Citroen C4 X and e-C4 X revealed
Swoopy new mid-size French SUV and its EV variant to remain off-limits for Aussies, unlike its Peugeot PHEV cousinJust over a week after the 2022 Peugeot 408 debuted, the French car-maker’s sister brand has revealed its own mid-size SUV-coupe in the form of the 2022 Citroen C4 X, which unlike the 408 has also been shown with a battery electric version.
Measuring 4600mm long and riding on a 2670mm wheelbase, the new C4 X is marginally shorter in both respects than its Peugeot cousin, despite being underpinned by the same CMP architecture.
Whereas the 408 is all angles and creases, the C4 X’s design is awash with gentle curves and soft contours. We likened the Peugeot to a baby Lamborghini Urus last week and the C4 X could be described as a baby Mercedes-Benz GLE coupe… at least when viewed from the side or the rear.
The star of the show is obviously that sloping roofline, but up front there’s a classic Citroen slimline fascia and incredibly narrow daytime running lights, plus sunken headlights, narrow grilles and a full-width badge.
Despite being smaller dimensionally than the similarly-styled Peugeot 408, the C4 X actually boasts the marginally bigger boot at 510 litres (v 506L), and while maximum cargo capacity with the second row stowed hasn’t been listed, it won’t be far off the 408’s 1611L.
Regardless, the cabin is ruled by an integrated 10-inch infotainment display featuring the latest ‘MyCitroën Drive Plus’ operating system with natural voice recognition, smartphone mirroring, TomTom satellite navigation and up to eight driver profiles.
Drivers are met by a digital instrument cluster, a multi-function steering wheel, ‘Advanced Comfort’ seats and a swathe of grey Alcantara and leather throughout the cabin.
Propulsion in the internal combustion versions in Europe will come from a turbocharged 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine available in two different states of tune: PureTech 100 and PureTech 130.
Both mills are Euro 6.4-compliant, with the former being paired exclusively to a six-sped manual transmission and latter nabbing an eight-speed automatic.
International markets, however, will only get a Euro 6.1-compliant version of the thrummy little triple, rated to 97kW and mated to the aforementioned eight-speed auto, just like the 408.
A 97kW turbo-diesel will also be available in some markets.
Where the two models really differ, however, is in the electrification field: the Peugeot will initially be offered with the choice of two plug-in hybrids as well as the aforementioned ICE unit, while the C4 X has debuted with a fully-electric powertrain – something not available in the 408 until further down the line.
Said EV powertrain is based around a 50kWh lithium-ion battery pack and a single 100kW/260Nm electric motor, which combine to offer up to 360km of WLTP driving range on a single charge and a top speed of 150km/h.
Zero-100km/h takes a claimed 9.5 seconds and Citroen is citing a 30-minute battery charge time from 10 to 80 per cent when using DC fast-charger (at up to 100kW).
All of the usual regenerative braking and thermal management systems are in place to extend the range as far as possible, but the real contributor is that slippery roofline, which yields a drag coefficient of 0.29Cd.
The electric version has fittingly been dubbed the e-C4 X.
“We’re excited about the opportunity presented by the new e-C4 X and C4 X models as they will contribute significantly to our brand presence and sales expansion objectives particularly for International markets, as well as Europe,” Citroen CEO Vincent Cobée said.
“Many customers have told us they want an affordable, responsible and elegant alternative to the mass of hatchback and SUV offerings in the volume compact car segment, and this is our best interpretation of that need – a forward-looking, distinctive cross-design that delivers all the comfort, technology, safety and value you expect from Citroen.”
In terms of our market specifically, Citroen Australia has confirmed to carsales there are “no current plans” for the swoopy high-rider to be offered here, effectively leaving the new Peugeot 408 and Haval H6 GT alone in the small but growing mainstream mid-size fastback SUV market.
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