Citroën has presented the second generation of the C5 Aircross, which is based on the new Stellantis platform STLA-Medium and will also be available as a BEV version ë-C5 Aircross.
The second-generation ë-C5 Aircross will launch in two versions: The ‘Standard Range’ variant runs on 157 kW drive power and 73 kWh usable battery for a WLTP range of up to 520 km, while the ‘Long Range’ model delivers 170 kW drive power coupled with a 97-kWh battery for 680 km WLTP range. Both variants are built on the STLA-Medium platform, which is based on a 400-volt architecture.
Citroën first introduced its C5 Aircross as a concept at the Paris Motor Show last October, but had not included any technical specifications. Given that the model was based on the STLA Medium platform, comparisons to released electric SUV models from Peugeot and Opel on the same platform were not far from what has now been released.
To compare, the ranges for the Opel and Peugeot are set at 523 km and 525 kilometres, respectively, meaning that the ‘Standard Range’ C5 Aircross performs similarly to its counterparts.
The ë-C5 Aircross will be equipped ex-works with a heat pump and an 11 kW onboard charger for AC charging. From 2026, Citroën has announced that an optional 22 kW three-phase bi-directional charger will also be available. It is not yet known how much this will cost extra. For the time being, however, it is likely to be for vehicle-to-load applications (V2L) and not yet for vehicle-to-home (V2H) or vehicle-to-grid (V2G) use.
The navigation system’s ‘EV Trip Planner’, which calculates optimal routes including charging breaks, is designed to help with charging. Among other things, the system uses real-time data on the charge level, traffic on the route and the altitude profile of the route.
Hybrid and plug-in hybrid
There are two other drive options for the new C5 Aircross. The basic model is the C5 Aircross Hybrid, with 48V mild-hybrid technology combining a new-generation 100 kW 3-cylinder 1.2 liter turbo enginewith a 9 kW electromotor integrated in the new 6-speed (eDCS) dual-clutch automatic gearbox.
The other variant is the C5 Aircross Hybrid Recahrgeable, a PHEV with an electric range extended to 86 km on average and a total range of 650 km. It combines a 110 kW 4-cylinder 1.5 liter turbo engine with a 92 kW electric motor, for a combined output of 143 kW/195 hp.. Under the floor sits a 21 kWh battery pack and the electromotor is integrated into a new 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.
Spacious and comfortable
The vehicle itself is 4.65 meters, eleven centimeters longer than the Peugeot e-3008 and even 15 centimetres longer than its predecessor. The wheelbase is 2,784 mm, six centimeters longer than the predecessor model.
Above all, this should provide more space on the rear bench. The knee room is 51 mm longer than that of the previous C5 Aircross. Tall passengers will also be very comfortable thanks to the 68 mm headroom increase in row 2 compared to the previous model. The backrests can be reclined between 21° and 33°, adding to the sensation of travelling in comfort class.
As the platform was designed from the outset for multiple drive types, the boot volume remains the same for all variants: the C5 Aircross can hold up to 651 liters with the rear seat backrests upright, and more than 1,700 liters with the rear seat backrest folded down. There is an additional 75 liters of storage space under the height-adjustable boot floor.
‘Sofa design’
“In the new C5 Aircross, passengers are seated as if in a living room, with furniture and fabrics recalling the interior layout and offering the same cosy feel,” promises Citroën.
Citroën’s so-called ‘Sofa Design’ is a long and airy horizontal dashboard, designed like a piece of living room furniture. The lower part of the dashboard is covered in a high quality foam fabric that extends to the door panels and seats, creating a unified and comfortable atmosphere.
For the seating, Citroën builds further on its ‘Advanced Comfort Seats’ experience with the possibility of adjustingside bolsters electrically. Added to that is the ‘Progressive Hydraulic Cushions’ suspension for a better absorption of road imperfections.
The new Citroën C5 Aircross features the largest central HD touchscreen ever offered by Stellantis. “With its spectacularly light and vertical design, it floats in front of the dashboard, then cascades down in a single movement to connect seamlessly with the centre console,” Citroën says. For improved ergonomics, this screen can easily be operated with the elbow resting on the armrest.
The new Citroën C5 Aircross features the latest generation of Citroën infotainment systems, including connected 3D navigation and a complete audio system. In addition, the New C5 Aircross offers OpenAI’s ChatGPT, directly integrated into the infotainment system.
Made in France
The market launch in Europe of the new ë-C5 Aircross is planned for the second half of 2025. No prices have been announced yet. From the sister models already in the group, the Peugeot e-3008 starts at € 48,800, and the Opel Grandland Electric at €46,650 in Belgium, the hybrid version, of course, being cheaper (starting from €39,000 and €36,200 respectively).
Insisting that the new C5 Aircross is truely a French made product, Citroën points out that the car is designed and engineerd in france and assembled at Citroën historic plant in Rennes (Brittany). The battery pack comes from ACC in Douvrin (northern France), other important organs come from Trémery and Valenciennes.
