Citroen will unveil a plug-in hybrid concept version of the C5 Aircross SUV at next month’s Paris Motor Show. The concept anticipates the plug-in hybrid version of New C5 Aircross SUV, which will launch at the beginning of 2020.
Citroen’s first plug-in hybrid represents the first move in the brand’s ‘Low Emission Vehicle’ (LEV) offensive, which will launch one new LEV range each year from 2020, in line with the target of having an all-electric range by 2025. Citroen will offer an electric mobility solution for the core market in each segment, which will be perfectly tailored to customers’ needs.
True to the customisable and distinctive spirit of New C5 Aircross SUV, the concept is offered in a special livery – white, Deep Blue and touches of anodised Electric Blue (front bumper inserts and Airbump panels, lower section of roof bars), as well as graphic motifs highlighting its electric credentials. The 19-inch ‘Anthracite’ wheels add a dynamic touch. On the rear tailgate, the Hybrid logo marks out the drivetrain.
This two-tone white and blue effect – which is specific to New Citroen C5 Aircross SUV PHEV Concept – is echoed inside, with beige leather-effect fabric Advanced Comfort seats and a dashboard strip in the same material. Electric blue highlights embellish the top of the seat backs and the dashboard strip, perfectly matching the exterior. The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 8-inch central touchscreen reinforce the concept car’s exclusive appearance and promotes key driving features in Hybrid mode, combining the best of the combustion and electric engines.
Citroen and comfort have a long history together, going back almost 100 years. The design of New C5 Aircross SUV was defined by the Citroen Advanced Comfort programme. The purpose? To enhance all aspects of comfort, at every stage. New Citroen C5 Aircross SUV PHEV Concept goes even further by offering modern and technological electric mobility to promote comfort and ease of use. It allows all-electric driving, entirely insulated from the road and the outside world, cocooned in complete tranquillity – with all road imperfections filtered out.
Relaxed long-range mobility
New Citroen C5 Aircross SUV PHEV Concept represents a solution for all needs. This use of hybrid technology offers the pleasure of starting up and travelling in silence without releasing a single gram of CO2. There is also the option of driving up to 50km in ZEV mode at speeds of up to 135km/h (NEDC protocol) meaning that the combustion engine is not needed for most daily journeys. ZEV mode also allows access to cities’ low emission zones. Customers do not have to worry about re-charging thanks to the efficient and powerful combustion engine, which will take over when necessary.
In ZEV mode, acoustic comfort is enhanced, with no vibrations to disturb the tranquillity inside New Citroen C5 Aircross SUV PHEV Concept. The cocoon effect is heightened and passengers feel at ease in an insulated bubble, protected from external disturbance.
In terms of modularity and boot space, New Citroen C5 Aircross SUV PHEV Concept maintains all the benefits of the combustion engine versions. There are individual, sliding, reclining and folding rear seats, and best-in-class boot space – thanks to the ingenious positioning of the battery beneath the passenger compartment.
New Citroen C5 Aircross SUV PHEV Concept benefits from an engine that is environmentally friendly and economical to use. The powertrain combines a 180 PureTech S&S petrol engine and an 80kW electric motor that is located between the combustion engine and the gearbox. The electric motor’s battery is ‘High Voltage’ 200V Lithium-Ion, supplying 13.2kW/h.
In Hybrid mode, the engine and motor combine to provide 225hp, which is transmitted to the front wheels. The torque is available from the lowest engine speeds, delivering low consumption and heightened driving pleasure. The fuel consumption is 2l/100 km, with less than 50g CO2/km. This represents a saving of 40% compared to a purely combustion-powered model. The combustion engine is fitted with a starter-alternator to ensure that the combustion engine starts quietly and instantly.
An electric-assistance braking system (‘i-booster’) recovers the energy available during braking and deceleration, therefore providing up to 10% autonomy. This occurs thanks to a transfer of mechanical energy into electric energy stored in the battery. The system enables the battery to be re-charged and increases the availability of electric driving.
The fast and efficient e-EAT8 automatic gearbox is upgraded, with optimised shifting between gears, further enhancing smoothness and driving pleasure, with on-demand torque of 337Nm from the electric motor and the addition of a regenerative braking mode allowing deceleration without pressing the brake pedal.
