Citroen C5 X 2021: suave raised-wagon could come to Australia

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Citroen has unveiled the 2021 C5 X which offers a unique blend between a sedan, wagon and a traditional SUV form-factor, with the new model under consideration for Australia.

The C5 X is available with both a plug-in hybrid or petrol-powered drivetrains and serves as Citroen’s new range-topper, though prices have not yet been released.

Fittingly, the Citroen is positioned as a more upmarket alternative to raised wagons such as the popular Subaru Outback but is still likely cheaper than the Audi A6 Allroad.

Driving this claim is the sleek outward appearance that features a sharp headlight and split taillight design that debuted on the C4 small car, with a long front bonnet and rear spoiler at the bottom of the window line.

With huge 19-inch wheels and decent but unspecified ground clearance, the C5 X retains a similar high driving position to the more traditional C5 Aircross midsize SUV with what is likely a more dynamic driving experience due to the lower centre of gravity.

While the sloped rear end has no doubt compromised the 535-litre space in the rear it’s hardly a small boot and has the potential to expand to 1,640-litres with the rear seats down to create a completely flat floor for all those pesky Ikea flatpacks. 

However, the inside of the C5 X is where the raised-wagon perhaps shines the brightest with a minimalist interior with a 12-inch touchscreen in the centre with Citroen opting to keep physical buttons for the climate control, unlike Volkswagen who often increasingly places the controls in an all-encompassing screen. 

Dotted around the cabin are four USB C sockets and a wireless charger to keep your phone topped up that is matched with wireless smartphone connectivity.

Along with a digital driver’s display, Citroen has worked to make the heads-up display more useful with speed, navigation and calls all routed through the projected screen to reduce the chance of distraction.

While Citroen has yet to detail the petrol engine, it has confirmed it will offer a plug-in hybrid with the ability to provide up to 50km of electric-only range at speeds of up to 135km/h.

The Citroen is likely to be a good car to drive, with what is believed to be the highly-praised EMP2 platform underpinning the car and active suspension in the plug-in hybrid model, the C5 X will be comfortable and capable when you need it.

With the C5 X sitting at the top of the range, Citroen has placed a strong focus on driver assistance technology and achieves the fairly common level two autonomous driving standard with the addition of stop and go adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist.

In addition, drivers will appreciate the long-range blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and a 360-degree camera for navigating tight carparks.

At the time of writing the Citroen C5 X is still under consideration for Australia but we will keep you updated with any local or internal developments.