Citroën C5 Aircross: What's the plug-in hybrid like and how does it perform with a 90 km range?
Citroën completes the C5 Aircross range with two engines, the 195 hp plug-in and the electric version with a long-range battery that offers a range of over 600 km, compared to the 520 km of the standard version. We went to Mallorca, Spain, to test drive the French manufacturer's latest plug-in hybrid technology, which is offered at a list price starting at 43,000 euros.
From concept to production model, maintaining some of the brand's signature styling cues while maintaining the proportions typical of a C-SUV. The Citroën C5 Aircross represents a key model in the brand's range and is designed specifically for families.
Built on the Stellantis Group's STLA Medium platform, the C5 Aircross boasts generous dimensions: 4,652 mm long, 1,936 mm wide, 1,690 mm high, and a load capacity that increases from 651 liters to 1,985 liters. These dimensions make it a valid choice for families.
During the test drive we tried both the long-range electric version and the plug-in hybrid and in both cases we found a muscular design at the front and ¾ of the car while at the rear we found an almost vertical tailgate closure, to maximize loading capacity.
The emphasis on road presence is given by the alloy wheels, available in 19 and 20 inch sizes, while 18 inch ones are reserved for the Hybrid 145 version.
The distinctive light signature, both front and rear, is a key feature. The latter was designed not only for aesthetics but also for functionality, maximizing the aerodynamic coefficient.
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Inside the cabin, space is well organized and features numerous storage compartments. The seats are spacious and adjustable, including the side cushions, so everyone can find the perfect position. The versions we tested, both in the Max trim, feature a massage function as well as seat cooling and heating.
The driver can count on a 10-inch digital dashboard and a highly adjustable head-up display with clearly displayed information. At the center of the dashboard is a 13-inch touchscreen with three different screens that can be changed by swiping, providing quick and easy access to on-board functions and settings.
The top-of-the-range Max trim also features a sunroof which, thanks to its effective wind deflector, is quiet and pleasant even on long journeys.
Soundproofing of the passenger compartment is a strong point of the car, both for the PHEV and the BEV versions.
Rear passengers, like those in the front row, can count on a good level of comfort. There's no tunnel, so the floor is flat and comfortable even when traveling with five people. The seats in the second row are also heated and have two USB-C ports.
The protagonist of our test, the plug-in hybrid version, is equipped with a 1.6-liter 150 hp internal combustion engine, combined with a 125 kW electric motor powered by a lithium-ion battery with a net capacity of 17.8 kWh, allowing for a maximum range in 100% electric mode of 96 km.
Charging is available only in AC, as in most plug-in hybrid vehicles, with a standard 3.7 kW on-board charger or, optionally, a 7.4 kW one.
During the test we found it to have good acceleration, with 0-100 km/h covered in 8.3 seconds and a top speed of 220 km/h.
During the test drive, we drove along a mixed route that allowed us to evaluate the car's characteristics in both urban and extra-urban environments. Comfort is maintained, and despite its size, the C5 Aircross is agile even in the most demanding environments.
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