What is it?

It’s the French brand’s flagship which now comes with a bold crossover design, combining the modernity and appeal of an SUV, the elegance and status of a saloon, and the versatility and practicality of a station wagon.

It is available with petrol and Plug-in Hybrid powertrains with prices starting from a very affordable £27,790 OTR. The Citroën C5 X is the latest in a long line of executive flagships from the brand dating back to the DS, CX, and XM. The latest design features various nods to those old models.

It is available with a choice of three trim levels ‘Sense Plus’, ‘Shine’ and ‘Shine Plus’, each with the option of Plug-in Hybrid or petrol power. Measuring 4.8m long, 1.5m tall and 2.0m wide, New C5 X is available with a choice of six metallic and pearlescent body colours – Perla Nera Black, Amazonite Grey, Platinum Grey, Cumulus Grey, Magnetic Blue and Pearl White.

C5 X also debuts Citroën’s enhanced infotainment system. An ultra-wide, 12-inch HD touchscreen with ambient backlighting is home to ‘My Citroën Drive Plus’, which has been designed with optimum ergonomic efficiency and the ultimate in smartphone compatibility – with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard across the range. Users can customise their preferred shortcuts as key functions, whilst setting their own user profile and preferred screen ambiance. A new head-up display system adds to the user-friendly nature of the car and helps to improve safety and driver comfort.

Ideal for fleet and business users, New C5 X Hybrid we tried combines the PureTech 180 petrol engine with an 81.2kW electric motor and a 12.4kWh Lithium-ion battery pack, for a combined power output of 225hp and 360Nm of torque. Capable of up to 34 miles in full-electric mode, New C5 X Hybrid models emit just 30g/km of CO₂ – making them eligible for an 11% Benefit-in-Kind taxation rate.

C5 X Hybrid versions all come as standard with a 7.4kW single-phase on-board charger, a Mode 3 charging cable with a Type 2 connector, as well as remote temperature pre-conditioning. New C5 X Hybrid also introduces a custom user interface that helps drivers get the most out of the Hybrid system – showcasing remaining range and the driving mode in use. An elegant ‘frameless’ rear view mirror with electrochrome dimming – which reduces dazzle from vehicles at night – is also standard on all Hybrid variants.

‘Shine’ models add (over and above ‘Sense Plus’), stylish satin chrome trim on the rear bumper, while the interior features a ‘Metropolitan Grey’ ambience with black ‘Paloma’ leather and ‘Isabella’ black and ‘Nixon’ grey leather-effect Advanced Comfort seats. The multi-function steering wheel is heated, while the door handles, front foot wells and driver instrument panel all feature subtle LED lighting.

Range-topping ‘Shine Plus’ versions then add extra tinted quarter-panel windows at the rear, with delicate detailing. Inside, ‘Shine Plus’ models sport a ‘Hype Black’ ambience, featuring black ‘Paloma’ leather with a perforated chevron design on the Advanced Comfort® seats. Both the driver and front passenger seats are electrically operated and heated, while comfort is further improved via acoustically insulated front and rear windows, along with a tinted gloss appearance. A motorised tailgate enhances convenience, while safety is assured via extended blind spot detection and Visiopark® 360 – featuring a 360-degree reversing camera.

What do we think?

Let’s get stuck into the C5’s greatest attribute, as with many Citroëns, the ride. The smoothness of he ride, ironing out all those nasty lumps and bumps in the road is thanks to the Citroën Advanced Comfort Programme, featuring Active Suspension and Advanced Comfort seats.

Citroën Advanced Comfort Suspension adds hydraulic stops to the suspension system, improving comfort when driving on uneven surfaces. The result is a ‘magic carpet’-like feeling when out on the open road. Active Suspension further improves on-board comfort by combining the hydraulic stops with a controlled suspension system and adaptive damping.

Serenity inside is aided by a multitude of driver safety aids and new 12-inch HD touchscreen with natural voice recognition.  There is a lounge-like feel to the interior both back and front with rear passenger space significantly improved over the previous generation C5, with some six centimetres more legroom. Boot space is ideal for families, with 545-litres of storage space for petrol variants and 485-litres for PHEV variants – extending to 1,640-litre and 1,580-litres respectively when the rear seats are folded down. Practicality is assured via a low loading sill for the boot and eight storage compartments positioned around the cabin.

On the road, Electric, Hybrid and Sport. Electric mode gives up to 34 miles of zero emissions range, while Hybrid offers the best of both worlds. Sport maximises performance from both the electric motor and the petrol engine. Drivers can also adjust the regenerative braking mode in New C5 X, while an ë-Save function allows drivers to reserve electric range for later in the journey – when arriving in city centres or urban areas.

All-in-all, a nice, spacefull and comfortable family cruiser although a couple of niggles – one I didn’t find the touchscreen particularly user-friendly in terms of finding menus and the other actually nothing to do with Citroën per se. Radar Controlled Active Safety Brake is a good thing except when it almost causes an accident rather than prevents one.

When turning left into a side road it detected the vehicle waiting to turn right out of said road and slammed on the brakes – something of a shock not only to those of us inside, but to those in the car behind who were alert enough to avoid rear-ending us.

CITROËN C5 X RANGE & PRICING

C5 X Shine Plus Plug-in Hybrid 225 ë-EAT8 automatic

P11D Value:                £39,960 – as tested £43,560

Engine:                        1.6-litre, 4-cylinder

Max Power:                 225hp

Max Torque:                250Nm

Max Speed:                  145mph

0-62mph:                      7.9secs

Electric range:             34-37 miles

Fuel Econ:                    (WLTP) up to 240mpg. On test 43.6mpg

CO2:                               30g/km

BiK:                                 12%

VED:                                £10 (First Year) | £165 (Standard Rate)