The first Citroen C5 Aircross built its reputation for comfort over the six years it was on sale, thanks to its Progressive Hydraulic Cushions and Advanced Comfort Seats, and its efficient engines made it a mile-muncher attractive to fleets.

Well, the second-generation Citroen C5 Aircross seems to be more of the same – with extra polish. To find out, Corporate Car spent some time with the new all-electric E-C5 Aircross in range-topping Max trim, priced from £36,855.

Modern and assertive design

At the launch last year, we were told the new C5 Aircross welcomes a new, bolder chapter in Citroen design – and even in the optional Eclipse Blue (£645) of our test car, it stands out against its SUV rivals.

From the front, there are new versions of Citroen’s three-point LED light signature and grille. These work well with the streamlined front bumper.

The cut-out on the front door, plus the unusual horizon line that noticeably slopes down heavily around the rear quarters, are the new C5 Aircross’s identifying features at the side. Both these design details perfectly showcase the distinctive rear light clusters, which stick out from the car and, Citroen tells us, add 15 miles to the range. Then there’s the roofline, which heavily curves behind the rear seats to increase headroom.

It all adds up to a more masculine and assertive look than we’ve seen from the double-chevron brand before, but doesn’t forget the quirkiness found in iconic models from the past.

Interior inspired by furniture design

Just like the exterior, the interior of the E-C5 Aircross is a big change over any other Citroen model. Most obvious is the 13in ‘waterfall’ touchscreen in the centre of the dashboard, which features customisable and fixed sections. There is another, smaller 10in fully digital driver display that’s customisable, putting essential information directly in the driver’s line of sight, and if that’s not enough our test car had the welcome extended head-up display, projecting key information on the windscreen.

Apart from the tech, the other interior highlight of the C5 Aircross’s cabin has to be the latest Citroen Advanced Comfort seats. They combine plush, high-density foam with wider cushions, plus on top of being heated, our ‘Max’ trim car also included ventilation and massage functions. Elsewhere, Citroen claims the interior layout is inspired by home furniture design, but we found the seats, driving position and calming atmosphere, along with refined ride, particularly welcome on an early airport run with this car.

This C5 Aircross is the first Citroen to be built on Stellantis’s STLA-medium platform, the same as the Peugeot 3008 and 5008, plus the Vauxhall Grandland and Jeep Compass. The extra room is most noticeable in the back, and thankfully there was no optionally fitted sunroof that reduces headroom. The fact the Citroen’s rear seats recline helps, though, and there’s a cavernous 651-litre boot, one of the biggest in class.

So in general, the E-C5 Aircross’s interior works well and looks great. However, that ‘waterfall’ screen, in use, actually isn’t that big, and connectivity issues soon saw us using Apple CarPlay instead. Plus, the hard plastics on the tops of the doors and dashboard highlight the fact that this is still a mainstream model.

First electric C5 Aircross

Being built on the STLA platform, on top of the extra space and driving aids, gives Stellantis the opportunity to offer a fully electric version. We’re still waiting for Long Range battery versions of the E-C5 Aircross, with 231 hp and 435 miles of range. Instead, just the Comfort Range battery here, which has 210 hp and a 230 mile range. This is alongside upgraded 145hp hybrid and 210hp plug-in hybrid versions.

It might have well over 200 hp, but the Comfort Range version of the E-C5 Aircross hardly feels quick off the mark, even in ‘Sport’ mode, but then again, it sits well with Citroen’s focus on comfort, and speed builds quickly.

On the move, the standout feature of the E-C5 Aircross, as expected, is the way it rides. This car’s Progressive Hydraulic Cushions always impressed on the old car, but it feels like Citroen’s engineers have added extra polish to the second-generation version, and in our opinion it particularly suits the EV drivetrain.

Over 400 miles, across a mixture of roads, again highlighted how comfortable, well-judged, and luxurious in feel this Citroen’s ride is. Even with the optional 20in alloys that were fitted to our test car. This has to be one of the best EV choices for fleet drivers covering big motorway mileage. However, there’s more body roll in corners than rivals, and the steering isn’t as sharp as expected, but there’s plenty of grip and it’s a tidy drive.

Our only concern is the range, as even in the heat of summer, this Citroen felt more like a 200-mile car, seeming to drop that 30 miles in the first 5! It was plenty for us, but how would the ë-C5 deal with colder winter weather? Still, when it comes to charging, it can be AC charged at up to 11 kW, and DC rapid charged at up to 160 kW, meaning a 10-80% charge in around 30 minutes is possible.

Range issues aside, this is the pick of Stellantis’s medium EV SUVs, and the best Citroen currently available, thanks to being a great all-rounder with impressive comfort and composure.

Positive: Unusual styling, luxury car ride and refinement, well-equipped, competitively priced.
Negative: Range concerns, comfortable rather than fun to drive, hard interior plastics spoil the interior.

Standard equipment: 18in alloy wheels, LED headlights with High Beam Assist,13in touchscreen with 3D navigation, wireless smartphone charger, adaptive cruise control, Urban Grey interior with Sofa fabric.

Citroen E-C5 Aircross 73kWh Comfort Range Max

P11D: £39,280

Range: 230 miles

CO2 (BIK %): 0g/km (3%) 

BIK 20/40% a month: £26/£52

Luggage capacity: 651litres

Battery size/power: 73kWh/210hp