Citroen E-C5 Aircross Review | Most Comfy Electric Family SUV?

Read Caroline’s Citroen E-C5 Aircross review for everything you need to know about buying Citroen’s electric family SUV in Ireland.

The Citroen C5 Aircross has been a big success for Citroen since it first went on sale. Now the second generation of it has landed in Ireland and marks a new chapter for the family SUV.

For a start it’s built on an all-new platform shared with the likes of the Opel Grandland and the Peugeot 3008. This introduces new powertrains including hybrid, plug-in hybrid and a full electric E-C5 Aircross for the very first time.

I got to experience the new Citroen C5 Aircross at the European press launch but now it’s time for an extended test with the fully electric version.

Citroen E-C5 Aircross Design

The Citroen E-C5 Aircross is one of the best-looking SUVs on Irish roads. The new model looks fantastic with more chiselled design than the previous one. Standout features include striking three-point LED light signature and flamboyant ‘light wings’ at the back that lift it out of the ordinary. There is a range of colours available including classy Astoria Green.

What trims are available?

There are three: You, Plus and Max. All versions of the E-C5 Aircross come with 19-inch alloy wheels. Max versions add gold colour clips to the front and sides for a little more customisation.

Citroen E-C5 Aircross Interior

Inside, the E-C5 Aircross has been transformed by an all-new cabin design. It features a brand-new, 13-inch portrait-style touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto that is a big departure on what came before. There are also some really nice fabric finishes that lift the quality and classy colour combinations. The seats are another highlight: Citroen’s ‘Advanced Comfort’ seats with thicker foam.

There is quite a reliance on touch control for things like the ventilation, which can be fiddly to use while driving. There are a few proper shortcut buttons for example to demist the windows. There is plenty of storage however the cupholders are quite awkwardly placed under the centre console.

Standard features include dual-zone automatic air conditioning, adaptive cruise control and wireless smartphone charging. Plus versions add reclining seats in the second row, parking sensors, parking camera and keyless entry.

Top of the range Max versions come with 360 camera, head-up display, heated front seats, heated steering wheel and power adjustment and memory for the driver’s seat.

The rear seats are very comfortable, whether that’s for children or adults. There are Isofix points on the two outer rear seats, but unfortunately there’s no longer one on the middle seat like in the previous version.

Citroen E-C5 Aircross Boot space

The Citroen E-C5 Aircross has a huge boot, measuring 651 litres. That’s even bigger than a Skoda Enyaq. A powered tailgate comes as standard on Max versions. There’s a two-position boot floor that can be used to create space to hide the charging cables when they’re not in use.

Driving the Citroen E-C5 Aircross 

The Citroen E-C5 Aircross uses a 73kWh with up to 520 kilometres (WLTP). With 210hp it has plenty of get up and go, however it’s set up as a more languid cruiser than a pin-sharp handler. Still, Citroen has improved the steering and body control so it does handle better than before.

It’s also impressively refined and the electric C5 Aircross is very relaxing to drive. Citroen is famous for making comfortable family cars and the C5 Aircross does not disappoint. It does pick up some of the bumps and ruts in the tarmac but it never gets loud or feel overly firm.

When it comes to range and efficiency, the E-C5 Aircross is best around town and suburbia. It does get thirstier out on the motorway, though Citroen has fitted a heat pump to help with cold weather efficiency. My overall efficiency on a mixed route was 18.7kWh per 100 kilometres, which points at real world range of about 390 kilometres.

A larger battery version (93kWh) will arrive later with up to 680 kilometres (WLTP).

11kW AC charging is included as standard. DC fast charging is up to 160kW for a 20-80% charge in 30 minutes, which is a bit slower than average if you’re using fast chargers on the motorway network.

Citroen E-C5 Aircross Price

The Citroen E-C5 Aircross is available from €39,939 in You trim, from €42,492 for the Plus and from €47,190 for the Max.

Is the Citroen E-C5 Aircross worth buying?

The Citroen E-C5 Aircross is a strong step forward for Citroen’s family SUV. It looks sharper than before, feels far more modern inside and delivers the brand’s trademark comfort and relaxing driving experience. The huge 651-litre boot, roomy rear seats and standard equipment make it a very practical choice for Irish families.

On the road, it’s refined and relaxing rather than sporty but that’s no bad thing at all. The 73kWh battery and 210hp motor provide adequate performance and up to 520km (WLTP), but in real-world Irish motorway driving that figure will drop noticeably. It’s at its most efficient around town. Fast charging at up to 160kW is acceptable but not class-leading, meaning charging stops may be slightly longer than some rivals.

From €39,939, it’s competitively priced and well equipped, though the top of the range Max version tested here does carry a premium over the basic hybrid version. But otherwise the Citroen C5 Aircross shines for its style, space and joie de vivre that makes it a great family SUV.

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Written by Caroline Kidd

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