Citroen C5 X

Citroën C5 X at a glance

Citroën counts the C5 X as the third generation of the C5 (internal code E43). It is built in China, and the first European cars were shipped from Shanghai to Zeebrugge in Belgium. Other Citroën models are listed in our Citroën catalogue.

One generation and its versions

Launch (2021-2022). Citroën presented the C5 X in April 2021, and Chengdu production began in June 2021. It went on sale in China in 2021 and in Germany in February 2022 with the PureTech 130, PureTech 180 and Hybrid 225.

Mild hybrid (2024). A 1.2-litre mild hybrid with a six-speed dual-clutch gearbox replaced the plain PureTech 130; ADAC lists it in Germany from April 2024 as the Hybrid 136, and from April 2025 in a 107 kW (145 PS) version, the Hybrid 145.

United Kingdom. Right-hand-drive production ended in May 2025, after Citroën stopped UK sales of the C5 X because of low demand.

Engines, transmissions and performance

The Hybrid 225 combines a 1.6-litre petrol engine with 132 kW (180 PS) and an 81 kW (110 PS) electric motor with 320 Nm. Its battery holds 12.4 kWh gross and 11.3 kWh net, enough for 55 km in the WLTP cycle (66 km in the WLTP city cycle), and it can run on electricity alone up to 135 km/h. The mild hybrid's 16 kW (21 PS) motor adds 51 Nm and is fed by a small battery of about 0.9 kWh; the mild hybrid is quoted with up to 15% lower fuel consumption than the PureTech 130. Our power converter switches between kW and PS.

Dimensions, space and boot

The boot of the non-plug-in versions is slightly larger than the 536 litres of the Peugeot 408. The plug-in hybrid gives up 60 litres of boot and 12 litres of fuel tank to its battery. To compare the size with your current car, try our size comparison tool.

Fuel economy and running costs

The plug-in hybrid's official figure only applies when it is charged often; with an empty battery it uses 6.4 l/100 km. Auto Express estimates UK residual values after three years or 36,000 miles at about 46.1% for the entry You! version and 42.4% for the top plug-in Hypnos.

Trims and prices

UK trims were called You!, Plus, Max and Hypnos. Prices are ADAC list prices for the cheapest version in each period.

Comfort and suspension

The C5 X is part of Citroën's Advanced Comfort programme. Each damper has two progressive hydraulic stops, one for each direction of travel, which soften the end of the suspension movement. Auto Express describes the ride as "cushioned, even floaty", with very good refinement, but criticises the soft brake feel and notes that the ride can still be caught out.

Safety

Euro NCAP tested the C5 X in 2022 and gave it four stars: 82% for adult occupants, 87% for children, 69% for vulnerable road users and 66% for safety assist. ANCAP adopted the rating for Australia with a higher safety-assist score of 84%. More results are in our safety section.

Reliability and known issues

The C5 X did not appear in Auto Express's 2024 Driver Power owner survey. Its sister model, the C5 Aircross, finished ninth, with owners marking it down for handling and styling rather than reliability. We have not found model-specific fault statistics for the C5 X itself.

Rivals

The Peugeot 408 is the C5 X's closest relative, on the same platform with the same engines. The Superb is longer and roomier and offers diesel and four-wheel drive, which the C5 X does not.

Photo gallery