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Photo of a Citroën C5 Aircross

Citroën C5 Aircross

A comfort-first SUV that trades rubber bump stops for hydraulic cushions.123

Researched October 30, 2026 from 26 sources

At a glance

0150300
128–296 hpPower
07.515
8.2–11.2 s0–100 km/h
0125250
189–219 km/hTop speed
0300600
230–520 N·mTorque
01,2502,500
1,415–2,109 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.3910

Engine
Mk1: 1.2–2.0 L gas/diesel, plus PHEV; Mk2: 1.2/1.6 L hybrids or EV3
Layout
Mk1: front-engine, FWD; Mk2: front-engine/motor, FWD3
Gearbox
Mk1: 6-speed manual, 6/8-speed auto; Mk2: 6/7-speed DCT or single-speed EV3
Built at
Rennes Plant, France; Mk1: Chengdu, China; Tiruvallur, India; Kaluga, Russia3
Units built
First generation: over 560,000 at Rennes8

The story

Citroën's answer to the SUV boom puts comfort and practicality first. European first-generation cars use hydraulic bump stops and three individually adjustable, folding rear seats.123

2015: Aircross concept on 22-inch wheels20152017: Shanghai launches the production SUV20172018: European launch and Rennes production20182019: Citroën's first plug-in hybrid20192021: Citroën enters India with a diesel20212022: New nose and a 10-inch touchscreen20222023: Hybrid 180 joins; 225 gets more battery20232025: STLA Medium adds an electric Aircross · October 3: first-generation Rennes finale2025 Citroën C4 Picasso (five-seat, first generation): 2007–2013Citroën C-Crosser: 2007–2012Citroën C-CrosserCitroën C4 Aircross: 2012–2017Citroën C4 AircrossCitroën C4 Picasso/SpaceTourer (five-seat, second generation): 2013–2020Citroën C5 Aircross (first generation) (C84): 2017–2025C84Citroën C5 Aircross (second generation) (CR3): 2025–presentCR3 20062008201020122014201620182020202220242026
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones3181921
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
2007–2013Citroën C4 Picasso (five-seat, first generation)
2007–2012Citroën C-Crosser
2012–2017Citroën C4 Aircross
2013–2020Citroën C4 Picasso/SpaceTourer (five-seat, second generation)
2017–2025Citroën C5 Aircross (first generation) (C84)
2025–presentCitroën C5 Aircross (second generation) (CR3)
2015Aircross concept on 22-inch wheels
2017Shanghai launches the production SUV
2018European launch and Rennes production
2019Citroën's first plug-in hybrid
2021Citroën enters India with a diesel
2022New nose and a 10-inch touchscreen
2023Hybrid 180 joins; 225 gets more battery
2025STLA Medium adds an electric Aircross
2025October 3: first-generation Rennes finale
  1. 2015

    Aircross concept on 22-inch wheels

    The Aircross concept previews the first generation at Shanghai, measuring 4,580 mm long on 22-inch wheels.3

  2. 2017

    Shanghai launches the production SUV

    The production C5 Aircross debuts for China at the Shanghai Auto Show; Chinese sales begin late in the year.3

  3. 2018

    European launch and Rennes production

    European sales and Rennes production begin; launch models offer three sliding rear seats and a 580–720 L boot.234

  4. 2019

    Citroën's first plug-in hybrid

    Unveiled in November, the plug-in combines a 178 hp PureTech engine with a 107 hp electric motor and about 50 km of WLTP electric range.3

  5. 2021

    Citroën enters India with a diesel

    Indian CKD assembly starts in January; April brings the local launch with a 177 hp 2.0 L diesel and eight-speed automatic.35

  6. 2022

    New nose and a 10-inch touchscreen

    January's European refresh reshapes the nose and adds a 10-inch screen and revised foam seats. China's July facelift takes the Tianyi Beyond name.36

  7. 2023

    Hybrid 180 joins; 225 gets more battery

    Hybrid 180 joins the range; Hybrid 225 gets a 14.2 kWh battery and 64 km WLTP electric range. A 7.4 kW AC onboard charger is optional.7

  8. 2025

    STLA Medium adds an electric Aircross

    The second generation debuts April 29 on STLA Medium, replacing EMP2. Its extended-range EV pairs 228 hp with 97 kWh and 160 kW DC charging.38

