Citroën C5
| Company type | Automobile model |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Predecessor | Citroën Xantia |
| Founded | 2000 |
| Headquarters | France |
| Products | Large family car (liftback, estate, saloon) |
| Parent | Citroën |
The Citroën C5 is a large family car manufactured by the French automaker Citroën from 2000 until 2018 in Europe, and from 2008 to 2022 in China, across two distinct generations. It replaced the Citroën Xantia within the D-segment and introduced the contemporary "Cx" nomenclature, which had been previously applied to models such as the C4 and C6. In 2021, a crossover variant known as the Citroën C5 X was launched, featuring unique design elements.
First generation (DC/DE; 2001)
The initial generation of the C5 was available as either a five-door liftback or an estate, representing a departure from earlier fastback saloon styles. Production commenced in late 2000, with sales in the UK beginning in April 2001.
Engine selections comprised petrol units ranging from a 1.8L inline-four to a 3.0L V6, alongside diesel options spanning from a 1.6L to a 2.2L direct injection inline-four. This generation marked the final model developed under chairman Jacques Calvet (1982–1999). It incorporated Citroën's innovative Hydractive 3 suspension system, which replaced traditional mechanical height correctors with electronic sensors that automatically adjusted ride height—lowering at high speeds to decrease aerodynamic drag and raising on uneven terrain to enhance comfort. Certain variants were equipped with Hydractive 3+, offering adjustable suspension stiffness.
In contrast to earlier Citroën models, braking and steering systems were hydraulically powered independently of the suspension's hydraulic circuit, likely due to considerations of cost and complexity associated with electronic brake force distribution.
A significant facelift arrived in September 2004, updating the design to align with the then-new Citroën C4. This revision extended the lengths of both liftback and estate versions and introduced swiveling directional headlights.
The Hydractive suspension system improved ride comfort and vehicle stability by maintaining a level chassis attitude and enabling operation even when only three wheels made contact with the ground. Production concluded in December 2007 after approximately 720,000 units were built; UK sales totaled over 45,000 between launch and 2004.
| Engine | Displacement | Power | Torque | Top speed | 0–62 mph (100 km/h) (s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8 L EW7 I4 | 1749 cc | 115 PS (85 kW) at 5,500 rpm | 160 N⋅m (120 lbf⋅ft) at 4,000 rpm | 122 mph (196 km/h) | 11.1 |
| with automatic transmission | 11.3 | ||||
| 2.0 L EW10 I4 petrol variants | (various outputs) | (various torque) | (up to)130 mph (209 km/h) | (range)9.1–9.8 | |
| 3.0 L PSA ES engine#ES9 V6 petrol variants | (around)2946 cc | (207–211 PS) | (285–290 Nm) | (143–144 mph) | (8.6–9.7) |
| Diesel engines: | |||||
|
Second generation (RD/TD; 2007)
Revealed in early 2008, the second-generation C5 transitioned away from the liftback body style toward a more traditional aerodynamic three-box saloon silhouette. The design was previewed by the C5 Airscape concept displayed at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show.
This generation debuted in February 2008 with the saloon model, followed by the estate (Tourer) version in May. It garnered accolades including the 2009 Semperit Irish Car of the Year and Japan’s Import Car of the Year for 2008–09. Its global unveiling took place at the Brussels Motor Show in January 2008.
The C5 offered both conventional spring suspension and Citroën’s signature hydropneumatic system, sharing its platform with the discontinued Citroën C6 ("X7"). Engine options ranged from a 1.6L petrol unit up to a 3.0L V6 petrol engine, alongside diesel variants such as the 2.0L HDi and larger V6 HDi engines of 2.7L and later 3.0L displacement—the latter replacing the former in 2009 for better efficiency.
By 2010, engine upgrades were introduced to comply with Euro 5 emissions standards: the previous 2.0L HDi 140 and 2.2L HDi 173 were replaced by a single 2.0L HDi producing 160 PS paired with six-speed gearboxes; petrol options expanded with the addition of a 1.6L THP 155 engine initially seen in the DS3 model. A minor facelift arrived in 2011 featuring LED lighting enhancements and broadened engine choices including a more powerful 2.2 HDi producing 200 PS as well as a new 1.6 VTI petrol variant.
Further revisions in July 2012 updated exterior badging details and improved infotainment on upper trims through introduction of the eMyWay system equipped with Bluetooth connectivity alongside USB/iPod integration.
In May 2016, Citroën ceased sales of the C5 in the UK due to poor market performance—totaling just over 17,000 units sold since launch with only 237 registered in 2015—while it remained relatively popular in France with sales exceeding 6,500 units that year. This decision ended production of right-hand drive models amid changing consumer preferences favoring crossover vehicles and economic challenges following its launch during a financial downturn.
eTouch technology combined emergency response and assistance call functions along with features such as an online virtual maintenance guide and Eco Driving support accessible through MyCitroën portal. Equipped with GPS and an embedded SIM card requiring no subscription plan, it provides two dedicated buttons: "SOS" for emergencies—automatically activated upon collision—and "Double Chevron" for roadside assistance calls; both services are free of charge and available at all times.
