[Review] Is the Citroën C4 X Electric 156 the best family saloon?

Launched in 2022, the Citroën C4 X expanded the C4 range in Europe with a unique proposition, combining the features of saloons, SUVs, and fastback coupes. While its performance in Europe is modest, the C4 X is a top seller in Turkey, regularly ranking in the top 10. At the start of this year, the C4 X underwent the same developments as the five-door model, and after testing the 145 hybrid version, I will share my review of the 156 horsepower electric model.

Its exterior style suits it perfectly.

There's no need to dwell on the styling of the new C4 X — you're familiar with it by now, and the facelift is becoming increasingly visible on the streets, which is a sign of its appeal to customers. While sales figures for the C4 are up, those for the C4 X are also showing strong growth, with sales increasing by 46.69% to 1,307 units. This represents 14.53% of C4 sales, which is an excellent performance, especially since the C4 X dominates its segment (C-Sedan), ahead of the Škoda Octavia. It's safe to say that the facelift of Citroën's compact saloons has been a success, with customers eager to return since the beginning of the year — excellent news for the brand's growth.

It must be said that this new front end blends in perfectly with the C4 X's style, replacing the old design, which was overly complex and bulky. The sleek rear end blends perfectly with the more technological and modern look, giving the car a strong personality and a truly elegant, classic sedan aesthetic without falling into excess. In short, this restyling is a real success, as seen on the C4, but I think it is even more effective on this C4 X, making it more elegant and beautiful.

While the exterior modifications are striking, especially at the front, the interior modifications are much less noticeable. These include a slightly revised driving position with a 7-inch instrument cluster (only available on the Max finish) and new seats which are even more comfortable thanks to the new style introduced by the C3, featuring light backrests while retaining the black seat, which makes the cabin rather dark. It's a shame, especially since the brand did not take the opportunity of this restyling to improve connectivity. For example, rear occupants have to make do with a USB-A socket, whereas USB-C sockets are more widespread and are even available on a C3 Aircross.  

In conclusion, the restyling of the C4 X is undoubtedly a success, greatly improving the style of this four-door saloon and adding elegance and modernity. However, it will always face disapproval from European consumers who prefer hatchbacks to saloons, even though the real daily need for a hatchback is not proven. With a luggage compartment volume of 510 litres and a wide opening for easy loading, the C4 X can meet all the needs of a family, both for everyday use and for holidays, where the boot can easily accommodate all luggage. Those who need a hatchback on a daily basis will not be interested, but for everyone else, this C4 X can perfectly meet their needs, offering all the benefits of a sedan while skilfully mixing the aesthetic codes of SUVs and fastback coupes to create a car of rare elegance.

An excellent electric version!

We often hear about electric cars and the concerns surrounding long journeys. However, driving an electric C4 X proves that this efficient engine is perfectly suited to this 4.60 m large sedan with proven aerodynamic efficiency. This allows the car to achieve reduced fuel consumption and a real-world range that is more than sufficient, even on long journeys. On a 260-kilometre motorway trip in good weather at 120–130 km/h, the electric C4 X proved impressive with extremely controlled consumption of 15.2 kWh per 100 kilometres, enabling an easy 300 kilometres of motorway travel and long journeys of 600–700 kilometres without difficulty. This is especially useful since the C4 X now features an integrated trip planner that allows you to select a charging station via the navigation system. This optimises the battery to accept fast charges and confirms Citroën's promise of charging the battery from 20 to 80% in 30 minutes. I performed this test and completed it in 30 minutes.

In everyday use, range isn't a concern, especially since the C4 X is very economical. On my 95-kilometre test route, which included a mix of motorway, national and local roads, and city driving, the large four-door saloon averaged 14 kWh, including an impressive 11 kWh in the city, with optimal electric driving without using eco mode.

Driving the C4 X is not just about fuel consumption; it's about enjoying a world of comfort. You're cut off from the outside world in a well-insulated cabin with soft yet supportive seats, and the exceptional ride comfort makes every journey a pleasure for all occupants. If there is one word to define Citroën, it would be 'all occupants'. The C4 X offers ample space for each passenger, front and rear. Unlike some of its competitors, travelling in the back of the C4 X is never a punishment, as everyone, young and old, can be perfectly comfortable. Here, each passenger will benefit from the best possible conditions on every journey, encouraging everyone to take the car at every opportunity.

With 156 horsepower, the electric Citroën C4 X is not a lightning bolt of war, especially since maximum power is only available in Sport mode. Thanks to the always-available torque, however, the C4 X has excellent acceleration, allowing it to fit into traffic without any problem in all situations: in the city on a daily basis, as well as on the motorway during long journeys. It will respond by offering ample acceleration in normal mode. In fact, the other two modes are superfluous: eco mode is unnecessary for achieving reduced consumption, and sport mode does not make sense in a vehicle where comfort takes precedence over dynamism. The C4 is not a sports car; it is a family car that will please all passengers, not just the driver.

In conclusion, the C4 X certainly deserves to be in the spotlight, receiving more attention from Citroën, as it is an excellent car. More elegant and modern in style, it still offers beautiful interior space and comfort that would put some higher-segment models to shame. Its powerful electric motor offers sufficient performance in all conditions and remarkable efficiency, reducing consumption and providing good autonomy, even on the motorway. Of course, there are some flaws, such as a dark interior, a lack of rear connectivity and the inability to adjust the energy recovery, but this C4 X is endearing nonetheless, fulfilling its duties with talent and dedication. Unfortunately, it requires you to overcome preconceptions about estate cars, which is a shame because many people miss out on a truly beautiful family saloon and perhaps the best one.