  9. 2025

    October 3: first-generation Rennes finale

    First-generation production at Rennes ends October 3, after more than 560,000 examples; the second generation takes over the same plant.8

Every generation

  • Citroën C4 Picasso (five-seat, first generation)
    Citroën C4 Picasso (five-seat, first generation)2007–2013
  • Citroën C-Crosser
    Citroën C-Crosser2007–2012
  • Citroën C5 Estate/Tourer
    Citroën C5 Estate/Tourer
  • Citroën C4 Aircross
    Citroën C4 Aircross2012–2017
  • Citroën C4 Picasso/SpaceTourer (five-seat, second generation)
    Citroën C4 Picasso/SpaceTourer (five-seat, second generation)2013–2020
  • Citroën C5 Aircross (first generation)
    C842017–2025
  • Citroën C5 Aircross (second generation)
    CR32025–present

Power over the years

From 165 hp to 296 hp in 5 years.

0100200300 201620182020202220242026 hp 2017 · 165 hp · China 350 THP2017 · 201 hp · China 380 THP2018 · 128 hp · Europe PureTech 130 / BlueHDi 1302018 · 178 hp · Europe PureTech 180 / BlueHDi 1802020 · 222 hp · C5 Aircross Hybrid plug-in2022 · 296 hp · China Beyond PHEV (221 kW)2023 · 177 hp · 180 e-EAT8 Plug-in Hybrid2023 · 222 hp · Hybrid 225, 14.2 kWh battery2025 · 143 hp · Second-gen Hybrid 1452025 · 192 hp · Second-gen Plug-In Hybrid 1952025 · 211 hp · Second-gen e-C5 Aircross, 73 kWh2025 · 228 hp · Second-gen e-C5 Aircross, 97 kWh 296 hp China Beyond PHEV (221 kW) 165 hp China 350 THP
137911
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
2017165China 350 THP
2017201China 380 THP
2018128Europe PureTech 130 / BlueHDi 130
2018178Europe PureTech 180 / BlueHDi 180
2020222C5 Aircross Hybrid plug-in
2022296China Beyond PHEV (221 kW)
2023177180 e-EAT8 Plug-in Hybrid
2023222Hybrid 225, 14.2 kWh battery
2025143Second-gen Hybrid 145
2025192Second-gen Plug-In Hybrid 195
2025211Second-gen e-C5 Aircross, 73 kWh
2025228Second-gen e-C5 Aircross, 97 kWh

Versions

12 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • Standard

    Feel / Sense / Sense Plus (UK, first generation)

  • Flair / Shine (UK, first generation)

    Standard

    Flair / Shine (UK, first generation)

  • Flair Plus / Shine Plus (UK, first generation)

    Standard

    Flair Plus / Shine Plus (UK, first generation)

  • Standard

    Feel / Shine (India, first generation)

    2021

    177 hp

  • Standard

    Tianyi Beyond (China, facelift)

    2022

  • Standard

    You! Hybrid (second generation)

    2025–present

    143 hp

  • Standard

    Plus (second generation)

    2025–present

  • Standard

    Max (second generation)

    2025–present

  • Special

    C-Series (pre-facelift)

    2020

  • Special

    C-Series Edition (UK facelift)

    2022

  • Special

    Hybrid Black Edition

    2021

  • Limited

    Plug-in Hybrid Edition Noire (Japan)

    2023

How to spot one

Look for

  • Pre-facelift: chrome strips extend the double-chevron badge into the daytime running lights.12
  • First generation: thick side cladding repeats the four-sided motif around the bumper inlets.12
  • Pre-facelift: rear lamps use four 3D LED elements.12
  • Second generation: floating triple taillights pair with boxy wheel arches.14
  • Second generation: a closed nose has a new Citroën logo and chevron-pattern bumper grooves.3

Year by year

  1. 2022 European facelift

    Main headlights form one cluster, the grille loses its central split, and stacked LED DRLs meet illuminated grille bars.236

  2. 2022 European facelift

    Rear lights gain a new pattern; Sense Plus gets 18-inch Pulsar alloys and C-Series Edition 19-inch Art wheels.36

  3. 2022 European facelift

    A 10-inch touchscreen sits above the vents; early cars have tall vertical vents beside the screen.236

