Citroën Unveils All-New C5 Aircross with Bold Styling and Electric Powertrain Options

Citroën has officially unveiled the second-generation C5 Aircross, marking a significant step forward for the French marque in the fiercely competitive European crossover segment. The new model introduces electric power for the first time in the nameplate’s history and adopts a striking, concept-inspired design atop Stellantis’s new STLA Medium platform.

Revealed ahead of its market launch in the latter half of 2025, the updated C5 Aircross slots in as the flagship of Citroën’s overhauled product portfolio. It joins the refreshed Ami, C3, and C4 in what the brand calls a “renewed assault” on the mass-market landscape. The model is positioned to rival mainstream offerings like the Nissan Qashqai and Peugeot 3008, the latter of which shares its underpinnings.

At 4652 mm long, the new C5 Aircross is 150 mm longer than its predecessor. The increase in dimensions translates to a substantial 600 mm gain in wheelbase, most of which has been directed to improving rear seat legroom. Citroën says this expansion has allowed it to create a cabin experience akin to a “living room,” with rear passengers benefiting from 51 mm more knee room and 68 mm of additional headroom.

The boot capacity has also grown significantly. The C5 Aircross now offers 651 litres of luggage space—nearly 150 litres more than the Nissan Qashqai—and up to 1668 litres with the rear seats folded. A hidden 75-litre compartment beneath the boot floor accommodates the EV charging cable.

Inside, Citroën has leaned into its ‘C-Zen Lounge’ philosophy, with a dashboard design inspired by furniture. Foam-padded fabric trim, customisable ambient lighting in eight colours, and an expansive ‘floating’ touchscreen define the new interior layout.

The infotainment system—Citroën’s largest yet—largely replaces physical controls and features programmable widgets, fixed navigation and climate access bars, and integrated voice control with ChatGPT-powered AI under the 'Hello Citroën' assistant. A 10-inch digital instrument display is standard, and a head-up display 30 per cent larger than the previous generation is optional.

Seating has also seen a notable upgrade. The latest iteration of Citroën’s ‘Advanced Comfort’ seats now feature thickened padding and shoulder-wrapping upper sections. Electric side bolsters and reclinable rear backrests further enhance ride comfort, while rear passengers also gain USB-C charging ports and cupholders.

For the first time, the C5 Aircross is available as a fully electric vehicle, alongside mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains. The electric variant offers two battery choices: a 73 kWh unit with a 520 km (WLTP) range and a larger 97 kWh battery providing up to 679 km. Power comes from front-mounted motors producing 207 bhp or 227 bhp, depending on specification.

The plug-in hybrid pairs a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a 123 bhp electric motor and a 21 kWh battery, offering a combined output of 193 bhp and an electric-only range of up to 85 km. A 1.2-litre three-cylinder mild-hybrid is also available, featuring a compact 0.9 kWh battery integrated with a dual-clutch gearbox.

Citroën has not yet disclosed official pricing, but the new C5 Aircross is expected to undercut the Peugeot 3008, suggesting a sub-£35,000 entry point for hybrid models and around £40,000 for the electric variants. Deliveries are expected to commence in the second half of 2025.