Citroën C5 Aircross debuts with pothole-taming suspension in UK launch
New C5 Aircross relies on progressive hydraulic cushions to smooth Britain’s rough roads, with hybrid and electric variants joined by a long-range EV planned, and prices from £30,495.
Citroën’s C5 Aircross SUV is being pitched as a pothole-busting ride, thanks to a suspension system designed to absorb Britain’s battered roads. The latest model, priced from £30,495, goes on sale now, with first deliveries expected around New Year.
The C5 Aircross lineup in the UK includes three trim levels—You, Plus and Max—with a choice of powertrains designed to broaden appeal. On the road for now are two versions the maker highlighted: a 145hp petrol-hybrid starting at £30,495 and a fully electric model from £34,065. A higher-spec plug-in hybrid with an electric-only range of about 53 miles is planned from £38,885. First to arrive in showrooms is the Hybrid Max, priced at £35,775, which pairs a 1.2-litre turbo engine with an electric motor and a battery under the driver’s seat, driving through a six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. It can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 11.2 seconds and reaches a top speed of 125 mph, with claimed economy up to 43.6 mpg when used in hybrid mode.
The electric variant—an all-electric C5 Aircross delivering about 210 horsepower—joins the lineup with brisk performance, estimated 0 to 62 mph in around 9 seconds and a claimed range of about 322 miles on a full charge. Citroën says the model’s electric range should ease city-to-city trips and longer outings alike, though actual range will depend on driving style and conditions. A longer-range electric version, boosting power to roughly 230 hp and promising up to 421 miles, is scheduled to follow later.
The C5 Aircross’s standout feature is its suspension system, described by Citroën as progressive hydraulic cushions. Grounded in a philosophy of comfort and stability, the system adds extra damping to smooth out the impact of compression and rebound when the road is uneven. Citroën’s chief designer Pierre Leclercq—who has helped steer the brand’s design language since 2018—demonstrated the car’s ride on some of Britain’s potholed routes, noting that the cushions contribute to a “flying carpet” calm without sacrificing handling. The goal is to absorb small bumps and larger impacts alike, reducing jolts that typical springs and dampers might transmit to occupants.
Inside, the C5 Aircross carries forward the brand’s chic, contemporary look. A 13-inch central touchscreen anchors the cockpit, complemented by a wireless phone charger and a flat-bottomed steering wheel. The interior is designed to feel calm and uncluttered, with soft fabrics and a flexible boot that should suit family use. The vehicle’s exterior carries Citroën’s distinctive styling cues, including LED lighting and unique rear light signatures that the maker says aid aerodynamics and visibility. Options include a head-up display and a panoramic glass roof, while wheel choices span 18, 19 and 20 inches.
The C5 Aircross remains built around comfort and practicality, with a focus on refined ride quality enabled by the new suspension system. The engineering approach marks a continuation of Citroën’s long-running association with suspension systems that aim to balance comfort and control, a legacy already associated with the brand since the early days of the original 2CV and beyond. The latest model also carries an eight-year warranty, and Citroën notes first deliveries will occur late December to early January as customers take possession ahead of the new year.
Dimensions and capabilities are in line with its compact SUV segment, with a length of about 4,652 mm, width around 1,936 mm (mirrors folded) and a wheelbase of 2,784 mm. The vehicle’s kerb weight sits around 1,554 kg, with total gross weight up to about 2,100 kg. These figures, along with the family-friendly interior packaging and flexible boot, reinforce the C5 Aircross’s positioning as a practical, comfort-focused option in its class.
The C5 Aircross also emphasizes modern tech integration and driving aids, including a potential head-up display option and advanced connectivity features that complement its large touchscreen and wireless charging. Availability aligns with the maker’s regional rollout, with first deliveries set for late December through early January, as customers explore the hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric variants.*
