The Citroën C6 is 20 years old: a look back at an iconic saloon

In 2005, Citroën finally unveiled its new top-of-the-range model, the Citroën C6, several years after the C6 Lignage concept presented in 1999. This model, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, marked the brand's return to the top under the leadership of Jean-Pierre Ploué. The C6 embodied a bold and innovative vision, adopting the stylistic codes of the concept while incorporating cutting-edge technologies.

The Citroën C6 Lignage Concept

The Citroën C6 Lignage Concept, unveiled at the 1999 Geneva Motor Show, was designed to put Citroën back in the limelight. Under the direction of Jean-Pierre Ploué, this concept car embodied a new approach to combining exceptional driving comfort with the art of living in the car. The exterior design, with its flowing, aerodynamic lines, expressed dynamism and power. The interior was luxurious and spacious, with premium materials and individual seats for each passenger. The C6 Lignage incorporated innovative technologies such as reversing cameras, electronic grille and intelligent cruise control. This concept car showcased Citroën's ambitions for innovation and tradition, foreshadowing what the brand's future premium saloon could look like.

The Citroën C6: an exceptional saloon car

Six years after the presentation of the C6 Lignage concept, Citroën finally unveiled the production version of the C6 in 2005. Its design remains faithful to the spirit of the prototype, with a sleek silhouette, an imposing grille and a unique concave rear window inspired by the CX and XM. Its fluid and elegant style contrasts radically with the austerity of its German competitors, asserting a strong and bold identity.

The interior of the C6 is designed for comfort: premium materials, full-grain leather upholstery, head-up display, electrically adjustable rear seats and exemplary soundproofing. The latest generation Hydractive suspension provides unparalleled driving pleasure, making the C6 the benchmark for comfort.

Under the bonnet, the C6 offers a choice of engines, including the 2.7-litre V6 HDi, providing power and flexibility. Despite these advantages, the C6 struggled to compete with the BMW 5 Series, Audi A6 and Mercedes E-Class. Production ended in 2012 after only 23,384 units were built, making it a rare and sought-after car among collectors.

A prestigious heritage and a unique model

The Citroën C6 is a continuation of the brand's iconic grand tourers. It embodies the ideal of a saloon car with status, innovation and distinction. Unlike the highly formatted German saloons, it offers an alternative approach to automotive luxury, focusing on comfort and stylistic originality.

Its atypical positioning, high price and lack of a "business" image hampered its commercial success. With hindsight, however, the Citroën C6 can now be seen as a unique proposition, joining the ranks of Citroën's iconic models.

In 2025, the Citroën C6 celebrates its 20th anniversary, embodying an era when Citroën still dared to offer a luxury saloon. Although it didn't achieve the expected success, it remains a model admired today for its comfort, originality and daring. A car that over time has joined the pantheon of exceptional Citroëns.