Citroen C5 X Review 2025: Price, specs & boot space
Written by Lawrence Allan
Quick overview
Pros
- Characterful yet practical
- Very comfortable and refined
- Nice place to sit with accessible tech
Cons
- Not fast or remotely sporty
- Quirky looks won't be to all tastes
- Hybrid's gearbox could be better
Verdict: Is the Citroen C5 X a good car?
"The Citroen C5 X is a type of car from a French brand known for innovating. Is it a big hatchback? Is it a svelte estate? Is it a low-slung SUV? Whatever it is, and despite its challenging looks, it's the best Citroen we've driven in years."
The Citroen C5 X is a rather unusual car from a carmaker that (historically at least) hasn't been afraid of doing things a bit differently. It's effectively a long-awaited replacement for the old Citroen C5 saloon and estate, or even the older C6 luxury car, but it's more difficult to pigeonhole than that.
You see, Citroen is a bit tired of the conventional body style categories that define the car industry. It reckons many buyers are, too, claiming that the explosion in popularity of tall, boxy and inefficient big SUVs has already peaked and will wane over the coming years. It reckons customers are once again ready for a new type of large family car, as they were a decade or so ago when those SUVs flooded in.
This is the sort of thinking that saw Citroen make some seriously outside-the-box cars in the second half of the 20th century, which is a good thing in a market of increasing homogeneity. The 'X' in Citroen C5 X represents a combination of estate, saloon and SUV in one car and pays homage to the similarly unconventional Citroen CX and XM.
Rivals for the C5 X, therefore, are spread far and wide. There's the usual large three-box family cars such as the Volkswagen Passat Estate, the BMW 3 Series Touring and the Skoda Superb, but such cars are a dying breed. To succeed, it'll need to pull buyers out of family SUVs such as the Hyundai Tucson, Volkswagen Tiguan and Mazda CX-5.
Of course, Citroen already competes in the family SUV sphere with the C5 Aircross. But that's a fairly conventional car, and this, well, isn't. And that brings us onto the looks: it's certainly distinctive and challenging, but is it pretty? We're not completely sold yet. Citroen's design boss said they wanted the first people who see it to not quite understand it (like the now-iconic DS and CX), and they've certainly managed that.
Get past the divisive design and there's familiar stuff going on underneath. The Citroen C5 X uses the same platform as other large Citroen, Peugeot and DS models, plus the same range of petrol and plug-in hybrid engine options. As the brand's flagship, it's priced above the C5 Aircross but undercuts cars like the 3 Series Touring.
The smart interior is befitting of a flagship model, with more space, quality materials and technology than any new Citroen. On the latter point, there's new infotainment that's far more advanced and intuitive than the brand's previous mediocre efforts. With immensely comfortable seats, room for four six-footers to stretch out and a big boot, it's pretty practical, too.
Citroen doesn't really do sporty these days, so the Citroen C5 X's driving experience is geared towards comfort. It uses a more advanced version of the brand's special suspension tech (more on that in a bit) to give a wafty feel that gives some executive cars a run for their money. Things such as acoustic glass on top models and chunky tyre sidewalls mean it's a quiet place to do long distances, too.
Even so, because it's not as tall and top-heavy as most SUVs, it doesn't lollop around too much in the bends. The light steering and relaxed engines and gearboxes don't encourage sporty driving, but for most family car buyers its ability to smother Britain's broken road surfaces is more important.
Overall, the Citroen C5 X is refreshingly different and left-field, yet not compromised in any real area like big Citroens of old. For a brand flagship demonstrating advanced technology, it's pretty affordable, too, and makes some of the DS brand's efforts look overpriced. Really, it's just the exterior design that is likely to split opinion.
Looking for a used car for sale? We've got 100s of Citroen Approved Used Cars for Sale for you to choose from, including a wide range of Citroen C5 X cars for sale.
Is the Citroen C5 X right for you?
The Citroen C5 X might be right for you if you're just not interested in the vast array of common-as-muck, similar-looking SUVs and large family saloons or hatchbacks out there. It's something a little bit different, with a design that may polarise but will certainly have your neighbours wanting to know more.
If you're a current owner of a large saloon or hatchback like the previous generation Passat but desire easier entry and exit and a high driving position without the image associated with an SUV, then here's your vehicle.
It also makes a great family car. No, it's not ultimately as practical as a seven-seat SUV or as roomy as a Skoda Superb Estate, but it's plenty spacious enough for most people's needs. It even serves as an affordable alternative to an executive saloon or estate, given its comfort and refinement levels.
