New Citroën C5 Aircross SUV: the ultra-modular, ultra-comfortable new generation SUV

May 24, 2018

Citroën has revealed the European version of its flagship New C5 Aircross SUV as the brand continues its international SUV offensive. The new-generation SUV has a unique and assertive personality, and features an all-new personalisation offering with 30 exterior colour combinations. New C5 Aircross SUV is the most comfortable model in its segment, thanks to the Citroën Advanced Comfort® programme, Progressive Hydraulic Cushions® suspension and Advanced Comfort seats.  New C5 Aircross SUV also boasts unrivalled modularity with three individual sliding, folding and reclining rear seats, and best-in-class boot space. The modern and high-tech New C5 Aircross is equipped with 20 driver assistance systems (incl. Highway Driver Assist and Grip Control®) and six connectivity technologies (incl. Wireless Smartphone Charging). New C5 Aircross will launch in Europe at the end of 2018 and will be the first Citroën with a plug-in hybrid powertrain at the end of 2019.

Inspired by customers who do not want to sacrifice practicality and comfort, Citroën is actively moving into the C-SUV segment – a growing market sector in Europe, and one that already accounts for a quarter of car sales worldwide.

Following the resounding sales success of New C3 Aircross in the B-SUV segment, which has already sold more than 80,000 units since its launch late last year, Citroën is continuing its SUV offensive with the European reveal of New C5 Aircross.  New C5 Aircross has already sold over 40,000 units in China.

From today, Citroën is proud to offer a completely new experience in terms of in-car comfort and modularity in the mid-size C-SUV segment with New C5 Aircross. The changing needs of customers directly inspired this latest addition to the SUV range, further reiterating the importance of Citroën’s brand signature – “Inspired By You”.

NEW C5 AIRCROSS SUV: A UNIQUE PERSONALITY IN THE SEGMENT

New C5 Aircross SUV stands apart through its energetic and assertive personality. Measuring 4.50m long, the new model is robust, muscular and powerful. Its flowing shape is punctuated with strong graphic touches such as the Airbump® panels, large 720mm-diameter wheels, a ground clearance of 230mm and distinctive roof bars. The cabin gives an immediate impression of protection and space, with a large horizontal dashboard, enveloping seats, a road-dominating ride height, as well as a wide central console and the use of warm materials. Like all of the latest Citroën models, New C5 Aircross has a broad range of personalisation features. A possible 30 different exterior colour combinations are available, with seven body colours, a black two-tone roof option and three Colour Packs – including coloured inserts on the front bumper, the Airbump® panels on the lower part of the front doors, and on the roof bars. It also comes with five interior ambiances with matching colours and materials, offering clarity and warmth in a trendy and premium ‘casual chic’ style.

NEW C5 AIRCROSS SUV: THE MOST COMFORTABLE AND MODULAR SUV IN ITS SEGMENT

New C5 Aircross SUV excels through its comfort and spacious interior thanks to the Citroën Advanced Comfort®programme. It features two major innovations: Citroën’s new suspension with Progressive Hydraulic Cushions® and Advanced Comfort seats with their unrivalled ability to offer peerless ride comfort, the result being an outstanding experience for all passengers. New C5 Aircross SUV delivers unique modularity in the segment derived from Citroën’s know-how in the world of MPVs, with three individual, sliding, folding and reclining rear seats and best-in-class boot volume of 580-litres to 720-litres (depending on second row seat position).

NEW C5 AIRCROSS SUV: THE NEXT-GENERATION, MODERN AND HIGH-TECH SUV

New C5 Aircross SUV features a 12.3-inch Thin Film Transistor (TFT) digital instrument cluster and an 8-inch touchscreen, plus 20 latest-generation driver assistance technologies. These include Highway Driver Assist, a level-two autonomous driving system, as well as six advanced connectivity technologies. The new, ultra-connected model can be equipped with Wireless Smartphone Charging and ConnectedCAM Citroën™. Powered by efficient and high-performance petrol and diesel engines ranging from 130hp to 180hp and the Citroën brand’s new EAT8 automatic gearbox, New C5 Aircross will be the first Citroën available with plug-in hybrid (PHEV) technology at the end of 2019.

Set for launch in Europe at the end of 2018, New C5 Aircross SUV will be produced in France at the Rennes-La Janais plant.

