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Citroën C5 X

Our unique Expert Rating Index combines scores from 35 of the top UK motoring websites to give you a definitive rating on every new car

Expert Rating

Citroën C5 X

(2022 - present)

    Summary


    Arriving in the UK in Spring 2022, the Citroën C5 X is a five-door liftback which sits somewhere between a conventional car and a crossover/SUV vehicle.

    The successor to the long-gone Citroën C5 and C6 large car models, the C5 X is only available with an eight-speed automatic gearbox. A selection of petrol engines are available, as is a range-topping plug-in hybrid model (PHEV) which uses the same technology as the Peugeot 508 PHEV saloon.

    Reviewers have been in disagreement over how to classify the C5 X, with some labelling it a crossover estate and others an SUV. Like an increasing number of new cars, it sits taller than a conventional saloon or estate but lower than a regular SUV, in much the same way as the smaller Citroën C4.

    The Citroën C5 X has received very consistent review scores from its international launch, with every review concluding that it is a very good addition to the Citroën range, and that it offers an interesting alternative to the crowded crossover market.

    “Whatever it is, it’s the best Citroën we’ve driven in years”, Heycar comments, highlighting the C5 X for its practical and refined interior. The Telegraph agrees, and adds that the C5 X’s combination of distinctive looks, generous equipment levels and long-distance comfort make the keenly-priced entry-level petrol model an attractive proposition.

    That said, many reviewers, including The Telegraph, state that the cheapest model is the best option. While journalists welcome the addition of a plug-in hybrid to the range, a majority of the reviews criticise this top-of-the-range model for its expensive price tag and its fairly average electric range of 34 miles. What Car? adds that it is not fond of the family car’s steering dynamics, explaining that the C5 X has “roly-poly handling”.

    While admitting that conventional PHEV rivals like the Skoda Octavia, Seat Leon and Peugeot 3008 offer a longer battery range, Car asserts that the C5 X is “a breath of fresh air – a calming, spacious and supremely comfortable vehicle”.

    As of October 2023, the Citroën C5 X holds an Expert Rating of 73%, based on 23 reviews published to date by the UK motoring media.

    C5 X highlights

    • Affordable entry-level pricing
    • Cabin refinement
    • Spacious interior
    • Distinctive exterior looks

    C5 X lowlights

    • SUV alternatives offer more boot space
    • Lethargic handling
    • Plug-in hybrid is expensive
    • Awkward automatic gearbox

    Key specifications


    Body style: Large five-door liftback
    Engines: petrol, plug-in hybrid
    Price: From £28,695 on-road

    Launched: Spring 2022
    Last updated: N/A
    Replacement due: TBA


    Media reviews


    Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

    Auto Express

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    Auto Trader

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    Autocar

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    Business Car

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    Car

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    Car Keys

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    Carbuyer

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    Carwow

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    Driving Electric

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    Electrifying.com

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    Heycar

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    Honest John

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    Parkers

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    The Sun

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    The Telegraph

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    Top Gear

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    What Car?

    +

    Which?

    +

    Safety rating


    Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

    Overall score: 4 stars
    Date tested: September 2022
    Read the full Euro NCAP review

    Adult protection: 82%
    Child protection: 87%
    Vulnerable road users: 69%
    Safety assist: 66%

    Eco rating


    No eco rating

    As of September 2023, the Citroën C5 X has not been lab tested by Green NCAP.

    Reliability rating

    MotorEasy logo 600x167

    As of September 2023, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Citroën C5 X to generate a reliability rating.

    The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusive from extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy. As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the C5 X, we’ll publish the score here.

    Running cost rating

    Clear Vehicle Data logo close crop

    Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

    CO₂ outputAverageScoreVariationScore
    Petrol models137 g/kmB136 – 148 g/kmB – B
    Plug-in hybrid models27 g/kmA27 – 30 g/kmA – A
    Battery rangeAverageScoreVariationScore
    Plug-in hybrid models34 milesE34 – 34 milesE – E
    Insurance groupAverageScoreVariationScore
    All models26B20 – 31A – C
    Service and maintenanceCostScore
    Year 1£203B
    Year 2£563B
    Year 3£909B
    Year 4£1,147B
    Year 5£1,551B
    Overall£4,373B

    The Citroën C5 X should be a relatively affordable car to own and run, according to whole-life cost data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our technical partner, Clear Vehicle Data.

    We don’t have independently verified fuel consumption data for the petrol and diesel models, but the CO2 levels (which are linked closely to fuel consumption) are good. The plug-in hybrid looks great on paper, but that’s due to the woeful EU/UK goverment lab tests that are completely useless at measuring a plug-in hybrid…

    The plug-in hybrid battery range looks woeful, but it’s fairly average for this sort of car. A fully electric car of similar size, by comparison, will usually have about 250-300 miles of range.

    Insurance costs are very good, as are servicing and maintenance over the first five years.

    Awards


    Trophies, prizes and awards that the Citroën C5 X has received

    2023

    • Company Car and Van Awards – Best Large Car

    2022

    Similar cars


    If you’re looking at the Citroën C5 X, you might also be interested in these alternatives

    Alfa Romeo Stelvio | Audi A5 Sportback | BMW 3 SeriesBMW X3 | BMW X4 | Citroën ë-C4 | DS 7 Crossback | Genesis G70 | Genesis GV70 | Jaguar F-Pace | Lexus NX | Mercedes-Benz GLC | Polestar 2 | Peugeot 408 | Skoda Octavia | Subaru LevorgVolkswagen Tiguan | Volvo V60 | Volvo XC60


    More news, reviews and information about the Citroën C5 X at The Car Expert

    Citroën C5 X review

    Citroën C5 X review

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    Best large cars of 2022

    Citroën ups electric range of C5 X and C5 Aircross

    Citroën ups electric range of C5 X and C5 Aircross

    New Citroën C5 X available to order

    New Citroën C5 X available to order

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    The Citroën C5 X is a liftback blending the practicality of an estate with the comfort of an SUV, but alternatives are better to drive.Citroën C5 X