What's the best Citroen C5 X model/engine to choose?
The range of Citroen C5 X engines, versions and trim levels is relatively straightforward. There are three petrol engines on offer (one of them a plug-in hybrid), no diesels and two trim levels. There's no saloon or estate version to choose from, either, because the C5 X aims to combine the two body styles.
For most people, the entry-level Puretech 130 turbo petrol engine will suit, offering performance that punches above its modest 1.2-litre capacity. Then there's the Hybrid Automatic with 135 PS, while the range-topping Plug-In Hybrid Automatic emits 222 PS.
In terms of trim level, even the most basic Plus spec comes with most of the kit you'll need and feels anything but basic. These get a rear-view camera, heads-up display, a heated steering wheel, and sat-nav, while the range-topper (Max) receives keyless access, adaptive cruise control, a powered tailgate and a 360-degree camera.
What other cars are similar to the Citroen C5 X?
There are no hard-and-fast competitors for the Citroen C5 X because it's such an unusual body style, but it'll aim to poach buyers from the conventional family SUV and large hatchback, saloon and estate models.
In reality, you'll probably consider the C5 X alongside the brand's own C5 Aircross and conventional estate cars like the Skoda Superb and Volkswagen Passat. The style-led Volkswagen Arteon Shooting Brake (although now discontinued) is worth a look, too. There are also premium wagons like the Volvo V60 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate.
If you need a practical family SUV, you may also want to look at large SUVs such as the Skoda Kodiaq, Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento.
Comfort and design: Citroen C5 X interior
"The Citroen C5 X brings new levels of quality finish and useable technology to a brand that previously struggled to deliver on both counts. It's spacious, too, although large estates are roomier still and visibility could be better."
Many Citroens of the Sixties, Seventies and Eighties had radically different interiors from the norm, which sometimes worked and sometimes didn't. But for twenty-odd years after, the brand's cabins became more conservative and bland. In recent years, it's got its mojo back, and the Citroen C5 X is the best representation of that yet.
Okay, so the C5 X's cabin isn't massively radical, but it is elegantly designed and more pleasing on the eye than the rather austere German equivalents. Quality is impressive for this price point, too, with a variety of pleasing materials and soft-touch finishes. Most importantly, it's a calming and relaxing place to sit, which plays into Citroen's desire to enhance 'wellbeing' behind the wheel.
There are some lovely details, too, such as Citroen's chevron logos cleverly stitched into the door upholstery, on the wood trim and soft-touch dash plastic and on higher-end trims in the perforated leather on the seats. Ambient lighting used in intricate places helps further add to the upmarket feel without lighting the cabin up like a floodlit football pitch at night.
Certainly, it's classier and better put together than anything Citroen has turned out for decades. But it's not all show and no substance, with thoughtful ergonomic touches. Like the smaller C4, the Citroen C5 X gets physical dials for the climate controls in a separate stack, which is much better than burying them in the touchscreen. There are also big door bins and a useful armrest-cum-centre cubby, although the glovebox isn't huge.
Mercifully, the C5 X also gets a brand new infotainment system that's much easier to get along with than Citroen's earlier efforts. The 12-inch HD touchscreen is crisp and responsive and uses smartphone-style menus that (once you've figured out the layout) work surprisingly well. All models get digital dials, while mid-spec models and above have a large head-up display.
The driving position isn't as high as in full-size SUVs, but nor is it as low-slung as a saloon, meeting nicely in the middle. There's plenty of adjustment to suit all shapes and sizes. Visibility could be better, though, with a sharply raked windscreen, thick A-pillars and a narrow rear-window due to that sloping roofline. Still, all models get all-around parking sensors, while a proper 360-degree camera is standard on the top trim.
Step into the rear, and it's clear Citroen has managed to extract more space from this platform than any other brand. There's loads of legroom, and although the roofline means exceptionally tall people will be closer to the roof than in an SUV, it's far from cramped. The boot, meanwhile, is pretty large and well-shaped, but ultimately isn't as useful as that of the best estate cars.
Quality and finish
Early 2000s Citroens never had a stellar reputation for quality finish, with flaky trim and so-so materials. In recent years, the brand has been improving, though, and the C5 X marks a largely impressive leap forward.
Most of the things you can prod and poke feel of high quality, with (depending on trim) fabric of leather-lined door cards, plenty of soft-touch materials on the upper areas of the dash and a nice mixture of two-tone colours and textures. The seats, too, either have upmarket-feeling fabric or soft, classy leather. We're not especially keen on the piano black trim on the lower centre console that collects dust and fingerprints, but many other carmakers are guilty of that.
