Sarah stared at the Citroën dealership price sheet, calculator in hand. Three years ago, she’d bought a diesel C5 Aircross for £28,000 – perfect for her family of four and easy on the budget. Now she wanted to go electric, but the numbers on the screen made her pause. The new Citroën C5 Aircross electric started at nearly £40,000.
“Is this still the same Citroën I know?” she wondered aloud. The salesman smiled knowingly. He’d been having this conversation all week.
Sarah’s dilemma captures exactly what’s happening to Citroën right now. The French brand built its reputation on affordable, quirky family cars that prioritized comfort over flashy tech. But their first serious electric SUV changes everything.
When Budget Brands Decide to Grow Up
The Citroën C5 Aircross electric represents a dramatic shift for a company that spent the last decade perfecting the art of “good enough.” Remember the C4 Cactus with its plastic side panels? Or the stripped-down C3 that prioritized low prices over luxury features?
Those days are officially over. The new electric C5 Aircross borrows heavily from Peugeot’s premium playbook, using the same STLA Medium platform as the latest Peugeot 3008. This isn’t just a battery swap – it’s a complete rethink of what Citroën wants to be.
Built on modern architecture designed specifically for electric vehicles, the C5 Aircross electric finally gives Citroën a proper long-range family SUV. But that sophistication comes at a price that might shock loyal customers.
“Citroën is betting that families want technology and range more than rock-bottom prices,” explains automotive analyst Marcus Chen. “The question is whether their traditional buyers will follow them upmarket.”
What You Actually Get for Your Money
The Citroën C5 Aircross electric arrives with two battery options and a feature list that would have seemed impossible on a Citroën just five years ago. Here’s what the numbers actually look like:
| Model | Battery Size | Range | Price (Est.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| C5 Aircross ë-C4X 58kWh | 58kWh | 260 miles | £35,000 |
| C5 Aircross ë-C4X 73kWh | 73kWh | 320 miles | £39,000 |
| High-spec versions | 73kWh | 320 miles | £42,000+ |
The equipment list includes features that were unthinkable on previous Citroën models:
- Advanced driver assistance systems borrowed from premium brands
- High-resolution infotainment with wireless connectivity
- Matrix LED headlights that adapt to traffic
- Progressive Hydraulic Cushions for that signature Citroën ride comfort
- Rapid charging capability up to 160kW
- Heat pump standard on higher trims for better winter range
The larger 73kWh battery option finally gives Citroën a credible long-distance electric SUV. At 320 miles of claimed range, families can actually plan road trips without constant charging anxiety.
“The range figures put it right in the sweet spot for family buyers,” notes EV specialist Dr. Rachel Thompson. “But Citroën is asking people to trust them with premium-level money for the first time in years.”
Who Wins and Who Loses in This Strategy Shift
The move upmarket creates clear winners and losers. Families with bigger budgets who want electric range without paying Audi or BMW prices might find exactly what they’re looking for. The C5 Aircross electric offers genuinely competitive range and features at a price point below traditional premium brands.
But Citroën risks alienating the budget-conscious buyers who made models like the C3 Aircross successful. These customers might find themselves pushed toward even cheaper Chinese alternatives or forced to consider used vehicles.
The shift also puts pressure on Citroën dealers, many of whom built their businesses around high-volume, low-margin sales. Selling fewer, more expensive vehicles requires different skills and different customer expectations.
Fleet buyers represent another challenge. Many commercial customers chose Citroën specifically for competitive lease rates. The higher prices of the electric C5 Aircross might push them toward rivals or delay their electric transition.
“Citroën is gambling that the market has room for a ‘premium affordable’ electric SUV,” explains industry consultant James Park. “But they’re entering territory where customers expect everything to work perfectly from day one.”
The Real Test Comes at the Charging Station
All the premium features and competitive pricing won’t matter if the real-world experience disappoints. Early reports suggest the C5 Aircross electric delivers on its promises, with actual range figures close to the official claims and charging speeds that work for family road trips.
The signature Citroën ride quality remains, thanks to those hydraulic cushions that smooth out road imperfections. This gives the electric SUV a distinctive character that might justify the higher prices for buyers who value comfort over sportiness.
But reliability and software stability will determine whether Citroën can convince customers to trust them with premium money. The brand’s recent track record on electronics and build quality has been mixed, and electric vehicles offer no hiding place for poor execution.
The charging infrastructure reality also matters more at this price point. Customers paying £40,000 expect their SUV to work seamlessly with public charging networks, something that hasn’t always been Citroën’s strength.
“The execution has to be flawless because customers will be comparing this directly with established premium electric SUVs,” warns automotive journalist Lisa Morrison. “Citroën can’t rely on charm and quirky design to excuse any shortcomings at this price level.”
FAQs
How much does the Citroën C5 Aircross electric cost?
Prices start around £35,000 for the smaller battery version, with top-spec models reaching £42,000 or more.
What’s the real-world range of the C5 Aircross electric?
The larger 73kWh battery provides up to 320 miles of claimed range, with real-world figures typically around 280-300 miles in mixed driving.
Is the electric C5 Aircross still comfortable like traditional Citroën cars?
Yes, it retains Citroën’s Progressive Hydraulic Cushions suspension system for that characteristic smooth, floating ride quality.
How fast does the C5 Aircross electric charge?
It supports rapid charging up to 160kW, allowing 20-80% charging in around 30 minutes at compatible public chargers.
Should I wait for prices to come down?
Electric vehicle prices are generally stabilizing, but Citroën is unlikely to reduce prices significantly given their strategy to move upmarket.
How does it compare to rivals like the Kia EV6 or Hyundai Ioniq 5?
The C5 Aircross electric prioritizes comfort and family practicality over sporty performance, making it a different proposition despite similar pricing.
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