The C5 X is the new Citroën flagship with a particularly original architecture, a synthesis of sedan, station wagon and crossover. The direct inspiration is to the CXperience Concept, unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in 2016. The striking design renews the codes of the D-segment with a decisive silhouette that ends in the tailgate, with fluid volumes in favor of aerodynamics.

“For this project we sought a certain elegance and a lot of originality, in line with our flagships of the past that have mythical names such as XM, DS, C6 and Traction Avant”, Diogo Meiji Jo tells us, Brazilian interior designer of the French brand with a past in General Motors that we meet on the occasion of the test drive of the car in Spain.

The design team led by Pierre Leclerq has created unconventional proportions that start with rear overhangs that are longer than the front ones and recall some cars that have marked the history of Citroën flagships. “With its innovative styling that combines the elegance of a sedan, the dynamism of a station wagon and the reassuring appearance of an SUV, C5 X embodies all the boldness of Citroën styling. Its unique morphology, aerodynamic lines and modern light signature make this car a true Citroën, instantly recognizable,” says Leclercq. We drove the plug-in hybrid version of the C5 X, powered by a 1.6 gasoline engine combined with an 81.2 kW electric motor for a total output of 225 horsepower, recording great comfort and smoothness of ride with a special vocation for long trips.

The high beltline, which at the rear highlights the large wheels, gives it uniqueness and dynamism. The interior of the C5 X conveys a feeling of tranquillity, an invitation to travel in a comfortable environment thanks to special foams used for the seats and model-specific suspension. The interior design is uncluttered and technological: the 12-inch floating display stands out in the centre of the dashboard, while the instrumentation is also digital and a large 21-inch head-up display is projected onto the windscreen. The Citroën C5 X is produced in China and will be available to order from October.