Citroen is at its eclectic best with this new flagship

TIRED of rocking around in a large expensive European sports utility wagon?

Despite those vehicles being very strong sellers, Citroen has determined there are enough people out there desiring to break from the trend.

If you’re in that crowd, say ‘bonjour’ to the C5X, a large prestige model unveiled internationally overnight that will serve as the brand’s new flagship.

Ostensibly a large high riding car that for those who cannot see themselves in something bulkier and blockier, it delivers an emphasis on comfort and design, yet also stands out as being proudly unconventional in several respects, notably the design.

Part SUV (hence the raised height), part station wagon (so, loads of interior space) and part sedan (the overall elegance) … Citroen is famous for being unconventional from time to time, but this one seems especially eclectic. Little wonder that its maker has voiced expectation of it straddling several segments of the market.

Certain styling cues – most notably the LED headlight design – are inspired by the radical CXperience concept, which was shown in 2016 and with which the C5X also shares its so-called ‘Advanced Comfort’ design ethos.

The model’s ‘X’ suffix? It’s not really an off-road reference. Instead, Citroen says, it’s about the marketing positioning. This is a model at “the crossroad of customers’ needs”.

Production for right-hand drive countries begins next year and there’s no word yet from national brand rights holder AutoDistributors NZ as to whether we will see it. Perhaps not; large Citroens have always struggled here.

Still, you’d have to think styling like this would allow it to stand out from the Q7 and X5 crowd.

Measuring in at a lengthy 4.8 metres, the Citroen C5 X is noticeably longer than the C5 Aircross, the largest SUV Citroen has offered until now. It starts out on 19-inch wheels that are more slender than usual, for economy reasons.

To compete with SUVs, it maximises practicality. The boot measures in at 545 litres, increasing in volume to 1640 litres when the rear seats are folded forward.

Primarily, thought, it is about passenger needs. Citroen is all about ‘Advanced Comfort’; it’s a credo that expresses in the seat design and the suspension suspension setup.

The car aims to replicate the ‘magic carpet’ driving style of historic Citroen sedans such as the DS and CX. It uses a hydraulic cushion suspension set-up, as per the Aircross, to deliver a ride that aims to “overcome all obstacles, potholes, kerbs, speed bumps and other road connections”.

The supreme version of this evidences in a plug-in hybrid version is equipped as standard with a drive mode selector giving a choice of three suspension settings.

‘Advanced Comfort’ is also prevalent in the cabin. The seats are designed with what Citroen says is a mattress-style approach.

The interior includes some premium materials, including wood inserts across the dashboard fascia and extending into the doors. With no traditional gear selector, the centre console is uncluttered and includes plenty of physical buttons for things like climate control. Sitting atop the dashboard is a large 12-inch touchscreen that provides for a new type of infotainment system with a widget-based display and smartphone connectivity via Bluetooth and USB-C, in addition to wireless charging.

There will be only be petrol engine options – yup, diesel is dead even with the brand family that made it famous in cars. The plug-in hybrid model is expected to be most popular. This has an output of 168kW and an electric driving range of more than 50 kilometres will be available.

Several driver assistance features will add to the car's tech-filled nature, with an extended head-up display, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality and lane-keep assist.