  4. July 2022 (China)

    Tianyi C5 Aircross becomes Tianyi Beyond; the tailgate still carries the C5 Aircross name.3

  5. 2025 second generation

    Floating triple rear lights, squared-off arches and the new chevron badge distinguish the new body from the rounder original.314

Against its rivals

  • Peugeot 3008

    C5 Aircross vs Peugeot 3008

    Base price lower is better

    C5 Aircross23,225 £
    Peugeot 300822,870 £
    1
  • Hyundai Tucson diesel 4x4

    C5 Aircross vs Hyundai Tucson diesel 4x4

    Compared price lower is better

    C5 Aircross29.9 INR lakh
    Hyundai Tucson diesel 4x427.3 INR lakh
    512

  • C5 Aircross vs SEAT Ateca 1.5 TSI DSG Xperience

    Approx. 0–100 km/h lower is better

    C5 Aircross10.3 s
    SEAT Ateca 1.5 TSI DSG Xperience9 s
    2

  • C5 Aircross vs Dacia Bigster Hybrid Journey

    Cargo capacity

    C5 Aircross565 L
    Dacia Bigster Hybrid Journey612 L
    10

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 12 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 13 stories from its legend
    • “Carpathian class winner, then runner-up”
    • “Kate Mouiron: up to 30 km from rear lamps”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 7 generations

  • Market

    • 6 things to check before buying one
Read the full file in SPOT

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Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 26 sources
  1. Citroen C5 Aircross review – exactly like a Porsche 911 GT3, sort of | evo evo.co.uk
  2. Citroen C5 Aircross vs SEAT Ateca: 2022 twin test review | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  3. Citroën C5 Aircross - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  4. New Citroen C5 Aircross family SUV prices from £23,225 - Motoring Research motoringresearch.com
  5. Citroen C5 Aircross SUV launched; priced from Rs 29.90 lakh | Autocar India autocarindia.com
  6. New Citroen C5 Aircross arrives starting at £26,930 | Carbuyer carbuyer.co.uk
  7. Citroen C5 Aircross und C5 X: Günstigere Hybrid-Alternative | Autonotizen autonotizen.de
  8. Citroën C5 Aircross (2018-2025) : clap de fin pour la production de la première génération à Rennes - L'argus largus.fr
  9. Citroen Beyond SUV Pre-Sale Starts At 23,300 USD In China carnewschina.com
  10. Dacia Bigster vs Citroen C5 Aircross: low prices and plenty of space, but which SUV does it best? | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  11. Used Citroen C5 Aircross (Mk1, 2019-date) review | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  12. 2021 Citroen C5 Aircross review, road test | Autocar India autocarindia.com
  13. New Citroen C5 Aircross starts from £30k, while the EV gets £1,500 Government discount | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  14. Citroën C5 Aircross review – quirky, honest SUV offering Range Rover comfort on a budget | evo evo.co.uk
  15. Citroën C5 Aircross C-Series, precios y equipamiento de la nueva edición especial motor.es
  16. New Citroen C5 Aircross Hybrid Black Edition launched | Carbuyer carbuyer.co.uk
  17. 黒いボディカラーをまとったシトロエンの限定車 「C5 AIRCROSS PLUG-IN HYBRID Edition Noire」を発売 | Stellantis ジャパン株式会社 stellantis.jp
  18. Citroën C4 Picasso - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  19. Citroën C-Crosser - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  20. Citroen C5 Tourer 2008 review | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  21. Citroën C4 Aircross - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  22. How Citroën turned aerodynamics into comfort on the new C5 Aircross cardesignnews.com
  23. 2025 archive · Carpathian Classic carpathianclassic.ro
  24. 2026 archive · Carpathian Classic carpathianclassic.ro
  25. Citroen C5 Aircross Problems: Common Issues and Repair Costs | FixMyCar whocanfixmycar.com
  26. Used Citroen C5 Aircross prices — what should you pay? · Cert certmotors.com
  • evo.co.uk
  • autoexpress.co.uk
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • motoringresearch.com
  • autocarindia.com
  • carbuyer.co.uk
  • autonotizen.de
  • largus.fr
  • carnewschina.com
  • motor.es
  • stellantis.jp
  • cardesignnews.com
  • carpathianclassic.ro
  • whocanfixmycar.com

Photo credits

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