Citroen
Citroën Presents New C5 Aircross Concept

Citroën Presents New C5 Aircross Concept

15 October 2024

Following the unveiling of New C3 Aircross last June, Citroën now introduces its C5 Aircross Concept, signalling its continued push into the SUV market. This concept previews Citroën’s next C-segment SUV, designed to meet customer demand for a practical, comfortable, and characterful family SUV.

Built on the Stellantis’ STLA Medium platform, C5 Aircross Concept is a multi-energy vehicle with a strong, aerodynamic design. Its streamlined shape reduces drag, featuring a lowered front, extended rear, and carefully sculptured surfaces. At 4.65m long, it offers generous interior space and emphasises Citroën’s new modern identity, promising a connected, comfortable driving experience for families.

A bold SUV reflecting Citroën's ambition

In a highly competitive and uniform SUV market, New C5 Aircross Concept stands out with its dynamic design and strong proportions. Its front end, featuring the new logo, combines strength with fluidity. Breaking from softer designs, C5 Aircross Concept adopts a solid and serious look, with a height of 1.66m and length of 4.65m (+15cm compared with the current C5 Aircross). The widened tracks and pronounced shoulders give it a confident road presence, while the spacious cabin emphasises its family-friendly nature. The clean, energetic design is sleek and purposeful, avoiding unnecessary distractions.

The vertical rear profile suggests ample cargo space, while a slight indentation on the front doors helps maintain overall balance and allows for vertical design consistency with Citroën’s latest silhouettes. This consistency is further highlighted by vertical colour clips on the front doors and bumper, serving as a signature nod to New C3 and C3 Aircross.

New light signature - A symbol of innovative design

At the front, the new three-point light signature, featured in the brand’s latest models, consists of slender segments that create a piercing gaze and enhance the car’s width. This design element conveys modernity, technology, and character. The fluid, muscular design of the wings and bonnet contrasts with the technical aspects of the grille and headlights.

At the rear, the elevated black strip on the boot enhances the car’s presence and width. The designers have reinterpreted the three-point light signature to fit the model, resulting in a striking architecture. Two light points extend from the body side moulding, appearing to float like fins. This unit, called Citroën Light Wings, not only adds to the design but also aids in managing aerodynamics by guiding airflow.

Citroën Presents New C5 Aircross Concept

Sculpted for efficiency

New C5 Aircross Concept features streamlined body styling, prioritising aerodynamics in its design. The challenge was to optimise efficiency within the architectural constraints typical of SUVs. Every detail contributed to this goal without compromising the vehicle’s identity or spacious interior, resulting in an estimated 18-mile increase in electric range on the motorway compared to the current C5 Aircross silhouette.

At the front, the design is fluid and uncluttered, with a slightly lower nose to enhance air penetration. The full, generous volumes maintain a balanced silhouette for optimal aerodynamic flow. Measuring 4.65m in length and 1.66m in height, New C5 Aircross features an extended rear overhang that aids airflow. The rear is designed specifically for improved aerodynamics, with a sloping roof and a curved upper cabin. Inspired by technology and electronic devices, the striated bi-tone elements on the rear quarter panel help direct airflow.

Citroën Light Wings, flush-mounted rear lights, demonstrate the focus on aerodynamics. By positioning the fins unconventionally, designers were able to enhance aerodynamic performance while maintaining space in the passenger compartment. The light features a hollowed section combined with protruding fins, generating a different aerodynamic support that is favourable to efficiency. Addressing drag is crucial, as it can hinder range. On New C5 Aircross Concept, the curved area near the rear bumper is designed so that, depending on speed, the flow that joins the vortices partly reverses the drag and creates thrust. The roof has also been hollowed out, and integrated flaps and air inlets further enhance aerodynamic performance.

For the first time, Citroën introduces the STLA Medium platform

Citroën’s European range is built on modern platforms tailored for various market segments. New C3 and C3 Aircross utilise the Smart Car platform, designed to meet European standards and equipped with advanced driving aids and connectivity that meet the expectations of customers in this segment. New C5 Aircross Concept marks Citroën’s first use of the STLA Medium platform, enabling a multi-energy vehicle (internal combustion, hybrid, and fully electric) that adapts to a diverse range of customer needs. This platform provides advanced driving aids, a modern infotainment interface, and flexibility in design. With a long wheelbase, New C5 Aircross Concept offers generous space for five passengers.

Even more comfort, connectivity and space on board

New C5 Aircross Concept showcases new proportions for Citroën’s upcoming C-segment SUV, along with undisclosed innovations inside. The interior is designed as a wellness area, resembling a lounge, allowing five occupants to relax and travel in comfort. More details will be revealed in 2025.

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