Citroen has revealed the all-new, all-electric, e-C4 X at a special event in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Described as combining fastback styling with SUV practicality and four-door finesse, the e-C4 X has been developed in response to customer demand.
Vincent Cobée, Citroen CEO, says the new model is aimed at those who want “an affordable, responsible and elegant alternative to the mass of hatchback and SUV offerings”.
Challenging the market norms
Sharing a platform with the C4 hatchback, the new e-C4 X slots into the range below the larger C5 X. Although radical-looking, the bold shape is aerodynamically efficient, recording a 0.29 Cd drag coefficient.
Citroën Design Director, Pierre Leclercq, said that the e-C4 X is “unmistakably Citroen at the front, but as you come around the car you can see that its silhouette is very different – much more dynamic and exciting”.
The flowing roofline disguises the traditional saloon-style boot, which sees a small lip spoiler integrated into it.
A raised ride height gives the e-C4 X an SUV-like driving position, with matt black lower panels emphasising the additional ground clearance. In terms of style, the Renault Arkana is likely to be its biggest competitor.
Potential electric range of 224 miles
Whilst certain markets will receive the option of a petrol or diesel C4 X, the UK will only see the electric e-C4 X on offer. Powering it will be a 100kW electric motor.
With Sport Mode engaged, this should result in a 0-62mph time of 9.7 seconds, along with potential top speed of 93mph.
Only one size of lithium-ion battery will be available, with a 50kW capacity. Citroen claims that this should deliver an official range of up to 224 miles when fully charged.
The 400v battery system allows the use of 100kW rapid charging devices, said to replenish the e-C4 X to 80 percent charge in just 30 minutes. Using a wallbox should see a full charge take 7.5 hours, although this can be reduced to 5 hours with the optional 11kW on-board charger.
Citroen will offer a ‘one-stop shop’ for EV wallbox installation, and allow charging of the e-C4 X to be controlled through the MyCitroen app.
Riding on a magic carpet
Compared to the radical exterior, on the inside the e-C4 X appears somewhat more conventional. A 10-inch multimedia display dominates the centre console, with storage space and multiple USB sockets found lower down.
Citroen is particularly proud of the e-C4 X’s rear seats, boasting of 198mm knee room and a reclined 27-degree backrest. It promises that three adults will be able to sit side-by-side across the rear bench, too.
The use of Advanced Comfort seats, featuring 15mm thickened foam, is said to give the impression of ‘sitting in a snug armchair’.
Aiding this is the use of Citroen’s Progressive Hydraulic Cushions suspension system. This uses hydraulic bump stops to help smooth out road imperfections, resulting in the company’s acclaimed “magic carpet ride” effect.
Additional junk in the trunk
The e-C4 X’s boot has a 510-litre capacity, with additional storage underneath for the electric charging cable. The rear seat backrests fold for larger items, with a ski hatch also included.
Final UK specifications for the new e-C4 X are yet to be confirmed by Citroen, with pricing also currently unannounced.
Production is scheduled to start soon at the Stellantis Villaverde manufacturing facility in Madrid, Spain, with sales beginning in autumn 2022.
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