Citroen has unveiled the completely redesigned 2025 C5 Aircross for European markets, marking a significant evolution for the brand’s flagship SUV. The new generation stays remarkably faithful to the concept version showcased at last year’s Munich Motor Show and adopts the striking design language already seen in the European C3, eC3, and C3 Aircross models. Beyond its bold exterior transformation, the 2025 C5 Aircross introduces a thoroughly revamped interior and diverse powertrain options spanning mild hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric configurations.
Striking Design Evolution
The 2025 C5 Aircross represents a dramatic shift from its predecessor, embracing a more angular, contemporary aesthetic while maintaining Citroen’s distinctive identity. The front fascia features the brand’s new signature lighting arrangement with split headlamps – thin LED daytime running lights positioned above the main headlight units. This distinctive face is complemented by a minimalist grille design and prominent Citroen badging.
From the side, the C5 Aircross showcases a boxy silhouette with strong character lines, squared-off wheel arches, and prominent body cladding that emphasizes its SUV credentials. The floating roof design and distinctive C-pillar treatment create visual interest, while the rear displays a striking LED light signature spanning the width of the tailgate.
The design makeover successfully balances minimalist elegance with expressive details, resulting in a vehicle that appears both sophisticated and capable. Available in six exterior colors including the new Neptune Blue and Alpine White, the C5 Aircross can be further personalized with contrasting roof options and distinctive alloy wheel designs ranging from 18 to 20 inches.
Premium “C-Zen Lounge” Interior
Inside, Citroen has embraced what it calls the “C-Zen Lounge” concept, transforming the cabin into a living room-like space that prioritizes comfort and wellbeing. The dashboard design represents a significant departure from the outgoing model, dominated by a large portrait-oriented touchscreen infotainment system – the largest ever fitted to a Stellantis vehicle.
The interior features an abundance of soft-touch materials, with Citroen offering multiple interior color schemes and material options. Advanced Comfort seats, a Citroen hallmark, return with enhanced padding and support, while ambient lighting creates a warm atmosphere throughout the cabin.
Key interior features include:
- 12.3-inch portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen
- 10-inch digital instrument cluster
- Enhanced head-up display (30% larger than predecessor)
- “Hey Citroen” voice command system with ChatGPT integration
- Power-adjustable front seats with massage function
- Individually sliding and reclining rear seats
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Upgraded premium audio system
The emphasis on digital interfaces has reduced physical buttons to a minimum, though Citroen has retained tactile controls for essential functions like climate control adjustment.
Dimensions and Practicality
Built on Stellantis’ new STLA Medium architecture, the second-generation C5 Aircross has grown significantly compared to its predecessor:
| Dimension | 2025 C5 Aircross | Change vs Previous Gen |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 4,652 mm | +102 mm |
| Width | 1,890 mm | +45 mm |
| Height | 1,670 mm | +12 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,785 mm | +85 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 195 mm | Unchanged |
| Boot Space (Seats Up) | 651 liters | +71 liters |
| Boot Space (Seats Folded) | 1,668 liters | +148 liters |
The increased dimensions translate to significantly improved interior space, particularly for rear passengers who benefit from added legroom and headroom. The longer wheelbase also contributes to improved ride quality, an area where Citroen has traditionally excelled.
Practicality remains a C5 Aircross strong suit, with the increased cargo capacity complemented by flexible seating arrangements. The rear seats can be individually adjusted, folded, or removed entirely to accommodate various loading requirements. Numerous storage compartments throughout the cabin provide additional utility for everyday items.
Diverse Powertrain Options
For the first time in its history, the C5 Aircross offers a fully electric powertrain alongside hybrid options, reflecting Citroen’s commitment to electrification and sustainable mobility. The comprehensive powertrain lineup includes:
Pure Electric Variants
| Specification | Standard Range | Long Range |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | 73 kWh | 97 kWh |
| Motor Power | 207 bhp (154 kW) | 227 bhp (169 kW) |
| Torque | 345 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive |
| WLTP Range | 520 km | 679 km |
| DC Fast Charging (10-80%) | 30 minutes | 35 minutes |
| AC Charging (0-100%) | 8 hours (11 kW) | 10.5 hours (11 kW) |
| 0-100 km/h | 8.5 seconds | 8.0 seconds |
| Top Speed | 160 km/h | 170 km/h |
Hybrid Powertrains
| Specification | Mild Hybrid | Plug-in Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1.2L 3-cylinder turbo | 1.6L 4-cylinder turbo |
| Engine Power | 136 bhp | 150 bhp |
| Electric Motor | 28 bhp integrated starter-generator | 81 bhp dedicated motor |
| Combined System Output | 136 bhp | 193 bhp |
| Battery Capacity | 0.93 kWh | 21 kWh |
| Electric-only Range | N/A | 85 km |
| Transmission | 6-speed dual-clutch automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| 0-100 km/h | 10.3 seconds | 8.2 seconds |
| Top Speed | 195 km/h | 210 km/h |
| Combined Fuel Economy | 5.4 L/100km | 1.3 L/100km |
All powertrain options feature regenerative braking systems with adjustable intensity, allowing for one-pedal driving in electric models. The plug-in hybrid variant can be charged at up to 7.4 kW, enabling a full battery charge in approximately 3 hours.
