Citroen C5 Aircross (2025): The new generation grows significantly

If that's not a revolution, then the Citroën C5 Aircross is at least very close. The new generation of the French SUV will be even more spacious and technologically advanced than its predecessor. It also features new powertrains.

This is a remarkable transformation for what is essentially the French brand's largest SUV (apart from the C5 X , which, like its little brother , the C4 X, sports a sedan-like rear end). We had the opportunity to check out the Citroën C5 Aircross, due out after the summer, at the Citroën Style Centre on the outskirts of Paris.

Exterior | Interior | Engines | Prices

Citroën C5 Aircross, the exterior

The dimensions have changed... and not by a small margin. The C5 Aircross grows by 15 centimeters to 4.65 meters in length, measures 1.90 meters in width (+5 cm), while the height appears to decrease by two to three centimeters: it remains at 1.66 meters. A few centimeters more have also been added to the wheelbase, which now stands at 2.78 meters (+6 cm). This primarily benefits the space for rear passengers.

Image by: Citroën

Citroen C5 Aircross (2025)

Image by: Citroën

Citroen C5 Aircross (2025), the rear three-quarters

The design is an evolution of the concept shown at the Paris Motor Show and brings the C5 Aircross in line with the brand's recent double-chevron products, such as the C3 , C3 Aircross, and the C4 facelift. The front end is powerful, with a large, flat grille and wide mesh that contrast with the sleek LED matrix headlights that form the light cluster.

The wheels, up to 20 inches in size, give the sides an additional powerful appearance. The rear is characterized by the "cantilevered" headlights, which, according to Citroën, contribute to improved aerodynamics.

Citroën C5 Aircross, the interior

The interior of the Citroën has a futuristic feel: The two-spoke steering wheel and the horizontal dashboard give the front end a very wide appearance. The 10.25-inch instrument cluster is flanked by a color head-up display and the 13.6-inch screen of the vertically arranged infotainment system. The visual effect reinforces the aforementioned futuristic impression. But beyond its design language, the C5 Aircross also offers substance.

Image by: Citroën

Citroen C5 Aircross (2025), the Plancia

The screen flows seamlessly into the center console, beneath which are large storage compartments. The infographics are modern and feature-rich, from ChatGPT integration for the voice assistant to massage programs for the seats. Also striking in the design are the slim air conditioning vents and the unobtrusive ambient lighting.

The seats are comfortably padded. While the most visible parts of the interior are made of hard plastic, some of it is finished in piano black with a three-dimensional effect. Some of the trim on the door panels and center console deserves special mention, as it's made from 20 percent recycled grapevine.

Image by: Citroën

Citroen C5 Aircross (2025), the trunk

The space in the rear is decent. Even tall passengers can stretch their legs. Headroom has increased by seven centimeters compared to the previous model. Furthermore, each seat can be reclined between 20 and 30 degrees to offer even greater comfort flexibility.

The luggage compartment capacity ranges from a minimum of 650 liters to approximately 1,700 liters with the rear seats folded down in a 40:20:40 split. While the all-electric version lacks a frunk, as is typical for multi-platform vehicles, the double trunk floor is sufficient to accommodate the charging cable.

Citroën C5 Aircross, the engines

The new C5 Aircross is based on Stellantis' STLA medium platform, which also powers the Opel Grandland and Peugeot 3008. So, we're not surprised that the engine lineup is similar to those two models, starting with the 145 hp 1.2 48V petrol engine with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic.

Image by: Citroën

Citroen C5 Aircross (2025)

A plug-in hybrid is also available, combining a 1.6-liter gasoline engine with an electric motor, producing a total of 195 hp (down 30 hp compared to the previous model). The battery capacity has increased to 21 kWh, which should guarantee an electric range of almost 90 kilometers. The charging speed is typical for a plug-in at 3.7 kW (7.4 kW with the optional on-board charger).

The real innovation are the two electric versions with 210 and 230 hp, combined with a 73 kWh and 97 kWh battery, respectively. The first version promises a range of 520 kilometers, the second a comfortable 680 kilometers. Charging power is up to 11 kW with alternating current (the 22 kW on-board charger will be available as an option from 2026) and up to 160 kW with direct current. A range of 160 kilometers can be recharged in 10 minutes. A diesel engine is no longer offered in the Citroën C5 Aircross.

Citroën C5 Aircross, the prices

Citroën hasn't yet officially announced the price list for the new-generation C5 Aircross. A starting price of around €40,000 for the 48V gasoline engine seems possible. The price for the electric version is likely to be below €47,000-48,000.

More about Citroën: