The Citroën C5 Aircross gains access to PSA’s plug-in hybrid powertrain. Unfortunately, we’re not talking about the 300 PS Hybrid4 system with e-AWD but the 225 PS Hybrid powertrain with front-wheel drive. Still, that’s enough to qualify it as Citroën’s first-ever plug-in hybrid model and the one to kickstart the brand’s electric offensive.

As with the Peugeot plug-in hybrids, the Citroën C5 Aircross Hybrid combines a 1.6-liter PureTech turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine rated at 180 PS with an 80-kW (108 PS) electric motor for a combined output of 225 PS and an instantly available torque of 320 Nm.


The drivetrain also includes an electrified ë-EAT8 eight-speed automatic transmission linked to the 80 kW electric motor on the front axle and an 13.2-kWh battery. This is where the C5 Aircross Hybrid differs from the Peugeot 508 Hybrid which has an 11.8-kWh battery. Placed under the rear seats, the pack enables the C5 Aircross Hybrid to cover 50 km in all-electric mode as per WLTP.

Charging the battery takes under 2 hours on a 32 A Wall Box with an optional 7.4 kW charger, 4 hours on Green’up Legrand 14 A socket and 7 hours on standard 8 A domestic socket (both with a standard 3.7 kW charger). Preliminary measurements also indicate an average fuel consumption of 1.7 l/100 km (166.2 mpg UK / 138.3 mpg US) and CO2 emissions of 39 g/km.


Previewed by the namesake concept, the C5 Aircross Hybrid can be recognized thanks to the specific Anodised Blue exterior accents, “ḧybrid” logo placed on the tailgate and a “ḧ” on the front fenders. The charging flap on the left body side, symmetrical to the fuel flap located on the right, offers another clue regarding the electrified powertrain.

Other details include the specific auto dimming rear view mirror which emits a blue light to the outside world when the vehicle is driven in Electric mode, new graphics for the 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and 8-inch central tablet, as well as a mode selector on the center console. Besides the Electric mode that can be used at speeds of up to 135 km/h, driving modes include Hybrid and Sport.


The new Citroën C5 Aircross Hybrid is available to order in France for a starting price of € 39,950 (US$ 44,220), with deliveries expected to begin by mid-2020.