Advanced Technology Package
The 2025 C5 Aircross comes equipped with Citroen’s latest technology suite, establishing it as the most advanced model in the manufacturer’s lineup. Beyond the previously mentioned infotainment features, the vehicle offers:
- Level 2 autonomous driving capabilities with adaptive cruise control and lane centering
- 360-degree camera system with 3D view functionality
- Automatic parking assistant
- Advanced driver monitoring system
- Matrix LED headlights with adaptive beam patterns
- Connected car services with remote vehicle monitoring and control
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Over-the-air update capability
The integration of ChatGPT into the vehicle’s voice assistant represents a cutting-edge approach to in-car AI, allowing for more natural conversations and advanced query handling beyond basic vehicle functions.
Ride Comfort and Dynamics
Staying true to Citroen’s comfort-oriented philosophy, the new C5 Aircross incorporates the latest iteration of the brand’s Progressive Hydraulic Cushions suspension system. This innovative technology adds hydraulic compression and rebound stops to conventional shock absorbers, effectively absorbing road imperfections and creating what Citroen describes as a “flying carpet” ride quality.
The electric variants benefit from a lower center of gravity due to the floor-mounted battery packs, improving overall stability without compromising the trademark comfort. Citroen has also focused on sound insulation, with acoustic laminated glass and additional insulation materials creating an exceptionally quiet cabin environment, particularly noticeable in the electric models.
Market Positioning and Competition
As Citroen’s flagship SUV, the 2025 C5 Aircross positions itself in the competitive mid-size crossover segment, targeting rivals such as the Volkswagen Tiguan, Peugeot 3008, Hyundai Tucson, and Toyota RAV4. The diverse powertrain lineup allows it to compete across multiple sub-segments, from conventional hybrid models to the emerging electric SUV market.
Citroen is expected to price the new C5 Aircross competitively, with the mild hybrid variant likely to serve as the entry point, followed by the plug-in hybrid and pure electric models commanding premium positions in the lineup.
Availability and Market Launch
The 2025 Citroen C5 Aircross will begin production in late 2024 at Stellantis’ Rennes facility in France. European markets will receive the vehicle first, with deliveries expected to commence in early 2025. Citroen has not yet confirmed plans for markets outside Europe, though a global rollout is anticipated for key regions including Asia-Pacific markets where the brand has established presence.
Pre-orders are expected to open in select European markets by the third quarter of 2024, with Citroen likely to offer special launch editions with enhanced equipment levels and exclusive design elements.
Conclusion
The 2025 Citroen C5 Aircross represents a bold reinvention of the brand’s flagship SUV, successfully blending distinctive design with advanced technology and diverse electrified powertrains. By offering this comprehensive range of propulsion options, Citroen positions the C5 Aircross to appeal to traditional combustion engine loyalists while also attracting customers ready to embrace electrification.
The significant improvements in interior space, technology, and overall refinement elevate the C5 Aircross into premium territory, potentially expanding its customer base beyond Citroen’s traditional market. As the automotive industry continues its transition toward electrification, the 2025 C5 Aircross demonstrates Citroen’s commitment to offering sustainable mobility solutions without compromising on the comfort, style, and practicality that have defined the brand’s identity.
FAQs
What is the maximum electric range of the 2025 Citroen C5 Aircross? The long-range electric variant offers up to 679 km of WLTP-rated range on a single charge.
Does the new C5 Aircross offer all-wheel drive? No, all powertrain variants are front-wheel drive only, though advanced traction control systems are included.
What is the C-Zen Lounge concept featured in the new model? It’s Citroen’s approach to interior design that prioritizes comfort and wellbeing with living room-like amenities and materials.
When will the 2025 Citroen C5 Aircross be available for purchase? Production begins in late 2024 with European deliveries starting in early 2025.