Citroen E-C4 X Review

Read Caroline’s Citroen E-C4 X review for everything you need to know about buying Citroen’s new electric saloon car in Ireland.

Citroen has added to its range of family cars and SUVs in Ireland with the arrival of the new Citroen E-C4 X. Following the launch of the new C4 hatchback, the C4 X is a new saloon from the French car brand. But with a little bit of crossover style to help it to stand out.

In Ireland, it launches exclusively as an electric model, though fuel versions are likely to join the range at a later date.

The new Citroen E-C4 X goes on sale priced from €41,455, including grants and VRT relief.

Styling

The new E-C4 X is essentially a saloon version of the C4. But the X in the name hints at a bit of rugged, crossover charm. In length, the E-C4 X is somewhere between the C4 hatch and the larger Citroen C5 X. However the wheelbase is the same as the hatchback version and it’s built on the same CMP platform. The 50kWh battery is also shared with the C4. At the front, it’s identical to the hatchback but around the side it’s clear the E-C4 X has a different story to tell. The elongated rear and saloon-style boot adds a certain amount of grandeur to this car and harks back to a time when saloon was king.

The E-C4 X is a little more interesting because it sits a bit higher off the ground than the average saloon car, like a Toyota Corolla Saloon for example. Citroen has also used plastic cladding around the lower parts of the car to help it to stand out. There are four trim levels for Ireland (Feel, Feel Pack, Flair and Flair Pack) and 18-inch diamond cut alloy wheels come as standard across the range. At the back, the styling is quite different to the hatch, with different light clusters and C I T R O E N spelt out across the boot lid.

Interior

The cabin shares much with the C4 hatchback though Citroen has given the E-C4 X an updated 10-inch infotainment system, shared with the C5 X. It looks great and is very responsive to use. It also comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Ventilation controls can be accessed from the screen or adjusted using some physical buttons and dials below the infotainment screen. There’s a lovely tactile dial to adjust the volume of the stereo. Other standard features include rear parking sensors with reversing camera, keyless entry/start and automatic dual-zone air conditioning.

Like the C4 hatch, there are a lot of hard plastics in the dashboard and doors. It would be nice to see some plusher material used in these places considering the price point of the vehicle. Citroen’s ‘Advanced Comfort’ seats are a highlight however, and feature thicker foam. They are available in a variety of fabrics, including full leather. There’s also a tasteful leather wrapped steering wheel. Generally it’s a comfortable and relaxing cabin that’s easy to interact with – a staple these days of the Citroen brand.

Practicality

The E-C4 X offers excellent rear legroom and headroom is not bad for a compact saloon either. The rear seat backs are deliberately more reclined than in the hatchback to give a more ‘limousine’ feel.

The boot offers 510 litres of space, which is significantly more than the 380 litres available in the C4 hatch. Yet the aperture is narrower as is typical with saloon cars, which limits its practicality.

Battery

Powered by a 50kWh battery, the E-C4 X has a range of up to 360 kilometres (WLTP). In real world driving this will be less, particularly during a lot of high speed motorway driving. Power is sent to the front wheels via a 136hp electric motor and single speed automatic transmission. There’s 260Nm of torque and the 0-100km/h sprint is 9.5 seconds.

In some markets, Citroen is selling this model alongside a 54kWh battery with more range and efficiency. However it’s not available in Ireland at the time of writing.

Petrol and diesel versions are expected in late 2023 including a 1.2-litre petrol manual (110hp) and a petrol automatic with 130hp. A 1.5-litre diesel with 130hp and an 8-speed automatic will also be available.

Driving

On the road, the E-C4 X is an exceptionally calm and relaxing car to drive. Yes, it’s electric and that does contribute to this character. But there are a few other things at work here too. Citroen’s advanced comfort suspension with progressive hydraulic cushions takes the edge off the worst of Irish roads making the E-C4 X remarkably soft for an electric car. The ride quality is really very good. It’s not designed to rival athletic hatchbacks like a Ford Focus or a Cupra Born. But it handles with reasonable composure through bends. The steering is light in town making the car easy to park and manouvre and is precise enough for bigger roads too. Citroen has also added an acoustic insulation pack to the E-C4 X that keeps road and wind noise at a minimum.

Charging

DC fast charging is possible up to 100kW for an 80% battery charge in about 30 minutes. AC charging is more standard, with a 7.4kW onboard charger meaning it will take about 7.5 hours to charge this car from a wallbox at home.

Pricing

The E-C4 X costs about €1000 more per trim level than the E-C4 hatchback. The range starts from €41,455 for the Feel, from €42,550 for the Feel Pack, from €43,507 for the Flair, and from €45,160 for the Flair Pack.

Verdict

Citroen has managed to create something entirely different in the C-segment and the E-C4 X will satisfy any appetite among Citroen customers for a more elegant saloon-style vehicle.

The E-C4 X is the brand’s second electric offering in the compact segment, alongside the E-C4 hatchback. With the 50kWh battery and up to 360 kilometres of range, the E-C4 X won’t win the range test with plenty of competitors now offering over 400 kilometres of range.

Yet, the E-C4 X is efficient, particularly in town and city driving, and over rural roads, where the soft suspension makes it a dream to drive.

The relaxing drive and wafty way this car goes about its business, is probably its biggest asset, along with the big boot and characterful styling. While the cabin finish is a bit dull in places, the digital technology is on point. Buyers will find a spacious, comfortable and well-equipped car in the new E-C4 X.

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Written by Caroline Kidd

Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year