It's only when you get to the lower reaches of the cabin that you're reminded of the Citroen C5 X's relative affordability, with hard and scratchy plastics used for the glovebox lid and door bins. A VW Passat feels that bit more granite-hewn, but the Citroen's design-led approach is certainly appealing.
Infotainment: Touchscreen, USB, sat-nav and stereo in the Citroen C5 X
All C5 X models get a digital instrument display of a fairly modest size. It displays the essential information, and you can switch through different views and information on the stalks, plus customise the layout via the touchscreen, but it's not as clear and crisp as VW Group's efforts.
Thankfully, both trims get a heads-up display. This is no fold-out piece of perspex on the dash top or tiny speed display you have to squint at, but a proper windscreen projection with a perceived image width of 21 inches. Sounds distracting? It works pretty well in practice, providing plenty of information but not restricting your ability to see through it.
Likewise, both trims get a 12-inch touchscreen with sat-nav. Stepping up to the Max adds a 360-degree camera but no additional infotainment goodies.
Like most higher-end touchscreens these days, plenty of menus and features are dotted around the interface, but because the big, clear screen responds nicely and quickly to the touch, it's not a great faff going through the various functions. Plus, because the menu tiles are customisable, you can select which functions you access most and arrange them on the car's home screen. There's also a more advanced voice command system if you'd prefer to bypass all that.
Two shortcut buttons below the screen take you home or to the car's driver assist tech, allowing you to disable things such as lane keep assist without faff. 3D navigation works far better than in Citroens of old, but the C5 X is the first car from the brand to feature wireless integration for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity.
A wireless smartphone charging pad ensures that those connectivity features don't drain your phone's battery, which is standard across the range. There are also some USB charging sockets on the front and rear, while the plug-in hybrid model comes with a smartphone app that lets you check its charge status and pre-condition (as in pre-heat or cool) the C5 X's interior for your journey.
Space and practicality: Citroen C5 X boot space
The Citroen C5 X is 4,805mm long, 1865mm wide and 1,485mm tall, making it over 300mm longer and 200mm lower than the brand's next largest model, the C5 Aircross. The newest Passat is 112mm longer, while the Superb is 57mm longer than the C5 X.
Still, that increased length over the C5 Aircross SUV makes the C5 X much more accommodating for passengers. Space in the front is good, with our 6ft 3 tester finding no issues with finding a comfortable driving position thanks to plenty of adjustments in the wheel and seats. The panoramic sunroof on our test cars did eat into headroom a bit.
If you're after the perched-up seat position that a full-height SUV gives, the C5 X probably isn't the car for you. But it's raised noticeably more than its hatchback or saloon rivals while still making it feel like you're sitting in the car rather than on it. The Advanced Comfort seats are plushly cushioned and well-shaped even for broader-bodied drivers but don't grip you in place like some of the sports seats available from rivals (that's a positive or a negative depending on your size).
Things in the back are pretty good, too. The EMP2 platform on which the C5 X is based has previously produced cars which seem to prioritise boot room over rear legroom, but there's loads of space for taller occupants to move their knees and slide their feet under the dash. At first, it doesn't seem quite as limo-like as the Skoda Superb, but it's not that far off. The wide door aperture also means good access, which is useful in child seat fitting.
One negative is that the side windows aren't that wide, and the roofline is fairly low, so taller adults might feel slightly hemmed in compared with rivals. The actual headroom is fine unless you're exceptionally tall, and the panoramic sunroof doesn't come as far back as it does in some cars, meaning it doesn't eat into the space. Seat comfort is impressive, too, while there's decent shoulder room, and the low central tunnel means a third adult could squeeze into the middle row without being too annoyed about it.
The boot is 545 litres with the rear seats in place. That's not as big in capacity terms as some of the largest estates, but it's still useful. The low load lip (lower than taller SUVs) and wide opening means that, according to Citroen, you could get a washing machine in there if you needed to without folding the seats.
There are classy chrome runners on the floor and handles on either side of the boot to easily fold the rear seats, while there's some (but not loads) of underfloor storage. It's worth noting that the hybrid versions lose 60 litres of space, with a higher floor allowing the batteries to sit underneath. The load cover moves up with the tailgate to keep it out of the way, but one bugbear is the sheer weight of the tailgate - lesser models without the hands-free electric opening need two hands to close it.
Handling and ride quality: What is the Citroen C5 X like to drive?