“I am very proud to present today New C5 Aircross SUV, produced in the French plant of Rennes and intended to be sold in 92 countries around the world. A next generation SUV that complements the recently renewed Citroën range and addresses the crucial SUV segment with all the identity of the brand: design, comfort, modularity. New C5 Aircross SUV is Citroën’s new flagship and a key lever for the international growth of the brand.”
Linda Jackson, Citroën CEO

01 – A UNIQUE PERSONALITY IN THE SEGMENT

A BOLD AND EXPRESSIVE IDENTITY

The styling of New C5 Aircross SUV renews and refreshes established segment cues through its powerful and strong attitude, and its colourful personalisation offering, which has become a true signature of the brand. It is immediately recognisable as an SUV in terms of its design and dimensions, measuring 4.50m long, 1.84m wide and 1.67m high, with a ground clearance of 230mm. It is available with a range of 17-inch, 18-inch and 19-inch wheels.

The broad and imposing front end is classic Citroën with a two-tier full-LED light signature and an assertively designed grille. The upper light units, which comprise the daytime running lights and indicators, extend out from the iconic chevrons that stretch across the entire width of the vehicle. The lights at the top are paired perfectly with the lower lighting units. Together they give New C5 Aircross a modern and expressive look. The long and high bonnet is distinctively styled, underscoring the robustness and durability of the SUV, while the width of the car is emphasised by the stylish side vents. Coloured inserts bring the front end to life and underline the vehicle’s unique character, similar to the recent Citroën C3, New C3 Aircross, New C4 Cactus and New Berlingo. These powerful graphic elements are distinctive markers of the new Citroën range.

The new model is topped by a floating roof, with the glazed area wrapping 360° around the vehicle, thanks to gloss black A and B pillars and gloss black quarter-lights. The uninterrupted glass surface is emphasised by the chrome ‘C’ signature on each side of the car, reflecting the spacious interior. The stylish two-tone roof bars lend a touch of refinement and purity to the floating roof. The body features wheel arches and lower body panels with a classic SUV look, highlighted by the graphic shapes of the Airbump® panels with coloured inserts for extra modernity and personality.

The raised rear lights, with four 3D LED modules on each side of the vehicle, create a graphic and high-tech light signature. The vents in the rear bumper and the spoiler on the tailgate emphasise the aerodynamics of the body design. The rear bumper is enhanced with two chrome tail pipes, one on either side, delivering the feeling of extra power, status and prestige.

A CABIN INSPIRING A SENSE OF PROTECTION AND WELL-BEING

New C5 Aircross SUV’s cabin immediately suggests comfort with a high-set driving position for a commanding view of the road. This is a spacious and prestigious environment where occupants feel protected, which is consistent with the exterior styling. The feeling of space and refinement is reinforced by the horizontal design themes in the cabin. The dashboard features a thermocoated strip that extends across the entire width of the car. A coloured strip on the upper part of the seats adds a further touch of prestige and differentiation. The high-end interior of New C5 Aircross combines style, visual quality and a relaxed atmosphere.

The generous dashboard is punctuated by double air vents highlighting the SUV’s muscular aspect. On the driver’s side, the instrument panel features a 12.3-inch customisable TFT digital screen with three different graphic styles. The selected driving information is located directly within the driver’s field of vision, improving comfort and safety. The steering wheel with built-in controls features a thick rim and a flat base together with a gloss black and satin chrome finish. A two-tone full-grain leather steering wheel is available on some versions. In the centre, the air vents and       8-inch touchscreen form a unique and integrated unit, further underlining the robustness and modernity of the dashboard. Showcased by touches of chrome and lacquered black trim, the air vents promise faultless thermal comfort and stand as a true signature of Citroën’s flagship SUV.

The broad and high central console, which is essential in the SUV segment, is finished with soft materials. Comfortable both visually and to the touch, the wide central armrest has a butterfly opening into a large cooled storage space. There are also backlit cup holders and a designated area for smartphone charging.

New C5 Aircross SUV is available with a broad choice of interior trims, ranging from cloth to Nappa leather, for a personalised ambiance according to the casual or refined tastes of the customer. The upholstery on the Advanced Comfort seats places the emphasis on a soft and warm appearance for enhanced comfort and well-being. The designers took their inspiration from the worlds of travel and luggage, which is reflected in New C5 Aircross through the door handles and the strap on the dashboard insert on the passenger side.

