All-New Citroen eC5 Aircross Review

The All-New Citroën ë-C5 Aircross: A Big Step Forward for Citroën’s Electric SUV

Citroën has introduced the all-new battery-electric version of the C5 Aircross – now called the Citroën ë-C5 Aircross – and it marks a major leap forward for the brand. This model is cleaner, more efficient, far more modern inside, and significantly more competitive in the booming family EV market.

Two Battery Choices and Serious Range

One of the headline updates is the battery lineup. The ë-C5 Aircross is available with two options:

• 73 kWh Standard Battery
  Up to 322 miles WLTP, with 160 kW DC charging. A 20–80 percent top-up takes roughly thirty minutes.

• 97 kWh Long-Range Battery
  Just over 420 miles WLTP, also charging at 160 kW. (The long-range version is coming to the UK in 2026)

These figures place the ë-C5 Aircross among the longest-range mainstream electric SUVs on sale, and the consistent charging speeds across both packs are welcome news.

The new c5 Aircross design has more attitude and sharper lines than its predecessor

Three Well-Specced Trim Levels

Citroën keeps things simple with You, Plus, and Max trims:

• You
  18-inch alloys, comfort seats, adaptive cruise, keyless entry and start.

• Plus
  19-inch alloys, privacy glass, part-leather interior, 180-degree camera.

• Max
  Adds more tech and is the only trim with a heat pump, an important feature for winter efficiency.

Pricing That Underlines Citroën’s Strategy

• ë-C5 Aircross 73 kWh (You): £32,500

• ë-C5 Aircross 73 kWh (Max): £37,845

• ë-C5 Aircross 97 kWh Long-Range: Just over £38,000

the e-C5 Aircross seems well-priced compared to a number of its key rivals

For comparison, the Hybrid 145 version costs £37,775. That means the full EV is only around £2,000–£2,500 more than the regular hybrid – a strong value case for going electric.

Every version also offers an optional eight-year service and warranty package.

Sharper, More Efficient Exterior Design

The previous C5 Aircross was practical and friendly-looking, but not exactly distinctive. This new model feels fresher and more dynamic, and many styling decisions improve efficiency.

According to Citroën, the new side profile line alone adds 15 miles of range. The front gets matrix LED headlights, and the rear lights now follow a cleaner, more modern design.

Boot Space and Practicality Remain Best-in-Class

The ë-C5 Aircross has long been known for its practicality, and this version continues that theme:

• 651 litres of boot space with the seats up

• Nearly 2,000 litres with them folded

• Adjustable boot floor with extensive hidden storage

There is no frunk, which feels like a missed opportunity, but total luggage space remains excellent and unchanged from the hybrid versions.

A Major Interior Upgrade

Inside, the ë-C5 Aircross feels significantly more upmarket:

• New “sofa fabric” dashboard and door trims

• 20% of the door bins made from recycled grape vine stems

• A modern squared-off steering wheel

• 10-inch driver display with crisp graphics

• Largest-ever Citroën infotainment system with CarPlay, Android Auto, nav, and physical shortcut buttons

Storage has also been improved, with clever use of space around the centre console, multiple USB-C ports, and a generous central armrest.

Overall, the interior now feels like it has moved into the current era. It’s leagues ahead of the older model, which could feel drab and plasticky in places.

More Tech, Better Usability

Depending on trim, you can expect:

• Semi-autonomous driver assistance features

• Up to 360-degree cameras

• A redesigned ADAS suite

• A dedicated battery preconditioning button on the home screen

That last feature is a rarity in this segment and makes a big difference to real-world fast-charging performance.

Rear Seating: One Big Change

The biggest talking point is Citroën’s decision to drop the iconic three individual rear seats from the outgoing model. They now use a standard bench, citing customer feedback that the middle seat was rarely used.

The upside is larger, more supportive outer seats with:

• Memory-foam padding

• Excellent legroom

• Superb headroom

• USB-C ports

• A large padded armrest

The downside is the loss of flexibility for families with multiple child seats. ISOFIX is now limited to the outer positions.

On the Road: Comfort Above All

Citroën has always prioritised comfort, and the ë-C5 Aircross continues that tradition. The hydraulic suspension provides:

• A soft, floaty ride

• Excellent bump absorption

• Low cabin noise

• Relaxed, easy long-distance driving

It is not designed for sharp, sporty handling – and doesn’t pretend to be. Instead, it focuses on family comfort, stability and stress-free driving, and it delivers exactly that.

The ADAS systems are also well tuned, providing warnings without being intrusive.

A True Evolution of the C5 Aircross Formula

The new ë-C5 Aircross successfully updates everything that mattered:

• More space

• More comfort

• Better tech

• Longer range

• Stronger value

• Sharper design

If there is one drawback, it is the removal of the three rear seats and the heat pump being exclusive to the Max trim. Even so, this is a compelling electric family SUV that feels more mature, more refined, and far better aligned with what buyers now expect in 2025.

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