"Comfort is the name of the game here, and the Citroen C5 X delivers that in spades. It also doesn't roll around quite as much as taller SUVs, although very little about its drive encourages you to throw it about the place."
A big part of Citroen's intention to make the C5 X a calming, effortless place to travel is how it drives. Like all of the brand's models in the last few years, the balance is skewed away from tight body control and sharp steering to a relaxed suspension and steering tune.
Too many ordinary family cars insist on big wheels, low-profile tyres and a sporty, tied-down setup, even though they spend far more time pootling around town and cruising down motorways than on a Welsh B-road. The Citroen C5 X is the perfect antidote to that, thanks to something called 'Progressive Hydraulic Dampers'.
Essentially, oil-filled suspension components help slow down suspension movement to avoid sudden jolts and allow Citroen to make it feel softer without it wallowing around too much in the bends. All versions get 19in wheels, but fairly chunky tyres mean there's plenty of give.
The result is a ride that feels plush and supple around town, smoothing out nasty ruts and potholes better than almost any rival and more expensive executive cars. It's not quite like a Rolls-Royce, as sharper bumps will still make themselves known, but it's good for a car at this price point.
On faster roads, the C5 X wafts along nicely, keeping the body pretty level and isolating you from the tarmac without inducing car sickness. It's also superb on the motorway. The ride's soft, and there's little wind noise at motorway speeds.
However, this isn't a car that lends itself to being hustled down a twisty road in a hurry. Granted, because it's not as high up as an SUV, it doesn't lean over like a cross-channel ferry during hard cornering, but there is still a fair bit of pitch and roll. The steering is fairly precise, and there's plenty of grip, but at no point during fast cornering would you say you're having fun.
Frankly, though, the Citroen C5 X is all the better for that. Plenty of other cars will thrill you down your favourite road, but not as many affordable cars that cosset you and project an air of calm as this does. Put simply, if you want an easy and relaxing driving experience, it doesn't get much better than this without spending tens of thousands more.
What engines and gearboxes are available in the Citroen C5 X?
There are three engines available in the Citroen C5 X, and all of them have petrol power. Diesels just aren't desirable to new car buyers and are difficult to get through stricter emissions standards.
The entry-level engine is a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder turbocharged unit, used in various Citroen, Peugeot and Vauxhall models. With 130 PS, it doesn't sound like it'll move the big C5 X with any sense of gusto, but its strong mid-range means it punches above its weight. Only the slightly shuddery three-cylinder thrum detracts from the upmarket feel of the C5 X.
Citroen has since dropped the 1.6-litre 180 PS petrol unit. A shame, as this offered a reasonable step up in performance without much efficiency compromise. Now, there's a 136 PS Hybrid Automatic, too.
The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) tops the range. Its 1.6-litre engine is paired to an electric motor and a 12.4kWh battery pack. The result is a healthy 225 PS; it's significantly heavier than the pure petrol models and doesn't feel much quicker. Still, a 0-62mph time of 7.9 seconds is sprightly enough, while it'll officially manage 38.5 miles and can travel up to motorway speeds on electric power alone.
The plug-in hybrid suits the C5 X's relaxing and quiet approach, making it exceptionally smooth around town and hushed on the open road. There are a couple of issues, though: the eight-speed automatic gearbox doesn't like being caught out by surprise, sometimes taking a long time to kick down or dropping too many ratios when you want a bit of acceleration. The brakes, too, are sometimes difficult to judge at low speeds because of the regenerative braking that helps charge up the batteries.
All models get that same eight-speed automatic gearbox, which is a little smoother on the pure petrol models (but not as sharp as a dual-clutch gearbox), with no manual offered.
Refinement and noise levels
Low noise levels also aid the effortless nature of the Citroen C5 X. The top-spec Max gets acoustic laminated front windows. This is essentially double glazing.
Granted, some wind rustle can be heard even on models with that fitted, but it's generally hushed, while road noise is kept at bay thanks to the relatively thick tyre sidewalls.
The four-cylinder engine is smooth and refined for the most part, only becoming a bit boomy when you're right at the top of the rev range. The three-cylinder units, meanwhile, are quieter than in other applications, but some vibration does make its way through to the cabin under acceleration.
Safety equipment: How safe is the Citroen C5 X?
Every Citroen C5 X has a full suite of active safety kit, including autonomous emergency braking with forward collision warning, lane keep assist, traffic sign recognition and a driver attention alert system.
