exceptionally low energy consumption for a sedan of this size, easily dropping below 13 kWh/100 km on mixed routes, which ensures a reassuring and practical real-world range. Each version has its own distinct character: the flexibility and versatility of the hybrid, versus the absolute silence and low running costs of the electric. Ultimately, the C4 X offers such a comprehensive range of solutions that there is a perfect match for every driver's needs. To learn more, feel free to read our detailed reviews:

• Review of the Citroën C4 X Hybrid 145: The SUV Alternative

• Review of the Citroën ë-C4 X Electric 156: The Best Family Sedan?

Undoubtedly, the C4 X facelift is a major success, and its rising sales figures since the beginning of the year are the best evidence of this. This car is much more than just a sedan; it stands as a genuine alternative to the SUVs that saturate the market. It appeals to drivers tired of the dominant format by offering the elegance and poise of a sedan, while also speaking to those who appreciate SUVs by providing a slightly raised driving position, exceptional comfort, and a feeling of safety. It is a complete, intelligent, and now highly attractive automotive package. While its traditional sedan body style may be a hurdle in some markets fixated on hatchbacks and SUVs, the C4 X is overflowing with qualities, whether in its incredibly frugal hybrid version or its remarkably efficient electric variant. This is a car that urgently deserves a second look.