AN ULTRA-CUSTOMISABLE SUV: 30 EXTERIOR COLOUR COMBINATIONS AND FIVE INTERIOR AMBIANCES

Like New C3 Aircross, New C4 Cactus and New Berlingo, New C5 Aircross SUV is strong on personalisation with a total of 30 exterior colour combinations, enabling customers to create a car in their own image:

The interior can be personalised with five warm and elegant ambiances selected specifically for European customers:

“We brought all the identity of Citroën design into the field of SUVs to shape New C5 Aircross SUV with an asserted design to enable it to seduce customers in every market around the world. New C5 Aircross SUV stands out through its attitude, full of strength and its unique and modern shape. Besides all the features of SUVs, it carries the Citroën design touch, such as the central console – a strong expectation in the segment – designed in a broad and horizontal way.” 
Alexandre Malval, Head of Citroën Design

02 – THE MOST COMFORTABLE AND MODULAR SUV IN ITS SEGMENT

Present at each design stage, the Citroën Advanced Comfort® programme underlines the meticulous attention paid to passenger well-being, and underscores the practical and generous character of New C5 Aircross SUV. Capitalising on the PSA Group’s efficient, lightweight and high-tech EMP2 modular platform, New C5 Aircross SUV boasts outstanding comfort and driving pleasure, and adds several exclusive Citroën features, such as the suspension system with Progressive Hydraulic Cushions® and Advanced Comfort seats – two innovations for comfort originally launched in Europe on New C4 Cactus.

SUSPENSION WITH PROGRESSIVE HYDRAULIC CUSHIONS® FOR A MAGIC CARPET RIDE

All versions of New C5 Aircross SUV in Europe are equipped with Citroën’s Progressive Hydraulic Cushions® suspension, delivering peerless comfort and a ‘magic carpet ride’ effect for extra comfort, dynamism and driving pleasure.

The Progressive Hydraulic Cushions® suspension – a Citroën innovation that will feature widely across the range in the future – marks the culmination of Citroën’s expertise in terms of ride comfort. For nearly 100 years, suspension comfort has been a fundamental part of the brand’s DNA. Over the years, our customers have grown attached to Citroën comfort, which is unique in the market. The technology used on New C5 Aircross SUV is derived from Citroën’s experience in motor sport. By providing improved ground clearance, the hydraulic cushions absorb impacts better, particularly after jumps. Introduced, tested and proven in cross-country rallying on the ZX models that triumphed in the 1994 Paris-Dakar, the system is now used on the C3 WRC. It ensures efficiency by guaranteeing the stability and robustness of the vehicles. Drawing on its expertise and the know-how of its engineers, Citroën developed the new suspension system to enhance ride comfort in a way that is typical of Citroën and loved by its customers.

Around 20 patents were filed in the development of the new suspension system. The way it works is quite simple. While conventional suspension systems have shock absorbers, springs and mechanical stops, the Progressive Hydraulic Cushions®system adds two hydraulic stops, one for compression the other for decompression. The suspension therefore works in two stages to match the surface of the road:

ADVANCED COMFORT SEATS FOR OPTIMUM COMFORT

The broad and welcoming seats on New C5 Aircross SUV bring passengers an all-new ride experience with outstanding comfort. High-set for a commanding view of the road, the seats provide premium comfort and support, giving passengers the impression of sitting in an armchair that is insulated from the road. The seats are available in Advanced Comfort upholstery with the optional themes (Wild Grey, Metropolitan Beige, Metropolitan Grey and Hype Brown) offering the impression of even greater overall comfort:

For additional well-being, and to reinforce the ‘cocoon’ impression even in the most stressful circumstances, the front seats can be fitted with a heating and a multipoint massaging system.
Using eight pneumatic pockets located in the seat back, the driver and front passenger can select one of five programmes combining lumbar, back and shoulder massages.

THE MOST MODULAR SUV WITH THE LARGEST BOOT IN ITS SEGMENT

One specific feature that differs from the Chinese version, New C5 Aircross SUV features three individual, sliding, folding and reclining rear seats, making it the most modular SUV in the segment. In addition to their comfort, advanced design and special foam, the rear seats offer numerous advantages:

With a volume of 580-litres to 720-litres under the luggage shelf (with the second row seats in place), and up to 1,630-litres with the second row seats folded down, New C5 Aircross SUV has the largest boot in the segment. The boot’s broad opening (1,017mm) and cubic shape (length 999mm and up to 1,907mm with the rear seats folded down; height under luggage shelf of 583mm) makes it easy to load the bulkiest items. For even easier boot access, New C5 Aircross is equipped with a hands-free tailgate, which operates electronically when the driver waves their foot under the rear bumper.

