Sarah’s old Citroën C3 Aircross had been her family’s reliable companion for five years. The kids loved its quirky styling, and she appreciated how it never broke the bank. When the lease ended, she naturally headed to the Citroën showroom expecting another budget-friendly SUV.
“The new electric C5 Aircross starts at around £35,000,” the salesperson explained. Sarah blinked. That was nearly double what she’d paid before. “But look at what you get now,” he continued, pointing to the large touchscreen and premium interior. She felt torn between excitement about the technology and worry about the price jump.
This moment captures exactly what’s happening across Citroën dealerships worldwide. The French brand is making its biggest strategic shift in decades, and families like Sarah’s are caught in the middle.
Why Citroën Just Abandoned Its Budget Roots
The Citroën C5 Aircross electric represents a dramatic departure from everything the brand has stood for recently. For nearly ten years, Citroën built its reputation on being the affordable, no-nonsense choice in European showrooms.
Remember the C4 Cactus with its plastic door panels? That car epitomized Citroën’s “function over form” philosophy. The recent C3 and C3 Aircross continued this trend with basic interiors and rock-bottom pricing.
The electric C5 Aircross throws that rulebook out the window. This isn’t just an electric motor bolted onto an existing car. Citroën has borrowed Peugeot’s advanced STLA Medium platform, added sophisticated suspension technology, and loaded it with premium features that would have been unthinkable on previous models.
“Citroën realized they couldn’t compete in the electric SUV market with their old approach,” explains automotive analyst James Richardson. “Electric cars require serious investment in batteries and technology. You can’t cut corners anymore.”
The shift means loyal Citroën buyers face a choice: accept higher prices for better technology, or look elsewhere for budget-friendly alternatives.
What You Actually Get for Your Money
The Citroën C5 Aircross electric comes with impressive specifications that justify some of its premium pricing. Here’s what families are getting compared to the old budget approach:
| Feature | Previous Citroën SUVs | C5 Aircross Electric |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Options | N/A (petrol only) | 73kWh and 98kWh available |
| Range | N/A | Up to 435 miles (WLTP) |
| Fast Charging | N/A | 160kW DC charging |
| Infotainment | Basic touchscreen | 10-inch display with wireless connectivity |
| Suspension | Standard springs/dampers | Progressive Hydraulic Cushions |
The battery options deserve special attention. The base 73kWh version offers around 320 miles of range, while the flagship 98kWh model stretches to 435 miles. These aren’t just impressive numbers on paper – they represent real-world usability that previous Citroën electric attempts couldn’t match.
Key electric features include:
- Heat pump technology for better winter efficiency
- Bidirectional charging capability (vehicle-to-load)
- Advanced regenerative braking with multiple settings
- Pre-conditioning while plugged in to preserve range
- Real-time charging station availability through connected services
The suspension system maintains Citroën’s comfort-focused philosophy but adds modern refinement. The Progressive Hydraulic Cushions work alongside conventional springs and dampers to absorb larger impacts, creating that signature “floating” sensation French cars are famous for.
“The C5 Aircross electric finally gives Citroën a proper answer to the Tesla Model Y and Hyundai Ioniq 5,” notes electric vehicle specialist Maria Santos. “But they’re asking customers to pay premium prices for a brand that’s been budget-focused for years.”
The Price Reality Check That’s Dividing Opinion
Here’s where things get complicated. The Citroën C5 Aircross electric starts around £35,000 in the UK, with top specifications pushing toward £45,000. For a brand that built its recent success on sub-£25,000 family cars, this represents a massive leap.
The pricing puts the C5 Aircross electric in direct competition with established premium SUVs rather than traditional Citroën rivals. Families who might have chosen Citroën for value now find themselves comparing it against BMW iX1, Audi Q4 e-tron, and even entry-level Tesla models.
“We’re seeing two very different reactions from customers,” explains dealership manager Tom Williams. “Existing Citroën owners feel priced out, while conquest buyers from premium brands are genuinely interested in what we’re offering.”
The challenge extends beyond just sticker prices. Electric vehicle ownership comes with additional considerations that budget-conscious Citroën buyers haven’t traditionally faced:
- Home charging installation costs
- Public charging subscription fees
- Higher insurance premiums for electric SUVs
- Reduced availability of affordable service options
However, the electric C5 Aircross does offer some financial advantages. Company car tax rates in the UK remain extremely favorable for electric vehicles, and the combination of low running costs with impressive range could offset the higher purchase price over time.
“The total cost of ownership math works for many families,” argues fleet specialist David Chen. “But Citroën needs to educate customers about long-term savings rather than just hoping they’ll accept higher upfront costs.”
What This Means for Families Shopping Right Now
The electric C5 Aircross creates both opportunities and challenges for different types of buyers. Families loyal to Citroën face the biggest adjustment, while those previously considering premium electric SUVs might find genuine value.
For traditional Citroën customers, the brand’s electric transition means fewer budget options but access to technology that simply wasn’t available before. The comfort-focused approach remains, but now comes with serious electric capability and modern connectivity.
New customers from other brands might appreciate Citroën’s different approach to luxury. Rather than pursuing sporty handling or aggressive styling, the C5 Aircross electric emphasizes relaxed cruising and practical family features.
The timing coincides with growing electric SUV competition. By 2025, virtually every mainstream brand will offer multiple electric family SUVs, making Citroën’s comfort-focused positioning either a smart differentiator or a limiting factor.
“Success will depend on whether families value Citroën’s unique approach enough to pay premium prices,” concludes automotive consultant Lisa Roberts. “The product is genuinely impressive, but the brand positioning shift is enormous.”
The electric C5 Aircross represents Citroën’s biggest gamble in years. Whether it pays off depends largely on how quickly customers can adjust to thinking of Citroën as a premium comfort brand rather than a budget alternative.
FAQs
How much does the Citroën C5 Aircross electric cost?
Pricing starts around £35,000 in the UK, with top specifications reaching approximately £45,000 including options and higher trim levels.
What’s the real-world range of the C5 Aircross electric?
The smaller battery offers about 320 miles of range, while the larger 98kWh version can achieve up to 435 miles under ideal conditions, with real-world range typically 10-15% lower.
Is this still a budget-friendly Citroën?
No, the electric C5 Aircross represents Citroën’s move upmarket, competing against premium electric SUVs rather than budget alternatives.
How fast can the C5 Aircross electric charge?
The car supports up to 160kW DC fast charging, allowing 10-80% charging in approximately 30 minutes under optimal conditions.
Does it still have Citroën’s famous comfortable ride?
Yes, the C5 Aircross electric features Progressive Hydraulic Cushions integrated into the suspension system, maintaining Citroën’s comfort-focused driving experience.
Who should consider buying this car?
Families wanting electric SUV capability with exceptional comfort, plus buyers previously considering premium electric SUVs who value Citroën’s different approach to luxury and refinement.
