Citroen e:C5 Aircross (2025 - )

The all-new second-generation Citroen C5 Aircross has just been launched and this time round, it is offered with a fully electrified powertrain for the first time. Customers can still opt for the hybrid or plug-in hybrid versions, but it’s the EV that’s grabbing all the headlines.
According to Citroen, the car is better in every way which is quite a sweeping statement. But we tend to agree. It does boast more assertive styling and the extra growth spurt results in additional cabin space.
The e:C5 Aircross is sold in three well-equipped trims called You!, Plus and Max and customers can choose from two batteries. The 73kWh unit, known as the Comfort Range battery can deliver up to 322 miles on a single charge, while the Long Range 97kWh battery stretches to a very impressive 421 miles.
Prices start from £32,565, including the government Electric Car Grant and the arrival of the e:C5 Aircross means that Citroen now has seven EVs costing less than £33,000 on sale in the UK today. 
We opted for the e:C5 Aircross Plus with the Comfort Range battery for our test drive.

Powering our Comfort Range e:C5 Aircross PLUS was the smaller 73kWh battery delivering 213bhp and 124.5Nm of torque. It can complete the 0-62mph sprint in a respectable 8.9 seconds and tops out at 106mph. 
Admittedly there are faster and more engaging electric SUVs out there, but Citroen proudly prioritises comfort over sheer pace. That said; it’s sharp out the starting blocks and quickly reaches motorway cruising speeds where it will sit effortlessly eating away at the miles. You will notice the car’s 322-mile range drop quicker at higher speeds though.
Then, when faced with more testing country lanes, the front-wheel drive vehicle is balanced and confident though tight bends with ample grip. There is a little body lean if corners are attacked too enthusiastically, but generally the handling impresses.
The single-speed automatic transmission is smooth while there are drive modes called Normal, Sport and Eco to alter the dynamics and characteristics of the car. Additionally, steering wheel-mounted paddles can be used to adjust the strength of the regenerative braking. This is hugely beneficial in busy city centres with lots of stop, start driving as all the energy captured during braking helps to boost the battery levels.
The steering feel is quite light which is perfect in cities with lots of twists and turns, but not so reassuring when faced with the open road. 
But Citroen’s headline feature really is comfort with its patented Advanced Comfort suspension system delivering an exceptionally cushioned ride and somehow smoothing out the potholes along the way.
Finally, special mention to the excellent all-round driver visibility which is always a plus point on a car that will likely feature frequently on the school run.
 

The five-door Citroen e:C5 Aircross has bundles of kerb appeal that makes it very easy on the eye. It’s rugged, but not in an aggressive manner with distinctive front and rear lighting, a sculpted bonnet, black wheel arches, black pillars and a black contrast roof that looked fabulous matched to our bright Ruby Red model. The look is completed with smart Citroen and model-specific badging, tinted rear windows and 19-inch alloys.
Moving inside, you will find a modern, clutter-free and neatly designed cabin. Our test car was well equipped with a 13-inch vertical infotainment touchscreen with built-in navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto mirroring, a six-speaker sound system, Bluetooth for up to two phones simultaneously, a DAB radio and a 180-degree rear parking camera.
Behind the steering wheel is a 10-inch digital cluster that clearly shows vital information such as the speed, battery charge levels and existing driving range, and this can be customised to taste.
All versions feature Citroen’s Advanced Comfort Seats that combine high-density foam with wider cushions for added support. This, combined with the company’s patented cushioned suspension system makes for a very comfortable ride. The seats on our mid-grade Plus trim were crafted in a blue fabric and leather-effect upholstery, with the door panels also covered in a blue sofa fabric. The dashboard has a woven materiel and there is a blue ambience to the cabin. Although the seats were manually adjustable, finding the ideal driving position is easy enough. I would miss the heated seats and heated steering wheel in colder months though – you need to move up to high-end Max to find them.
 

With practicality at its core, the Citroen e:C5 Aircross offers bundles of cabin space for up to five occupants, along with a generously-sized boot. The car has a strong road presence with SUV dimensions, stretching 4,652mm in length, 2,108mm across (with side mirrors), 1,691mm tall and with a 2,784mm wheelbase.
Two six-foot-plus adults will have ample room up front and a couple more will happily sit in the back. It’s a little bit tight for three grown-ups, but a trio of youngsters will be fine and there are Isofix child seat anchors on the two outer rear seats.
The boot has a wide opening and can swallow 565 litres of luggage, increasing to 1,668 litres with the 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats dropped flat. Additionally, the adjustable boot floor means you can have - a completely flat loading area if required, which is useful if carrying heavy items.
Throughout the cabin, you will find a number of handy storage compartments, including a large glovebox, deep central cubby, wide door bins, seat back pockets, coat hooks on the B pillars, a wireless charging pad and some trays.
The only real complaint was the positioning of the front cup holders low down beneath the floating centre console. They are awkward to reach and could be quite hazardous if stretching for a hot drink.
Charging the 73.7kWh Comfort Range battery in the e:C5 Aircross from zero to 80 per cent via a 100kW rapid charger takes 26 minutes, or 4 hours, 10 minutes to 100 per cent from a home wallbox. 
 

If you thought the Electric Car Grant couldn’t get any more confusing for consumers, then think again. The Citroen e:C5 Aircross is the perfect example of how hit and miss this government-backed scheme can be. Rather strangely cars featuring the smaller capacity Comfort Range 210hp battery pack receive £1,500 off the asking price, while those opting for the Long Range 230hp unit see a £3,750 deduction. The reason for this anomaly is down to where the batteries are built with the former evolving from China, whereas the larger bigger battery is built in France.
So, with that all clear as mud, the e:C5 Aircross You! costs from £32,565 (Comfort Range) and £32,935 (Long Range). The Plus trim in Comfort is priced at £35,205 or £35,575 in Long Range. High-end Max costs £37,845 in Comfort and £38,215 in Long Range. And all these prices include the ECG.
Our test car, the mid-trim Plus model with the Comfort Range battery, started life at £36,705, but was reduced to £35,205 with the grant factored in. However, it did feature an optional heat pump priced at £700, along with a two-tone roof (£300), puncture repair kit (£20) and a removable towbar with trailer swing mitigation included that added a further £700 to the final price.
Road tax for EV owners is now £10 for the first year and then £195 after 12 months, and the e:C5 Aircross has an attractive three per cent Benefit in Kind tax rating for any potential business owners. The car, as tested, sits in insurance group 27.
And for added peace of mind, the e:C5 Aircross comes with a three year, 60,000-mile warranty package, increasing to eight years or 100,000 miles for the battery.
 

The C5 Aircross is finally being offered with full electrification for the first time, but it’s definitely been worth the wait. The e:C5 Aircross is a fabulous family-focused SUV that prioritises comfort over performance. That said; it can step up to the mark when asked and can effortlessly cope with motorway, country lanes and busier city centre driving.
It's generously equipped and the revised government Electric Car Grant makes it a very attractive buy, particularly models featuring the larger battery, which benefit from extra incentives thanks to its European production.
It’s a car that covers all bases well, but will face stiff opposition right now, with many rivals coming from fellow Stellantis stablemates. It could all come down to badge preference as far as customers go.