Flagship 2021 Citroen C5 X crossover revealed

The all-new 2021 Citroen C5 X has been revealed, handing the French car-maker a new flagship that's claimed to blend the elegance of a sedan, practicality of a wagon and "commanding presence" of an SUV.

Set to be launched in Europe late 2021, the new Volkswagen Passat rival could be offered in Australia following confirmation that the Citroen C5 X will be built in right-hand drive for the UK market at least.

Like other Citroen models, the C5 X is claimed to eschew sportiness for comfort, combining what the car-maker describes as "magic carpet" levels of ride comfort with a "lounge-like" cabin.

Drawing plenty of inspiration from the striking Citroen CXperience concept that was unveiled back in 2016 at the Paris motor show, the C5 X gets a long bonnet and wide stance and features the famous double chevron grille that stretches across its face to the brand's new trademark V-shaped LED daytime running lights.

Featuring a raised ride height and subtle protective plastic cladding around the wheel-arches and sills, the Citroen C5 X misses out on air bumps.

At the rear there's yet more cladding to give the illusion you're looking at an SUV, and there's two (yes, two) spoilers.

Other design features include a huge panoramic roof and large windows to provide a light and airy cabin.

Measuring in at 4805mm long, 1865mm wide and standing 1485mm tall, the C5 X is around 38mm longer than a Volkswagen Passat, 33mm wider and 29mm taller, although the VW can swallow more luggage (+41 litres) than the Citroen's 545-litre boot.

Beneath the skin, the C5 X shares plenty with the latest Peugeot 508 sedan and wagon, including its EMP2 platform and full range of engines, including the 89kW 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder (PureTech 130) and the more powerful 132kW 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo (PureTech 180).

Both will be front-wheel drive and combine with an eight-speed automatic.

At the top of the tree is a powerful plug-in hybrid that blends the 1.6-litre turbo with an electric motor and a 13.2kWh lithium-ion battery to provide 166kW and a pure-electric range of up to 50km.

Inside, there's plenty of space thanks to the lengthy 2785mm wheelbase that, Citroen claims, provides for "outstanding" rear space.

As standard, all models get the cossetting Advanced Comfort seats and the same Progressive Hydraulic Cushion suspension as the Citroen C5 Aircross that gives an extra layer of pliancy and bump absorption.

The most expensive versions also get adaptive dampers.

Ahead of the drive is a new 12.0-inch touch-screen that works with voice control and offers smartphone mirroring. There's also a full 21-inch colour head-up display to reduce driver distraction.

From launch, Citroen will introduce its Level 2 autonomous driver aids that includes adaptive cruise control with lane keep assist.

Once introduced later this year, Citroen hopes the C5 X will poach buyers away from not only cars like the Passat or Skoda Superb in class, but it expects 25 per cent will choose it over a wagon from other segments, while 21 per cent will select it over a sedan and, finally, 15 per cent over a traditional SUV.