Citroen has earned a reputation for producing comfortable cars in recent years and its second-generation C5 Aircross intends to double down on that while simultaneously delivering what the French brand reckons is segment-leading interior space and cargo capacity.
So, what's new about the Citroen C5 Aircross?
In short, everything. This second-gen C5 Aircross is built on the 'STLA-Medium' platform which already underpins a number of other Stellantis models including the Opel Grandland though the exterior design hasn't changed a great deal from that of the C5 Aircross concept revealed at the 2024 Paris motor show.
Its body features sharp, distinct lines which, in side profile, gives it a busy - if contemporary - look. Up front the C5 Aircross's face is one defined by vertical and horizontal lines. The LED daytime running light signature is made up of three horizontal lines, two of which are blockier in shape and help to frame the grille carrying the latest iteration of Citroen's brand logo. There will be LED headlights as standard and the option of more advanced Matrix headlights, the latter distinguished by a gloss black strip between them. Higher specification grades will also feature a contrasting gloss-black roof design.
There is a straightforward way to spot the difference between the combustion-engined models and the electric ones, as the latter have front ends that are entirely enclosed to reduce aerodynamic drag. Aerodynamics play an influential role in the design, through to the back of the C5 Aircross. Its rear light design is a three-section affair, including one that protrudes from the C-pillar like a small winglet of sorts. Citroen's designers say it's as much about style as it is about how the car cuts through the air.
The rear of the car features an upright design with the Aircross wordmark across the back beneath the Citroen logo. The good news is that there is a wiper on the back window, although it is quite small.
How big is the new Citroen C5 Aircross?
The second-generation Citroen C5 Aircross is larger than its predecessor. The overall length has increased by 150mm and that includes a 60mm growth in the wheelbase. It is also the first Citroen to be available with 20-inch wheels. Here are the key measurements:
Length: 4,652mm
Width: 1,902mm
Height: 1,660mm
Wheelbase: 2,784mm
One of the upshots of the C5 Aircross being designed to accept multiple powertrains from the outset is that there is no compromise on boot space. Regardless of which version you choose, the C5 Aircross has 651 litres of boot volume.
Tell me more about the interior
The interior of the C5 Aircross features a more advanced design than what we have seen in the previous generation and that includes a substantial portrait-style touchscreen at the centre of the dashboard. This 'waterfall' design flows from the top of the dashboard down into the centre console forming the appearance of a single unit.
The centre console includes a rocker toggle for selecting the drive and switches for choosing from the different drive modes, as well as an electronic parking brake - and there is also an angled wireless phone charger.
Beneath this is an additional storage area that has extra room for small items including a pair of cupholders and beneath the centre armrest there is more storage available. The dashboard and much of the rest of the interior features soft-touch fabrics. This is in contrast to some of the more modern and technical materials that are used on the console and across the top of the dashboard.
How comfortable is the ride?
We won't know until we get behind the wheel of the car later this year, but Citroen equips the C5 Aircross with its patented 'Progressive Hydraulic Cushions' suspension system that is already deployed in existing models.
What engines will be available?
Several different powertrains will be available although no diesel engine option. Two fully electric versions - badged e-C5 Aircross - will be offered, starting with a 73kWh battery and a 210hp motor for an official range of up to 520km.
A 97kWh battery will also be available, paired with a slightly more powerful 230hp motor, and this will have an impressive official range of up to 680 kilometres. These will both come with 11kW AC charging as standard and - from 2026 - will be optionally available with bi-directional 22kW charging. The maximum charging speed on a DC charger is 160kW.
Citroen will also be offering a plug-in hybrid powertrain that has 33 per cent more range than its predecessor giving an electric-only driving range of more than 100 kilometres in town. This, combined with a 55-litre fuel tank - which is 28 per cent larger than before - gives the C5 Aircross plug-in hybrid a total official range of 650 kilometres.
For those that don't want to have the hassle of using a plug there will also be a C5 Aircross hybrid 145 that Citroen says can drive up to 50 per cent of the time in electric mode in certain circumstances, and has a combined WLTP range of more than 950 kilometres on a single tank of fuel thanks in part to its 48-volt hybrid technology.
When will the Citroen C5 Aircross be available in Ireland?
Order books for the new C5 Aircross will open in the latter half of this year with first deliveries expected to arrive in Q4 of 2025, just in time for the '261' registration period in January 2026. Irish pricing and specifications will be announced closer to that time.