Citroën C5 Aircross Concept reveals new design and electric engine for French SUV

Here’s our best look yet at the next-generation Citroën C5 Aircross, as the French marque has debuted a concept that shows a “vision of its future C-segment SUV.” The new C5 Aircross will be the first Citroën to sit on parent company Stellantis’ new STLA Medium architecture, which will allow the use of ICE, hybrid and pure electric engines.

And we won’t have to wait long to see the production version, as Citroën says the concept “announces a model planned for 2025”. While the STLA Medium platform can cater for seven-seater SUVs, as we’ve seen with the Peugeot 5008, the C5 Aircross will only seat five, rivaling its Peugeot 3008 and Vauxhall Grandland siblings, along with the Ford Kuga, Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson in the mid-size SUV segment.

The C5 Aircross Concept is larger than the first-generation car, standing 1,600mm tall and 4,650mm long, around 150mm longer than the current model. The general shape is that of a traditional SUV, and Citroën says that thanks to a long wheelbase, the C5 Aircross Concept is “ideally proportioned to offer generous space for five people”.

The frontal design is similar to that seen on the new C3 Aircross, incorporating Citroën’s latest design language, which was initially shown by the 2022 Oli Concept. The brand’s new badge stands out on a black stripe that connects the new three Point Lighthouse Signature.

Black trim at the bottom of the bumper flows into the wheel arches to create a chunky, off-road look and continues to the rear bumper. The rear lights also use the three-point light signature that is becoming a staple of Citroën’s current lineup. The upper lights, called ‘Citroen Light Wings’, extend from the body and have a specific purpose, also, to guide the flow of air through the area.

Since it uses the STLA Medium platform, we expect the production version of the C5 Aircross Concept to come with 73kWh and 98kWh batteries, with the larger offering around 420 miles of range.

Citroën says the C5 Aircross Concept will be a “multi-engine vehicle,” which means we can expect internal combustion, hybrid and pure electric power. It’s likely to include the 1.2-litre three-cylinder mild hybrid used across the Stellantis range, with 134bhp and 230Nm of torque.

The production model is expected in the middle of next year, priced to compete with its Stellantis siblings. Expect the hybrid to cost around £35,000 and the EV to start at around £40,000.

Click here for our list of the best electric SUVs…