Citroën C-SportLounge
| Company type | Subcompact executive car |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Predecessor | Citroën C5 hatchback (first generation) |
| Founded | November 2011 |
| Headquarters | Sochaux , France |
| Products | DS 5 hatchback |
The DS 5 is a premium subcompact executive hatchback created by the French manufacturer Citroën, debuting in the European market in November 2011. Initially introduced as the Citroën DS5, it was the third model under the upscale DS sub-brand, which was rebranded as simply DS 5 in 2015 following Citroën’s strategic shift to position DS Automobiles as a standalone luxury marque.
Details
Unveiled at the 2011 Shanghai Auto Show, the DS5 represented Citroën’s inaugural use of Peugeot’s primary European manufacturing facility located in Sochaux for its assembly. This decision underscored the platform-sharing synergies within Groupe PSA.
The vehicle blends characteristics of hatchbacks and estates with a distinctive shooting-brake design, measuring long and wide. It is built on the PSA PF2 platform, shared with other models such as the Peugeot 3008. The DS5 effectively replaced the first-generation C5 hatchback by filling that segment after Citroën ceased production of hatchback variants of the C5.
Inside, the cabin draws inspiration from aviation, featuring dual center consoles—including one positioned overhead—and a head-up display. These elements emphasize its premium status and pay homage to the heritage of the original Citroën DS. This design philosophy was further highlighted through a marketing campaign that recreated an iconic photoshoot involving the Concorde.
The powertrain lineup consists of turbocharged petrol and diesel engines, alongside PSA’s pioneering diesel-electric Hybrid4 system. This hybrid combines a 163 hp 2.0 HDi diesel engine with a 37 hp electric motor mounted on the rear axle, providing all-wheel-drive capability when required. Depending on trim level, CO2 emissions vary between 99g/km and 107g/km, with an electric-only mode available when battery charge permits. This innovation made the DS5 both Citroën’s first and one of the earliest production cars globally to utilize a diesel-electric hybrid drivetrain.
The DS5 gained prominence when a hybrid convertible variant was chosen for French President François Hollande’s inauguration parade in May 2012.
In 2015, Citroën removed its branding from this model, reintroducing it as the DS 5 to reinforce DS Automobiles’ identity as an independent premium brand.
Awards
- The DS5 Hybrid4 received the Best Eco Car award at the Scottish Car of the Year 2012 event held in Glasgow on 14 October 2012.
- The DS5 earned the title of Top Gear "Family Car of the Year" in 2011.
Sales and production
| Year | Global Production | Global Sales | Remarks |
| 2010 | Template:TBA | 200 | |
| 2011 | 4,560 | 3,255 | Cumulative DS5 production reached 4,773 units. |
| 2012 | 29,700 | 27,800 | Total DS5 production climbed to 34,500 units. |
| 2013 | |||
| 2014 |
Citroën C-SportLounge
Before the arrival of the Citroën DS5, there was the Citroën C-Sportlounge, a concept vehicle revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2005. Developed under design chief Jean-Pierre Ploué with Frédéric Soubirou leading styling efforts, this concept significantly influenced the design language adopted for the DS5 launched six years later. A notable feature of the concept was its rear-hinged suicide doors, whereas production versions of the DS5 employ conventional door configurations.
This front-wheel-drive prototype was equipped with a engine paired with a six-speed automatic gearbox and fitted with 20-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 255/40 tires. Its aerodynamic shape achieved an impressive drag coefficient of 0.26 and boasted an interior inspired by aircraft cockpits.
External links
- Citroën C-SportLounge on the official corporate site.