Citroen C5 X: the magic combination of a saloon, an estate and an SUV explained from a design perspective

Citroën is going back to the large tourer segment with an innovative model that is a cross between a saloon, an estate and an SUV.

A future-oriented concept in a changing market, where customers expect versatility, distinction and modernity. #c5x brings them the best of several worlds, without compromise.

A tendency to mix genres that is now found in many non-automotive fields.

The intentions behind this hybridisation of body shapes are described here in terms of new trends in the worlds of fashion and leisure

The result is a model with a bold style, full of character and consistency, a model that will give you the urge to travel and will stand out on the roads.  In short, the best expression of the Citroën philosophy. 

 "With #c5x, Citroën is revisiting the spirit of touring – the ability to travel in an elegant, refined car and set off to discover the world with complete peace of mind", says Vincent Cobée.

With #c5x, Citroën is returning to large tourers with a bold model that innovates in a traditional top-of-the-range segment. A considerable challenge for Citroën designers who were able to give consistency and character to this "next generation" saloon, which straddles several territories so as to better meet changing customer expectations.

By combining, in balanced proportions, the style features of the various D segment body styles, #c5x embodies the segment's revival and gets reacquainted with Citroën's legendary top-of-the-range styles. The round, muscular shapes combined with streamlined, sleek lines create a fluid, dynamic and elegant form that combines the best of three worlds: all the status and elegance of the saloon, the dynamism and versatility of an estate, and finally, the modernity and robust appearance of the SUV. 

C5 X: MEETING CUSTOMER EXPECTATIONS

 "This desire for versatile, hybrid objects that break the mould and depart from the usual codes is something that we have also seen in studies conducted in other sectors. For example, we could mention the success of all the "third places" in big cities – those places that combine entertainment, social activities, spaces for children and families, as well as spaces for young people who want to socialise with friends", says Cécile Batho, co-director of the Brain Value #design institute.

Citroën is adapting to a fast-changing society and consumers who are looking for versatile products that avoid them having to compromise on anything. Products based on innovative ideas, fully rooted in their time.  This trend is now found on the #automotive market. With #c5x, Citroën perfectly meets the multiple expectations of customers wanting large tourers and who are also looking for a more modern and functional alternative to saloons, estates and traditional SUVs. 

C5 X: THE SOLUTION TO THE EMERGING CHALLENGES OF A RAPIDLY CHANGING MARKET

For several years now, the saloon has not been the only shape synonymous with top-of-the-range cars and escape. The SUV and estate have also attracted customers looking for more practicality and a more assertive character.

In Europe, the SUV represented the most common shape on segment D in 2020, accounting for 29.3% of all new registrations, ahead of the estate (27.5%) and the saloon (21.6%*).

In China, the shape that proved the most successful in 2020 on that particular segment was – by far and away – the SUV, accounting for half of all registrations on the D segment, followed by the saloon (18%) and the minivan (10%). The share of estate cars on segment D is marginal – it accounted for only 0.1%*.

*Source: Statnet Stellantis, Europe (29 countries).

This breakdown of various D-segment body styles has been undergoing major change over the past few years. Customers' needs are changing: they are now looking for a vehicle that meets both their emotional and their functional requirements. Traditionally, customers on the lookout for large tourers want to drive a vehicle that helps them stand out from the others on the road – a vehicle that shouts modernity with both its style and its on-board technologies. Today, customers also expect their vehicles to be practical and spacious; they want large loading volumes, versatility and robustness; they are looking for alternative solutions and new forms of modernity.

Throughout the development of the #c5x project, Citroën was determined to meet all these needs. Frédéric Angibaud, C5 X's exterior designer, has come up with a car that "needs to be a perfect combination of versatility, safety and aesthetics, while at the same time taking environmental and economic issues into consideration". The result of this work – #c5x – is a new and bold concept, blending the prestige of the saloon with the practicality of the estate and all the modernity of the SUV.

This response from Citroën is completely compatible with the new way of life that customers aspire to enjoying. Cécile Batho observes this trend in all sectors :  "We no longer want to be constrained in a single role. We have entered the era of the multi-purpose lifestyle – a blended way of working. Furthermore, in areas other than the #automotive industry, we are starting to see products being given multi-purpose roles. One thing can serve several purposes. Fashion in particular is a good example. Large luxury brands are joining forces with street-wear labels; fashion is trying to free itself from that male-female differentiation.  We are currently witnessing a fully-fledged hybridisation of our desires".

The challenge that #c5x is taking up is this goal of being at this intersection and meeting changing customer expectations – expectations that are influenced by these different worlds. In a fast changing world, Citroën has developed a magic combination, blending the very best of a number of different body styles.

Further information in the press release to download