The second-generation Citroen C5 Aircross was spotted testing ahead of its market launch in 2025. The compact SUV, which was shown in concept form at the Paris Auto Show in October 2024, will ride on the STLA Medium architecture, offering a choice between petrol, mild-hybrid, and EV powertrains.

The camouflaged prototype spotted by our spy photographers looks similar to the concept, with only a few toned-down features. The most obvious differences are the conventional door handles, the larger mirror caps, and the greenhouse with the thicker pillars that appear to be shared with the Opel Grandland.

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The production version of the 4,65m (183.1 inches) long SUV retains the slim LED headlights of the concept, although the taillights appear to protrude less from the bodywork. The front end and the boxy wheel arches look similar to the smaller C3 Aircross, but the surfacing is more sophisticated. Finally, the wheels are slightly smaller in diameter but still boast a futuristic design.

A closer look at the spy shots shows a hint of a digital cockpit, that appears to be integrated within the dashboard. Staying true to its heritage, Citroen has promised a spacious and comfortable lounge-like five-seater cabin, describing the SUV as “genuine cocoon on wheels”.

The Citroen C5 Aircross will be the fifth Stellantis model to ride on the STLA Medium platform, following the Peugeot 3008/5008, the Opel Grandland, and the upcoming DS N°8.

Citroen has confirmed that the SUV will be available in ICE, hybrid, and EV forms. Judging from the closely related Stellantis SUVs, the C5 Aircross will be fitted with the turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine in non-electrified and mild-hybrid forms.

The fully electric versions are expected to be powered by single-motor (FWD) or dual-motor (AWD) setups, offering a choice between 73 kWh and 98 kWh battery packs for a maximum range of 700 km (435 miles) between charges. The architecture is also compatible with a plug-in hybrid powertrain, although it is not clear if Citroen will apply it to the C5 Aircross.

Citroen has not set a debut date for the new C5 Aircross, other than confirming it will be unveiled in 2025.

Baldauf

Citroen introduced the C5 Aircross Concept at the Paris Auto Show 2024, previewing the next generation of its compact SUV which is set to debut next year. The C5 Aircross has grown in size and adopts a sharper design language compared to its predecessor, while retaining its focus in comfort and practicality. The new model will ride on the STLA Medium platform, which is compatible with combustion, hybrid, and fully electric powertrains.

Citroen describes the C5 Aircross Concept as a “dense, muscular, and organic block, sculpted for aerodynamics”. Indeed, the exterior is characterized by boxy features, similar to the smaller C3 and C3 Aircross, with a few tricks to improve the aerodynamic efficiency.

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The family-friendly SUV measures 4.65 mm (183 inches) long, which is 150 mm (5.9 inches) longer compared to the outgoing generation. A few details of the concept are expected to be toned-down for production, including the ultra-thin LED taillights that stick out of the bodywork like fins, and the greenhouse.

The automaker didn’t show us the interior, but promised it will be spacious, offering high levels of comfort for five passengers. They also talk about a “wellness area in the spirit of a lounge”, describing it as a “genuine cocoon on wheels”. Equipment will include a host of ADAS, and the latest infotainment and connectivity features.

The 2025 C5 Aircross will swap the aging EMP2 architecture for the new STLA Medium platform, which already underpins the Peugeot 3008 / 5008 and the Opel Grandland. The latter has an identical footprint, making us believe it will be the closest relative to the upcoming C5 Aircross.

Multiple Powertrain Options

The French brand confirmed that the compact SUV will be available with gasoline, hybrid, and fully electric powertrains, without getting into specifics. Chances are that the base option will be the mild-hybrid turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine with 134 hp (100 kW / 136 PS), which is widely used within the Stellantis group.

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It is not clear if Citroen plans on offering a plug-in hybrid version of the C5 Aircross, mirroring the lineups of the Peugeot 3008 and 5008. As for the first-ever fully electric e-C5 Aircross, this one could offer a choice between a 73 kWh or a 98 kWh battery pack, with a maximum range of 700 km (435 miles). Judging from the mechanically-related SUVs, the EV will likely be offered with single-motor (FWD) and dual-motor (AWD) setups.

With the upcoming demise of the C5 X after the end of its current lifecycle, the new C5 Aircross will eventually become the flagship offering of Citroen. We will learn more details about the production version as we get closer to its launch in 2025.