While European production ended by early 2017—with saloon orders discontinued as of March that year—the Chinese market continued to receive significantly restyled versions including Tourer and CrossTourer variants still offered locally.
2017 China Market Refresh
In 2017, the second-generation Citroën C5 underwent a facelift specifically for the Chinese market, featuring a completely revamped front fascia that included redesigned headlights, a new grille, and an updated bumper. The rear received minor modifications with refreshed tail light designs. The engine lineup stayed consistent with the previous version, offering a 1.6-liter turbocharged petrol engine generating 167 hp (124 kW) and a 1.8-liter turbocharged unit producing 204 hp (152 kW) alongside 207 lb-ft (280 Nm) of torque. Both powertrains were exclusively mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox driving the front wheels. It is important to note that Citroën eliminated the Hydractive hydropneumatic suspension system in this update due to its high manufacturing expenses and limited consumer interest.
| Engine | Displacement | Power | Top speed | 0–62 mph (0–100 km/h) (s) |
Fuel consumption (liters/100 km) |
CO2 emissions (g/km) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8 L I4 | 1749 cc | 125 bhp | 125 mi/h | 11.0 | 6.57 | 188 |
| 1.6 L I4 | 1598 cc | 120 bhp | 117 mi/h | 12.2 | 6.2 | 144 |
| 2.0 L I4 | 1997 cc | 140 bhp | 129 mi/h | 9.7 | 7.00 | 198 |
| 2.3 L I4 | 2253 cc | 169 bhp | 218 km/h | 9.9 | 12.8 | 299 |
| 1.6 L Turbocharged I4 | 1598 cc | 154 bhp | 130 mi/h | 8.6 | 6.69 | 153 |
| 3.0 L V6 | 2946 cc | 211 bhp | 139 mi/h | 9.2 | 10.50 | 248 |
| 1.6 L diesel I4 | 1560 cc | 109 bhp | 119 mi/h | 12.2 | 4.67 | 149 |
| 1.6 L diesel I4 | 1560 cc | 109 bhp | 120 mi/h | 11.6 | 4.6 | 120 |
| 2.0 L diesel I4 | 1997 cc | 136 bhp | 127 mi/h | 10.6 | 4.99 | 157 |
| 2.0 L diesel I4 | 1997 cc | 140 bhp | 127 mi/h | 10.6 | 5.7 | 139 |
| 2.0 L diesel I4 | 1997 cc | 161 bhp | 130 mi/h | 9.1 | 5.29 | 139 |
| 2.2 L diesel I4 | 2179 cc | 170 bhp | max 135 mi/h | max 9.2 l/100km | max 172 g/km CO2 | |
| 2.2 L diesel I4 | 2179 cc | 200 bhp | 140 mi/h | 8.3 l/100km | 5.9 l/100km | 155 g/km CO2 |
| 2.7 L diesel V6 | 2720 cc | 208 bhp | 139 mi/h | 8.9 l/100km | 7 l/100km | 223 g/km CO2 |
| 3.0 L diesel V6 | 2992 cc | 240 bhp | 151 mi/h | 7.7 l/100km | 6.19 l/100km | 195 g/km CO2 |
Replacement Model
Citroën introduced the C5 X in July 2022 within the UK market, marking its expansion into the mid-size crossover SUV segment while preserving the C5 nameplate identity. This model is aimed at key markets such as Europe and Australia.
Production and Sales Data
2012 || align="center"|72,500 units || align="center"|76,300 units || Total production reached close to 1.19 million vehicles. 2013 || || align="center"|63,862 units || 2014 || || align="center"|51,936 units || 2015 || || align="center"|35,179 units || 2016 || || align="center"|14,506 units || 2017 || || align="center"|13,262 units || 2018 || || align="center"|5,221 units || 2019 || || align="center"|729 units || 2020 || || align="center"|25 units || 2021 || || align="center"|14,215 units ||| Year | Global production volume | Global sales figures | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 99 units | ||
| 2001 | 109,657 units | ||
| 2002 | 145,731 units | ||
| 2003 | align="center"|105,299 units | ||
| 2004 | align="center"|89,437 units | ||
| 2005 | align="center"|84,506 units | ||
| 2006 | align="center"|65,640 units | ||
| 2007 | align="center"|46,853 units | ||
| 2008 | align="center"|71,187 units | ||
| 2009 | align="center"|87,600 units | ||
| 2010 | align="center"|116,000 units | ||
| 2011 | align="center"|100,457 units | 101,213 units | Production exceeded 1.12 million vehicles. |