What is it?

Citroen now offers an electric variant of every model in its range, and the latest to get the EV treatment is the e-C5 Aircross.

The C5 Aircross has been around since 2018, and in that time, it has gained a reputation for being a comfortable and practical family SUV; however, with the market rapidly growing, this French alternative has started to fall behind when it comes to design and on-board technology.

So, for 2025, Citroen has introduced the second-generation car, which is available not only as an EV, but as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid to give consumers more choice. The question is, is it any good?

What’s new?

Everything about the e-C5 Aircross is new. It sits on Stellantis’ ‘STLA-M’ platform, which is shared with the Peugeot e-3008, e-5008 and Vauxhall Grandland Electric.

It has a new interior design, which Citroen calls the ‘C-Zen Lounge’, and has been designed to make the cabin feel more cosy and home-like. There is more space than before, as well as having greater levels of standard equipment.

But, most importantly, there is a choice of two battery packs if you go for the electric model

What’s under the bonnet?

We’re driving the ‘Extended Range’ variant, which boasts a 97kWh battery and an electric motor, which produces a total of 227bhp and 343Nm of torque. The car can accelerate from 60mph in 8.7 seconds and it will reach a top speed of 106mph.

But, where this model stands out is with its claimed range figure of up to 422 miles on a single charge, which is almost best-in-class. Plus, the car is compatible with 160kW DC rapid-charging, allowing for a 20 to 80 per cent top-up to take 28 minutes.

There is the option of a smaller 73kWh battery with an electric motor, which Citroen claims can travel up to 320 miles between charges.

What’s it like to drive?

The e-C5 Aircross focuses on comfort rather than handling, as our test car features Citroen’s ‘Advanced Comfort’ suspension, which are little cushions that help absorb the lumps and bumps in the road.

Most surprisingly, though, the car does handle very well, as the steering is nicely weighted and manages to go around corners without too much roll. Sure, the e-C5 isn’t the most compelling car to drive in this segment, but coupled with the soft seats and suspension, it means you’ve got one of the most relaxing vehicles to drive in this class.

It’s not perfect, as the brake pedal is rather spongy with limited feel, and you do notice the car’s additional 235kg weight in the corners compared to the plug-in hybrid car.

However, we think that this big Citroen handles and drives a lot better than its main rivals from Peugeot and Vauxhall.

How does it look?

There are some design cues on this new model that give it its own quirky French character.

One of the most interesting is Citroen’s ‘Light Wings’ taillights, which protrude around the tailgate of the car and into the C-Pillar.

The hidden window seals and square-shaped wheel arches are there to help improve air flow, while the grille design on the C-Pillar is a nod to the old Citroen BX from the 1980s, which is a nice touch.

In a world of copycat designs, we think that the e-C5 Aircross looks a cut above the rest of the competition when it comes to style.

What’s it like inside?

The car’s interior is referred to as the ‘C-Zen Lounge’ as its design curves around the driver and front passenger.

There is a nice fabric-effect on the dashboard and door cards, while the floating infotainment screen and centre console make the cabin look really smart. It’s just a pity that the quality of the materials in some places feels cheap with hard and brittle plastics.

But, at least storage hasn’t been forgotten about with deep door bins found in the front and rear, a massive underneath centre armrest cubby hole, a cut-out behind the floating touchscreen and two cup holders.

In the back, there is acres of room, despite our test car’s glass panoramic roof, with plenty of head and legroom, and you also get phone holders and seatback pockets on the front seats.

The e-C5 packs an impressive boot capacity, offering 651 litres or 1,668 litres with the rear seats folded down. That’s bigger than what you’ll find on something like a Skoda Enyaq, which offers 585 litres of space.

What’s the spec like?

Prices kick off at £34,065 for the entry-level You! specification, and includes equipment such as a vehicle-to-load (V2L) function, which allows electrical appliances such as a microwave to be plugged in using the car’s battery, or even equipment such as a coffee machine, too.

Mid-level Plus cars are priced at £36,705 and add an auto-dimming rear view mirror, power folding door mirrors and extended interior ambient lighting.

We’re driving the flagship Max trim, which comes in at 39,345 and boasts heated front seats and steering wheel, matrix LED headlights and aluminium pedals; however, prices for the Extended Range model are yet to be revealed.

Where the e-C5 does falter is that you have to pay an additional £700 if you want an energy-saving heat pump fitted to the You! and Plus trim levels, whereas it comes as standard on the Max trim.

Verdict

If you’re after an electric SUV that is comfortable, refined and packs lots of space, then the e-C5 Aircross really is a smart choice. Also, with its competitive prices and impressive claimed electric driving range figures, this could be the ideal EV for a growing family.

Sure, it’s not the most engaging car to drive in its class, and some of the interior plastics don’t feel as upmarket as the competition, but as an overall package, the e-C5 is a great all-rounder.