Another essential component in travelling comfort is storage space. New C5 Aircross SUV boasts ingenious and functional storage compartments for a variety of uses. The central console armrest is home to a capacious storage space large enough for a 1.5-litre bottle, and the large area at the front of the central console is for the wireless charging of large smartphones.

CABIN CUSHIONED FROM EXTERNAL NOISE AND POLLUTION

New C5 Aircross SUV features advanced soundproofing with reduced road and wind noise thanks to double laminated front windows with an insulated layer, bringing passengers exceptional, cocoon-like comfort. Particular attention was paid to the soundproofing in the engine compartment.

New C5 Aircross SUV is also equipped with an exceptional cabin Air Quality System (AQS). The automatic air conditioning comes with a high-yield active carbon filter that captures particles and efficiently purifies the air to protect passengers from external pollution. Equipped with a sensor that detects external air pollution, the AQS automatically adjusts the circulation setting inside the cabin.

LIGHT-BATHED CABIN

In addition to the 360° large glazed area around the car, New C5 Aircross SUV has a panoramic opening sunroof measuring an impressive 1,120mm by 840mm. The cabin is bathed in light, offering a feeling of well-being with the roof open or closed, making each journey a new and unique experience. Complete with an anti-pinch function, the electrically operated sunroof lets the occupants open the roof or adjust the blind to modify the level of brightness inside the cabin.

“Citroën strengthens its international product offensive with the New C5 Aircross, a New Generation SUV at the heart of Citroën’s identity: bold Design, benchmark Comfort (Progressive Hydraulic Cushions and Advanced Comfort seats), and unique Modularity (3 individual rear seats and best-in-class boot volume).
Xavier Peugeot, Head of Citroën Product

03 THE NEXT-GENERATION, MODERN AND HIGH-TECH SUV

20 LATEST-GENERATION DRIVER ASSISTANCE TECHNOLOGIES

New C5 Aircross SUV comes with a broad range of the very latest driver assistance systems, with 20 technologies for on-road safety, on-board comfort and simplified driving, regardless of exterior conditions.

Technologies for improving on-road safety: a major step towards autonomous driving

Equipped with a camera on the upper part of the windscreen and a radar sensor built into the front bumper, New C5 Aircross SUV features a wealth of driver assistance technologies bringing motorists ever closer to autonomous driving.

Technologies for enhancing in-car comfort

 Technologies for simplifying everyday driving regardless of conditions

SIX CONNECTIVITY TECHNOLOGIES FOR CONTINUITY BETWEEN THE CUSTOMER’S DIGITAL WORLD AND THEIR CAR

New C5 Aircross brings passengers the latest intuitive systems to ensure continuity between their digital world and their car, and enables them to stay connected, talk, navigate or simply relax.

POWERFUL AND EFFICIENT ENGINES FOR EXTRA DRIVING PLEASURE

New C5 Aircross SUV is available with a range of high-performance latest-generation Euro 6.2 engines, ideal for day-to-day driving as well as holidays and weekend getaways. They are equipped with a 6-speed manual gearbox or the 8-speed EAT8 automatic gearbox, for optimum driving pleasure and remarkable efficiency:

Towards the end of 2019, New C5 Aircross SUV will become the first Citroën equipped with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) drivetrain, with low CO2 emissions and a range of 37 miles (60 km) in ZEV mode.

NEW EAT8 AUTOMATIC GEARBOX FOR MORE EFFICIENCY AND DRIVING PLEASURE

New C5 Aircross SUV boasts the most recent version of Citroën’s 8-speed EAT8 automatic gearbox (‘Efficient Automatic Transmission’) with Shift and Park by Wire control, designed and developed by the Japanese specialist, Aisin. In everyday use, the flexible torque converter provides true driving comfort when pulling away and parking.

The EAT8 gearbox brings drivers even more efficiency and pleasure, notably with:

The new automatic and electrical gearbox control, Shift and Park by Wire, is easy to use, intuitive and ergonomic. Drivers shift gears manually using the steering wheel paddles without losing the automatic function. In terms of safety, the Park function engages automatically when the engine is turned off.

KEY POINTS: NEW C5 AIRCROSS SUV

TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Length: 4.50m
Width: 1.84m
Height: 1.67m (with roof bars)
Wheelbase: 2.73m
Ground clearance: 230mm
Boot capacity: 580 to 720-litres (up to 1,630-l with seats folded down)

 

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