Citroen doesn't specify if the emergency braking detects pedestrians and cyclists, but the rear-cross traffic alert system does. There's also 'long-range' blind spot monitoring and automatic high beam, while all models have all-atound parking sensors to reduce the likelihood of low-speed scrapes.
The Citroen C5 X has been awarded four stars out of five for safety by Euro NCAP.
MPG and fuel costs: What does the Citroen C5 X cost to run?
"The fairly modest petrol engines for the Citroen C5 X means all are relatively economical, while the plug-in hybrid will chalk up impressive figures if used correctly. Some may mourn the lack of a diesel, however."
Starting with the entry-level PureTech 130. Citroen claims this returns a combined 42 mpg, making it an ideal all-rounder. Next is the Hybrid Automatic, which returns a higher 54 mpg and then there's the plug-in hybrid at 235 mpg.
The latter features a 7kW onboard charger, meaning the 12.4kWh battery will go from empty to full in around two hours.
Citroen C5 X reliability and warranty
Citroen's reliability reputation hasn't been great over the years, and sure enough, the brand only just finished outside the bottom five manufacturers in the latest HonestJohn.co.uk Satisfaction Index, next to sister brand Peugeot.
Generally there's less to choose between brands on the reliability front than ever before, meaning the C5 X shouldn't be too problematic.
The engines, including the older units, are all well-proven across other models from Citroen, Peugeot, Vauxhall and DS.
Citroen C5 X insurance groups and costs
The cheapest Citroen C5 X to insure will be those powered by the 1.2-litre Puretech 130 petrol engine. Sense Plus and Shine models with this engine have been provisionally placed in insurance group 20, while the top-spec C5 X Shine Plus is in insurance group 21.
Out of the trim levels, the 1.2 PureTech Plus remains the cheapest; the hybrid is group 23, and the plug-in hybrid is group 31. These figures are identical for the Max trim cars.
VED car tax: What is the annual road tax on the Citroen C5 X?
There's no 'overly cheap' choice here despite the hybrid technology. The 1.2 PureTech emits 133-137g/km of C02, meaning you'll be £270 lighter for the first year and £195 for the second year onward.
The 1.2 Hybrid Automatic (136) emits a lower 116g/km, putting it in Band G. Because it's classed as an 'alternative fuel car', it costs £210 for the first year and £195 onward.
Older 1.6 PureTech 180 cars cost £190 per year. Because of the VED changes commencing April 1 2025, hybrids registered after 1 April 2017 will be subject to the standard £195 rate.
Citroen C5 X price
"Despite being fairly new, you can save cash on a Citroen C5 X by looking for a used example. We've seen dealers slashing four-figure sums off the list price on pre-registered cars, giving you a healthy saving and allowing you to skip the waiting list for a new model."
Starting with new models, the entry-level Plus is priced from £30,990. This rises to £32,290 for the Hybrid Automatic and £39,350 for the plug-in.
Max cars are priced from £33,330. Again, equipping the Hybrid Automatic increases this to £34,630, while the plug-in costs £41,690.
If a new car isn't of interest, there's plenty of choice in the used car market. Early 2022 and 2023 cars are priced from £14,460, with many having fewer than 40,000 miles.
If a near-new car piques your interest, 2024 PureTech 130 cars with 14,000 miles can be had for £22,500. Shine Plus plug-in hybrid cars cost around the same, with some having even lower mileage.
Trim levels and standard equipment
Opting for the previous entry-level Citroen C5 X Sense Plus got you 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, synthetic part-leather trim, front and rear parking sensors and a reversing camera. It also got dual-zone climate control, wireless smartphone mirroring, digital dials and a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with sat-nav.
Stepping up to Shine trim changed to a mix of synthetic and full leather and added satin chrome trim on the rear bumper. There was a heated steering wheel and ambient interior lighting. The infotainment screen was upgraded to 12in and included a heads-up display.
The C5 X Shine Plus topped the range, bringing extended privacy glass with acoustic laminated treatment, full leather upholstery, heated and electrically adjustable front seats, extended blindspot monitoring, an electric tailgate and a 360-degree around-view camera.
Now, there are just two trims: Plus and Max. Plus gets a lot to boot, including keyless entry and start, highway driver assist, rear parking sensors with Top Rear Vision and a touchscreen. Upgrading to Max brings a plusher 'Hype Black' Alcantara interior. Likewise, it has heated front seats, eight-way driver seat adjustment, acoustic insulated front windows, hands-free tailgate and a 360-degree camera.
Ask the heycar experts: common questions
How much is a Citroen C5 X?
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