Citroën C6
| Company type | Luxury executive car |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Predecessor | Citroën XM |
| Founded | 2005 |
| Headquarters | Paris , France |
| Products | Luxury executive cars |
| Parent | Citroën |
The Citroën C6 is a luxury executive car (E-segment) manufactured by the French company Citroën between 2005 and 2012, with production restarting in China from 2016 until 2023. Designed as a fastback sedan, the C6 was inspired by the Citroën C6 Lignage concept unveiled at the 1999 Geneva Motor Show.
Conceived to succeed the aging Citroën XM, the C6’s launch was initially slated for late 2000 but was delayed. It incorporated innovative design features and was aimed at the premium executive vehicle market.
History
Intended as the replacement for the XM, which had been produced since May 1989, the C6 targeted the executive segment by offering enhanced luxury and comfort.
In July 2007, Car magazine reviewed the 2.7-litre V6 model of the C6, praising its refined ride quality and plush cabin, while noting that drivers needed time to adapt to its distinctive driving dynamics. Although acceleration was described as "smooth," it did not quite reach the performance levels set by competitors such as the BMW 5 Series of that era.
Design
The Citroën C6 Lignage concept served as the foundation for the production C6, which launched in November 2005—approximately five years later than originally planned. Production of the XM ceased in June 2000, with the first C6 arriving nearly six years afterward.
Features
Engine options for the C6 included a 3.0 L ES9 V6 delivering or a 2.7 L V6 HDi diesel producing .
In October 2006, Citroën introduced a 2.2 L HDi four-cylinder twin-turbo diesel with 170 PS and a Diesel Particulate Filter. This DW12 powerplant was also utilized by Land Rover in models such as the Freelander 2 and Range Rover Evoque, offering outputs between 150 and 190 PS.
By June 2009, a newer 3.0 L V6 HDi diesel generating replaced the earlier 2.7 L unit.
The C6’s silhouette is characterized by its fastback sedan shape featuring a concave rear window reminiscent of the Citroën CX, yet it maintains a conventional boot rather than adopting the hatchback style of its predecessor, the XM.
Positioned as an elegant choice within the executive car segment alongside rivals like the BMW 5 Series and Audi A6, the C6 received acclaim for its unique styling and cutting-edge technology.
Among its notable innovations were a heads-up display, lane departure alert system, xenon directional headlights (also seen on the Citroën C4 and Citroën C5), Hydractive 3+ electronically controlled suspension, and an automatic rear spoiler that adjusts based on speed and braking inputs.
Significantly, the C6 was pioneering in pedestrian safety by becoming the first automobile to achieve four stars in EuroNCAP’s pedestrian impact test, thanks to its pyrotechnic bonnet that raises by 65 mm upon collision to reduce injury risk.
During a demonstration on Top Gear, host Jeremy Clarkson emphasized the Hydractive suspension’s exceptional comfort and handling advantages over competitors such as the BMW 5 Series M Sport.
The model also gained recognition as an official state vehicle used by French Presidents Jacques Chirac and Nicolas Sarkozy, highlighting its prominence in high-level executive transportation.
Global production and sales data
Initial projections estimated annual sales at 20,000 units. By July 2008, the option for black paint on the Exclusive trim was removed from the C6 configurator on Citroën UK's website.
| Year | Global production | Global sales | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 700 | Template:TBA | |
| 2006 | 9,100 | Template:TBA | |
| 2007 | 7,300 | Template:TBA | By the end of 2007, Citroën had manufactured a total of 17,100 C6 units. |
| 2008 | 1,667 | Template:TBA | |
| 2009 | 982 | 1,500 | |
| 2010 | 1,114 | 1,400 | |
| 2011 | 1,029 | 922 | Cumulative production reached 22,004 vehicles. Cumulative sales amounted to 19,400 units. |
| 2012 | 1,400 | 1,600 | Overall production totaled 23,400 units. |
By October 2008, both manual gearbox options and the Lignage trim were discontinued. The Deep Red paint was replaced by Polar White in the available colour palette. The navigation system was rebranded as "Concert Pack." Production of the 3.0 V6 petrol engine ended in February 2009; thereafter, only the 2.2 and 2.7 HDi engines equipped with six-speed automatic transmissions were offered in base and Exclusive trims. In June 2009, the 2.7 HDi engine was superseded by the updated 3.0 V6 HDi.
By 2010, the UK lineup featured exclusively the 3.0 HDi (240) Exclusive trim with limited optional extras such as a sunroof, Lounge Pack (including TGV-style rear seats), and "WiFi on Board," a standalone 3G internet connectivity service separate from vehicle telephony.
Citroën ceased production of right-hand drive C6 models in May 2012 as part of plans to introduce the DS9—developed from the Citroën Numero 9 concept—which debuted in 2020. The entire C6 production ended in December 2012 after manufacturing a total of 23,384 vehicles.
Citroën C6 (China: 2016–2023)
Beginning in 2016, a new generation of the Citroën C6 was launched in China utilizing the PSA PF3 platform. This model shares its platform with the Dongfeng A9 and was priced between ¥189,900 and ¥279,900 yuan. Production concluded in 2023.
Production totals
| Year | China |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 4,079 |
| 2017 | 5,915 |
| 2018 | 3,925 |
| 2019 | 2,431 |
| 2020 | 1,573 |
| 2021 | 7,877 |
| 2022 | 2,895 |
| 2023 | 2,303 |