Citroën C5 Aircross has always been the antithesis of the aggressive SUV – a real “sofa on wheels“, which puts the well-being of passengers above sporting ambitions. With its new generation, the French flagship reinforces this philosophy by adding a full range of electrified drives.
We spent enough time behind the wheel of the hybrid version to find out if this futuristic comfort manages to preserve the brand's avant-garde spirit. From the Traction Avant to the 2CV, Citroën has always known where it stands, and now, the new C5 Aircross is no exception: it is designed for comfort, not racing.
Exterior
The C5 Aircross (2025) is fresh and different from the boring style that dominates the segment. The designers were encouraged to look for inspiration in product design, not automotive design, and the result is unique.
The front is solid and modern, but the real avant-garde lies at the rear. The unique blade-like rear LED light clusters are not just aesthetics – they are functional too! The brand claims that these elements add 30 kilometers to the real range of electric models when driving at high speed.
We don't know if it's true, but they really look impressive. In addition, there are hidden references in the appearance, one of which is the rear panel, which is a nostalgic reference to the old Citroën BX.
Interior
The interior of the new C5 Aircross is impressive and is designed as a relaxation area. The dashboard is wraparound, covered in fabric, and inspired by sofas, while the air vents are stylized as a soundbar system.
The downside here is the harder and cheaper plastic, which is quite visible in places. but all this is for the sake of optimal final price. Otherwise, the seats are the main accent in the cabin. The Advanced Comfort luxury is beautifully padded and is the main pillar of comfort. Options with heating, cooling and massage functions are available.
The touchscreen of the infotainment system merges with the center console in an elegant “waterfall”. And to visually clear the cabin and eliminate distractions, the cupholders are hidden in a space under the console.
But let's say it again. Despite the luxurious feel, the cost savings are obvious: In addition to the cheap plastic in places on the trim, the steering wheel buttons feel cheap to the touch, and the plastic air vents look fragile.
Engines and driving characteristics
The C5 Aircross is available with a full range of powertrains - from mild hybrid to Plug-in Hybrid and pure EV (all-electric version). We will focus on the mild hybrid that we had the opportunity to test. We tested the version with 145 horses, coming from a 1.2-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine and an electric motor that assists the main internal combustion engine.
The car is not dynamic, but it is comfortable, and when driving calmly, the lack of traction is almost not felt. In addition, this powertrain is quite economical, with the average consumption after our two-day test - urban, but mainly extra-urban with highways included, reporting a consumption of under 7 liters per 100 kilometers.
In other words, this car is made for relaxed driving and everything is aimed at comfort, not dynamics. This applies even more strongly to the suspension. If you are looking for surgical precision in cornering, the Citroën C5 Aircross is not for you. But comfort is King: The ride is extremely soft, which is why the car leans in corners more than most direct competitors, but as we have already shared - this is the price for incomparable comfort.
With the crazy-intelligent suspension - which few, except Rolls-Royce, can come close to - the car literally absorbs bumps. And even the hybrid version feels quite stable.
One of the few serious drawbacks is the noise in the cabin at highway speeds, which suggests that Citroën has skimped on soundproofing and acoustic glass. This is the only omission, especially for a car focused on comfort.
Conclusion and prices
However, this car, as in the best traditions of Citroën, is a crossover with minor flaws, but which is very easy to like. Plenty of room for the whole family (even adults feel spacious in the back), a wide range of powertrains and an attractive, interesting design inside and out.
As for the competition, the French are paying attention to the Kia Spartage, Opel Grandland, Renault Austral, as well as the many award-winning analogues from Skoda in our country. But after the test we did, our opinion is that the new C5 Aircross is a much more interesting and unique choice, offering unparalleled comfort and the inherent French avant-garde at an extremely attractive price. And what exactly are the prices of the new French flagship, we suggest you see directly from the official price list of the model.
