C5 Aircross is a complete reset for Citroen’s top SUV 

Citroen has unveiled its new C5 Aircross, signalling a major rethink for the French brand’s flagship SUV.

Revealed in a Paris premiere, the second-gen Aircross features a bold redesign, added interior space, and the choice of petrol, hybrid, and fully electric drivetrains. All naturally have ride comfort as the key attribute. Former curves make way for a more angular offering that encompasses Citroen’s new design language.

Borrowing cues from the new C3 and C3 Aircross, the C5 Aircross embraces aerodynamics with a sloping roofline, grooved rear arches, and dramatic “light wings”. The latter are thin LED strips borrowed from supercar designs. Citroën says the new look is about both style and improved airflow, key for all-electric variants.

The latest Aircross is longer by 152mm, stretching to 4652mm overall. Boot space swells to 651L. It retains 200mm of ground clearance and offers wheels up to 20 inches in diameter. 

The interior also gains a significant amount of extra space, especially in the rear where adults won’t feel hemmed in. Reclining backrests and Citroën’s unique ‘progressive hydraulic cushion’ suspension ensure a comfortable ride.

Inside the new C5 Aircross offers lounge-like luxury. There are 10-way electric seats with massage, heating and ventilation functions, quilted upholstery, and a cabin layout that is unique. The dashboard gets a fabric finish, ambient lighting, and a 10-inch digital driver display. A head-up unit is optional. 

At the centre sits a huge portrait touchscreen that controls everything from satnav and climate to the optional ChatGPT voice assistant.

Powertrains kick off with the Hybrid 145 that pairs a 1.2-litre three-pot turbo with 48V mild hybrid ISG tech. The Plug-In Hybrid 195 offers up to 85km of electric-only range from its 21kWh battery and a combined range 960km. EV option 1 is a 73kWh battery pack for 517km of range and 157kW of power. Version 2 is a 97kWh battery pack for range of 677km and power of 170kW. Both feature 160kW DC charging, with bi-directional capabilities.

On the practicality front, rear seat backs split 40:20:40 while there are two Isofix systems in the rear. Oddments stowage totals 40 litres, while 47kg of recycled materials are used throughout.Safety and driver assistance tech includes semi-automated motorway lane changes and enhanced blindspot detection. A surround camera aids manoeuvring in tight spaces.

The 2025 Citroën C5 Aircross launches later this year, hoping to reboot the French brand’s fortunes.