Test Drive: 19.9km/L Average Fuel Efficiency! How Citroen C5 Aircross Redefines 'Driving Comfort' with P2 Hybrid

In today’s increasingly competitive SUV market, consumer expectations for leisure vehicles go beyond space and design—they seek a model that truly balances comfort, safety, and energy efficiency for daily commutes, family trips, and long-distance travel. Citroen’s official distributor, Baojia United, has officially introduced the new-generation C5 Aircross, positioning 'Jump into Comfort' as its core philosophy. Built on the latest STLA Medium modular platform from the STELLANTIS Group, and enhanced with P2 Hybrid powertrain technology and Citroen’s long-standing comfort innovations, the C5 Aircross redefines the standard for European family SUVs.

Baojia United has launched two variants: the C5 Aircross Plus and C5 Aircross Max, priced at 1.268 million and 1.398 million JPY respectively. After a test drive, it’s clear this is a French SUV that doesn’t chase sporty thrills but prioritizes 'comfortable driving and comfortable riding' above all.

Equipped with 19-inch five-spoke low-drag ZIRCON 'Onyx Black' alloy wheels. (Photo: Liu Hsin-Yi)

Highlight 1: Evolution of Magic Carpet Hydraulic Suspension – French Comfort Engineered into the Chassis

When people think of Citroen, many immediately recall the brand’s unique comfort-focused chassis. The new C5 Aircross continues this tradition with the Progressive Hydraulic Cushions (PHC) Magic Carpet suspension system, which uses progressive hydraulic buffers to effectively absorb shocks from various road conditions.

The C5 Aircross features a boxy tailgate, creating a robust SUV profile. (Photo: Liu Hsin-Yi)

Notably, this system is not the hydropneumatic suspension used in classic DS models. Instead, it builds on the French comfort heritage with a more simplified, durable, and mass-production-friendly next-generation hydraulic buffer design. Hydraulic dampers at both ends of the suspension absorb road impacts, achieving a better balance between ride comfort and body support.

During the test drive, the C5 Aircross was driven through urban roads with potholes and speed bumps. At typical city speeds of 30–50 km/h, most minor vibrations were softened in the initial suspension stroke, with almost no noticeable bounce inside the cabin. Even when traversing multiple road joints consecutively, the chassis maintained refined feedback without harsh jolts. On highways, the suspension provided sufficient support to prevent the excessive body roll common in overly soft setups, keeping the vehicle stable.

This 'soft when needed, supportive when required' characteristic is what truly sets the C5 Aircross apart from its peers.

Combined with Citroen’s Advanced Comfort shock-absorbing seats, the new seat foam is 15mm thicker, enhancing both enveloping comfort and support. Even on long drives, fatigue is significantly reduced, fully embodying Citroen’s 'comfortable mobility' philosophy.

The cabin features the new C-Zen Lounge-style interior design, equipped with comfortable Citroen Advanced Comfort seats. (Photo: Liu Hsin-Yi)

Highlight 2: P2 Hybrid Powertrain Debuts – Smoothness and Efficiency Take Center Stage

Beyond its comfort-focused chassis, another major upgrade in the new C5 Aircross is the introduction of the next-generation P2 Hybrid powertrain.

The new model is powered by a third-generation PureTech engine, paired with a wet dual-clutch 6-speed automatic transmission and an integrated electric motor, delivering a combined output of 145 horsepower. However, this hybrid system isn’t designed for aggressive acceleration but rather for a more natural, seamless driving experience.

C5 Aircross features a third-generation PureTech engine, paired with a wet dual-clutch 6-speed automatic transmission and integrated electric motor. (Photo: Liu Hsin-Yi)

During the test drive, the most noticeable aspect was the near-imperceptible transition between engine and electric power. At startup, the electric motor provides instant assistance, making low-speed driving feel lighter. During cruising, the system intelligently switches power sources based on driving conditions to maintain optimal energy efficiency. In urban traffic with frequent stops and starts, the electric mode engages frequently, reducing engine noise and enhancing overall quietness.

Official data shows the C5 Aircross achieves an average fuel efficiency of 19.9km/L, making it the only European imported hybrid SUV in its class capable of pure electric driving. For family users, the greatest value of this hybrid system isn’t performance—it’s providing a more relaxed and fuel-efficient way to move, whether for daily commutes or long trips.

Officially, in low-speed urban driving, the C5 Aircross can operate in pure electric mode up to 50% of the time. (Photo: Liu Hsin-Yi)

Highlight 3: Space and Technology Fully Upgraded – Everything a Family SUV Needs

For a family SUV, space is just as important as comfort.

The new C5 Aircross, built on the STLA Medium platform, offers significantly expanded cabin space, with a 2,784mm wheelbase and best-in-class 236mm rear legroom. Sitting in the second row, the generous seat and legroom reduce passenger fatigue even on long journeys.

The new C5 Aircross, built on the STLA Medium platform, offers significantly expanded cabin space. (Photo: Liu Hsin-Yi)

Additionally, the rear seats feature a 40/20/40 split configuration. The trunk offers 651 liters of standard capacity, expandable to over 1,900 liters with the rear seats fully folded—easily accommodating family shopping, parent-child trips, or outdoor adventures.

Trunk capacity is 651 liters standard, expandable to over 1,900 liters with rear seats folded. (Photo: Liu Hsin-Yi)

The cabin introduces the new C-ZEN Lounge Zen-style interior, designed as a 'mobile living room' with high-quality materials and a horizontally extended layout for a more relaxed atmosphere. The center console features a 13-inch Waterfall-style full-color HD touchscreen, paired with a 10-inch digital instrument cluster. The Max model adds an E-HUD extended head-up display, projecting key driving information directly into the driver’s line of sight.

The C5 Aircross cabin design is modern and minimalist. (Photo: Liu Hsin-Yi)

All C5 Aircross models come standard with a 10-inch digital instrument cluster. (Photo: Liu Hsin-Yi)

The C5 Aircross Max model features an E-HUD extended head-up display. (Photo: Liu Hsin-Yi)

On safety, all models come standard with Level 2 ADAS advanced driver assistance systems, including ACC adaptive cruise control, LKA lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot detection, and rear cross-traffic alert—enhancing safety on both highways and daily drives.

Not the Fastest, But the Most Comfortable

After test-driving the new Citroen C5 Aircross, it’s clear the brand’s commitment to 'comfort' is unwavering. It doesn’t exaggerate sporty road feel or chase adrenaline-pumping performance. Instead, through the Magic Carpet suspension, Advanced Comfort seats, and P2 Hybrid system, it delivers a more composed and mature driving experience.

In an SUV market increasingly becoming homogeneous, the C5 Aircross returns to Citroen’s core strength: making the car an integral part of life. For consumers who value family ride quality, long-distance comfort, and the unique character of European imported SUVs, the new C5 Aircross offers a distinctive French alternative to German precision and Japanese practicality.

It may not be the fastest SUV on the market, but it could be one of the most comfortable for family travel. Eight years after its initial launch, the C5 Aircross debuts its second-generation major redesign, completely transforming its visuals and significantly upgrading interior space. (Photo: Liu Hsin-Yi)