Review: Citroen e-C4 X
Electric Citroen e-C4 X Review
Manufacturers are always trying to find new ways to carve out a niche. With Citroen, this process comes through the arrival of the e-C4 X. It’s a model which aims to bring a slightly sleeker look over the standard car.
It builds on the regular C4 which arrived back in 2021, but throws in some chunkier dimensions which could prove to be a hit with buyers after a more conventional design over the standard model. But is it any good to drive and live with? We’ve been finding out.
What’s new?
The ‘regular’ C4 arrived with a new look and feel and the ‘X’ version takes this into a more ‘standard’ direction. It has also grown in size a touch - it’s 25cm longer, in fact - and features a slightly smoother look that does resemble Citroen models of old.
While originally launching as an EV, Citroen has confirmed it will introduce petrol versions
What’s under the bonnet?
It’s probably come as no surprise that the e-C4 X uses the same setup as the standard C4. You’ll also find it in a variety of models from the wider Stellantis groups, within brands such as Vauxhall, Peugeot and DS - so it’s a well-tested system.
We’ve not got some hulking, big-performance motor under the bonnet. There’s a 134bhp electric motor hooked up to a 50kWh battery. That means a 0-60mph time of just under ten seconds, but - more importantly - a range of up to 222 miles on a full charge. Thanks to 100kW speedy charging, an 80 per cent top-up can be conducted in as little as 30 minutes.
What’s the Citroen e-C4 X like to drive?
As we’ve found with many of the latest Citroens, the e-C4 X is a model which has outright comfort as its primary goal. It’s been kitted out with the firm’s ‘Advanced Comfort’ suspension and uber-comfortable cushioned seats which when combined deliver a refreshingly - you guessed it - comfortable experience.
Even the worst of the UK’s roads are dealt with easily, while speedbumps barely make any impact into the cabin. The steering isn’t bristling with ‘feel’, but it’s light and makes the e-C4 X a doddle to drive around urban areas or tighter roads.
How does it look?
The e-C4 X is the kind of car that’ll get people talking when it comes to design. You could argue that saloons aren’t particularly in vogue at the moment, but Citroen has managed to inject some fun into the e-C4 X’s look with some plastic cladding that runs around the exterior of the car. A slightly higher ride height than you might expect helps it to stand out too.
The extended length of the ‘X’ over the regular e-C4 does do it some favours, however, while the rear end has a far cleaner, fuss-free look. All of the change happens from the C-pillar back, too, with everything ahead of that being identical to the standard car.
What’s it like inside?
Unsurprisingly, the interior of the e-C4 X is much the same as the standard car, but that’s a real plus point. We like the comfortable seats, after all, while the range of textured materials used throughout makes it feel a little more premium than you might initially think. The large infotainment system is central to the e-C4 range, but it’s easy to use and clear to read.
You get more rear space in the e-C4 X than the regular C4, too, though the raked roofline might mean taller passengers find their heads a little cramped. The 510-litre boot is larger than the hatchback’s, too, though the narrower opening means it’s a touch more difficult to access - particularly when you have bulkier items to get in there.
What’s the spec like?
The e-C4 X is available in three different specifications. Sense is where the range commences, with features such as LED headlights, 18-inch alloys and a 10-inch touchscreen all included as standard. Move up to Shine and you’ll gain a head-up display, adaptive cruise control and a reversing camera.
Finally, there’s Shine Plus, which throws in heated seats and a Highway Drive Assist package. In truth, however, the entry-level model provides more than enough equipment.
Verdict
The e-C4 X might enter into a very busy market, but it does so with something different to offer. As we’ve mentioned, the saloon layout might not be the most popular at the moment, but given that it provides more space and a larger boot than a standard C4, then there are some real positives to be found here.
The comfort it delivers is a real bonus, too. Citroen has shunned trying to make its cars overly dynamic - like so other rivals - and instead has created a model that will be very relaxing to live with on a daily basis.
