The Citroën C5 Aircross compact SUV comes as a plug-in hybrid model in the current generation and a pure-electric version will be the logical step forward for the next generation. The French brand’s compact SUV will be a value-for-money and comfort-focused compact SUV competing with the likes of VW ID.4 and Skoda Elroq as well as the Stellantis’ own Peugeot E-3008 and Opel Grandland Electric.
Interior & Features
Citroën’s Advanced Comfort
The interior of the Citroën C5 Aircross EV is expected to embody the brand’s focus on comfort, with an emphasis on a spacious cabin. Citroën’s Advanced Comfort program should be the central element, ensuring a peaceful driving experience through specially designed seats, noise insulation, and a suspension system that prioritizes smoothness. The brand’s Air Quality System (AQS) will ensure that the cabin remains fresh by filtering pollutants.
Panoramic Curved Display & Ambient Lighting
The highlight of the cabin could be a high-definition panoramic curved display, floating atop the dashboard, in line with the latest in-cabin design language, integrating the digital gauges and the infotainment system.
Like the Peugeot E-3008, Citroën could offer custom ambient LED lighting with multiple color options. Standard features across the range could include dual-zone climate control, wireless smartphone charging, and the latest in connectivity with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
Alcantara & ADAS
Both driver and passengers will benefit from spacious seating, while higher-end trims are likely to offer additional luxuries such as heated front seats trimmed with premium materials like Alcantara, a heated steering wheel, and electrically-adjustable seat.
On the technology front, Citroën’s advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) will likely ensure a safe and comfortable ride. Features may include adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go function, lane keep assist, automatic emergency braking, and driver attention alert systems. Additionally, the Advanced Traction Control system should help drivers maintain stability across various terrains.
Specifications
STLA Medium Platform
The next-gen Citroën C5 Aircross, codenamed ‘Citroën CR3,’ as per a report from French site metropole.rennes.fr published on October 26, 2021, will be based on the STLA Medium platform. According to a report Autocar released on August 29, 2024, Citroën CEO Thierry Koskas has said the STLA Medium platform will allow the company to offer the C5 Aircross as an EV.
Powertrain configurations
Citroën should introduce the C5 Aircross Electric in FWD and AWD variants, giving customers the flexibility to pick the configuration that best suits their priority, whether it’s affordability, efficiency, performance, or range.
Citroën should offer the FWD variant with a choice of 210 horsepower and 230 horsepower motors, both drawing energy from a 78 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The AWD variant could have two motors producing 322 horsepower combined along with a bigger, 98 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Depending on the configuration, the new electric compact SUV may deliver a WLTP range of up to 435 miles. Both battery packs may support charging at up to 22 kW (AC)/160 kW (DC).
Electrification as the mainstay
Celebrating World EV Day on September 9, 2024, Stellantis said it aims to convert all its passenger car sales in Europe to pure electric models by 2030. In the U.S., it expects EVs to start contributing 50% of its passenger car and light-duty truck sales by the same year. The company is investing EUR 50 billion (USD 55 billion) in electrification over the next decade.
The C5 Aircross won’t be the only Stellantis vehicle to go electric in Europe. Every model from the Stellantis universe will ditch the exhaust pipe in old continent as the group plans to have 75+ BEVs and reach global annual BEV sales of 5 million units by 2030.
Manufacturing
An announcement (via Twitter) from Brittany Metallurgy Union CFE-CGC in October 2021 confirmed that Stellantis will launch a compact electric SUV under the Citroën brand. This model is reported as the Citroën C5 Aircross Electric or its equivalent.
It is clear that the model is the C5 Aircross EV because according to the announcement, Stellantis has allocated a Compact SUV based on a new electric platform to the Rennes – La Janais plant. That’s the same production facility that manufactures the Citroën C5 Aircross since 2018. Making the new electric SUV there will entail an investment of EUR 152 million (USD 168 million).
Price & Release Date
We expect Citroen to roll out the C5 Aircross EV by the second half of 2025. Prices should start at around £50,000 in the UK for the FWD model.
Featured Image Source: TopElectricSUV’s render of the Citroën C5 Aircross Electric, purely for illustrative use.
I got my Master’s in Business Management & Administration and have been an International Automotive News Editor since 2014. I’ve traveled to global motor shows and automotive events, driven various types of vehicles, and focused on hybrid and electric cars in the last 4 years.
