Citroen C5 Aircross 2022: handsome update of niche midsize SUV expected to arrive later this year

An extensively facelifted C5 Aircross has been revealed in Europe featuring a classy new look and expanded plug-in hybrid availability

The Citroen C5 Aircross has been redesigned for 2022 with a more high-tech exterior and a more upmarket interior, and is currently under consideration for Australia.

“We can confirm local evaluation is underway for the 2022 C5 Aircross. We hope to have further information to share with you in the coming months,” a Citroen Australia spokesperson told Chasing Cars.

It is expected that the facelifted model will make its way to Australia sometime in 2022, however official timing and its powertrain line-up are yet to be confirmed.

Citroen C5 Aircross 2022 countryside — The Citroen C5 Aircross has been significantly enhanced on the exterior for 2022

So what’s new for C5 Aircross in 2022?

Extensive work has been done to redesign the exterior of the car, which adopts the French brand’s new design language and appears larger and more imposing than before, according to Citroen.

A new-generation double-chevron logo adorns the C5 Aircross, blending with striking new V-shaped ‘piano key’ LED daytime running lights. Below this more upright visage sits a restyled air intake that improves aerodynamics and cooling, and is finished in either gloss black or gloss aluminium.

At the rear, restructured tail-light lenses mirror the same three-dimensional LED lighting signature as the head-lights, while the sides of the facelifted C5 Aircross are now more “muscular” with 360-degree protections including Citroen’s Airbump technology, flared wheel arches and distinctive roof bars. New-design 18-inch diamond-cut ‘Pulsar’ alloy wheels also debut.

Citroen C5 Aircross 2022 on road — Australian models are currently turbo-petrol powered only and not offered as a PHEV

Inside the C5 Aircross, the centre stack has been completely revamped with a vast new 10-inch touchscreen, horizontal air vents and all-new switchgear, as well as a flush new centre console with gearshift toggle, wireless charging and repositioned cupholders.

The driver gets a customisable 12.3-inch digital display that can show navigation, active-safety and hybrid powertrain details.

The 2022 C5 Aircross also debuts Citroen’s latest-generation ‘Advanced Comfort’ seats (as per C4 and C5 X) that now offer an additional 15mm layer of foam, and can be installed with either heating or massage functions. Fabric material is standard on entry-level variants, however Alcantara and leather are part of the higher-grade specification.

Citroen C5 Aircross 2022 infotainment — Large 10-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch driver display are true highlights of the interior

What powers the C5 Aircross for 2022?

The C5 Aircross powertrains remain unchanged for 2022, though availability of the plug-in hybrid version has expanded to mid-grade models in Europe.

For Australia, the current engine choice is a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder that produces 121kW of power and 240Nm of torque, and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. But there’s a chance our facelifted model may receive the slightly more powerful 133kW/250Nm engine tune, complete with eight-speed auto and an idle-stop system, as per the Peugeot 3008 GT Sport.

Citroen C5 Aircross 2022 front seats — Seats can be upholstered in fabric, Alcantara and leather depending on which spec is purchased

In the C5 Aircross, this flagship turbo-petrol powertrain is good for 0-100km/h in 8.2 seconds, a top speed of 219km/h and 5.7L/100km on the combined fuel cycle.

It is not yet confirmed whether Australia will see the plug-in hybrid drivetrain offered in Europe. Combining the 133kW 1.6 turbo with an 80kW electric motor, the plug-in C5 Aircross offers up to 55km of electric-only range according to WLTP measurements.