The new Citroën C5 X (2022) is not a station wagon or SUV ... (but a plug-in hybrid)

The Citroën C5 (2007-2017) is the last major D-segmenter from the French brand. For a long time it seemed that the C5 Aircross had been assigned the role of top model in the middle class. But nothing is less true. That role will be reserved for the new Citroën C5 X from 2022.

What exactly is the Citroën C5 X? Citroën is talking about a car with the elegance of a sedan, the dynamism of a station wagon and the robustness of an SUV. In short: a mixed bag, a car that cannot be pigeonholed. As far as the latter is concerned, you could consider the new C5 X as a real Citroën. The French brand has built more cars in the past with a - let's say - unique personality. Think of the 2CV, the DS, the GS, the SM, the XM, the C6 ...

The C5 X (2022) is a crossover all-over-the-place

First impression when looking at the photos: a Citroën C4 XL, with a nose that stretches and a wild mix of details and elements. A model in the vein of the old (Citroën) DS 5, which also could not choose whether it wanted to be a hatchback or a station wagon. Add to this the new Citroën C5 X's large wheels and the thick edges around the wheel arches, which imitate the rugged looks of an SUV. The new Citroën C5 X is a crossover all-over-the-place.

Typical Citroën: comfort that beats the clock

People who adore Citroën - so-called Citrophiles - for its wonderful hydropneumatic suspension system, will be disappointed with the new C5 X. The previous C5 was the last model to be built with this floaty suspension, and it remains so. The new C5 X is on the same modular platform as the Peugeot 508 and the Opel Grandland X. Those who like a lot of space will be happy with the C5 X. In the back, Citroën promises almost 7 centimeters more legroom than in the old C5.

To meet the inveterate Citroën, however, Citroën has paid extra attention to the tuning of the chassis. Under the heading 'Advanced Comfort' Citroën harks back to the good reputation of yesteryear. The plug-in hybrid version of the C5 X gets an adaptively damped suspension, with the Progressive Hydraulic Cushions having three different programs.

Certainly as a plug-in hybrid, perhaps also electric Citroën C5 X

Indeed: we also know the plug-in hybrid technology of the C5 X from the Peugeot 508 and Opel Grandland X. It concerns the powertrain with a maximum power of 225 hp. It is not yet known whether a version with 300 hp and four-wheel drive (such as the Grandland X) will come at a later stage.

In addition to the PHEV version of the C5 X, another petrol variant will appear. The platform is also suitable for a fully electric Citroën C5 X, but we will not be told whether it will be available until 2023 or later.

Price Citroën C5 X (2022)

Just to come back to comfort: Citroën is high on the qualities of the seats and the ease of use of the dashboard. We see a large central touchscreen, but also physical buttons for operating the air conditioning. The Citroën C5 X will be available with driver assistance systems that enable autonomous driving up to level 2. Think of adaptive cruise control in combination with an active lane assistant and a traffic jam assistant.

The new Citroën C5 X can be expected at dealers in the first months of 2022. Prices will also be announced around that time. At the moment Citroën only wants to say that they are 'market conform'. For the plug-in hybrid we assume an amount of about 45,000 euros. We are curious whether Citroën is able to breathe new life into the old middle class with the new C5 X.

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