► Citroen will not make a C5 X replacement
► New C5 Aircross is ‘the new flagship’
► Citroen will go no larger than new family SUV
Citroen’s global CEO, Thierry Koskas, has confirmed there is no intention to replace the grand C5 X saloon/estate/SUV crossbreed, which was designed to be its flagship car.
The Citroen C5 X sits in what’s classed as the ‘D-segment’ of the car market, which means it goes up agsinst plenty of premium rivals like the Mercedes C-Class, Audi A5, BMW 3-series and Volvo S60. However, executives at Citroen have said that it will no longer occupy that space due to slow sales, with the all-new C5 Aircross SUV taking the mantle as the French brand’s largest and plushest car. For reference, the C5 Aircross is classed as a C-segment SUV.
‘This kind of car, the C5 X, was not a success for us,’ says Caroline Malleus, Citroen’s product and strategy director. ‘We see that people in this segment are looking for more luxuries and premium brands, so this is not a targeted segment [for Citroen] anymore.’
Koskas agrees, saying: ‘The C5 Aircross is supposed to be our flagship at the end of the day, which means I don’t think that Citroen has much to do with the D-segment where we are with C5 X. It’s not selling too badly in the countries where we sell it, but it’s such a tight segment – as soon as you enter the D-segment, you go along with the premium brands [i.e. Mercedes, Audi, BMW etc.]. Mainstream brands in the D-segment are very much anecdotal.’
‘With C5 Aircross, it’s probably the most advanced and best car we have, it’s packed with technology, super comfortable,’ Koskas adds. ‘I don’t need something bigger, and I’m not sure how to sell something bigger. It’s a good idea to stop with this big baby [i.e. the C5 Aircross].’
In fact, Citroen is already in the process of winding up C5 X production. Citroen UK has confirmed in a statement that ‘right-hand drive production of the Citroën C5 X will conclude at the end of May 2025. Existing orders will be fulfilled, and stock will remain available while supplies last.
‘Citroën already offers a range of seven electric passenger vehicles in the UK, with five available for less than £30,000, and later this year, Citroën will launch New C5 Aircross and New ë-C5 Aircross as the brand’s flagship models in the UK, offering electrification, comfort, and practicality at an affordable price. More exciting products and services launches will follow, reinforcing Citroën’s commitment to innovation and accessibility.’