Say what you want of Citroën’s design language, but we have to pay homage where it is due to have the courage to roll out such bold designs. Once a sedan and wagon duo, the C5 returns as a mix of several body styles. Is it a wagon? An SUV? A large, high hatchback sedan? All the foregoing. A new teaser video sheds some light on the car’s design to create some suspense until its debut on April 12.
Previewed in 2016 by the Cxperience concept, the new flagship with the double chevron logo has an unconventional shape that will make it stand out in a sea of midsize sedans. It’s a whole different approach to the Peugeot 508, which we find the most attractive car in its segment, whether it’s mainstream or luxury sedans.
At first glance, the new C5 will be more of an acquired taste, but it looks quite promising for those looking to try something entirely different. It will combine the practicality of a sedan and wagon with the higher ground clearance of an SUV while having a sedan-like roofline for the most part. It’s definitely going to be offbeat, with Laurence Hansen, Citroën’s product and strategy director, calling it “very different, very comfortable, a great car”.
As for the name, we’re not entirely sure it will carry the nickname “C5”. Interestingly, the adjacent teaser video has “E43” in its file name. It might make you think of a Mercedes-AMG model, but it actually represents the internal code name used by Citroën for its new range topper.
Perhaps the French will choose another designation to better separate the newcomer from the existing C5 Aircross. Some say it will dust off the name “C6” from Europe after bringing it back to the Chinese market in 2016.
We will know what happens on Monday when the envelopes come off. Sales are expected to start in Europe in the second half of 2021.
