The SUV-ification of almost everything continues unchecked, with the latest release from Citroën – the ë-C4 X – taking its regular electric hatch and adding size and rugged styling. It will sit below the new ë-C5 X flagship PHEV in Citroën’s range, albeit the C4 will be EV-only in the UK.
 

Citroën calls the new ë-C4 X a ‘cross-segment’ design that “combines the elegant silhouette of a fastback with the modern attitude of an SUV”. We’d call it an extended and slightly jacked up version of the regular ë-C4 hatch which was already treading a fine line between C-segment four-door and small SUV.

So, what does the new Citroën ë-C4 X offer over and above the regular ë-C4?

Powertrain and performance

If you’re hoping for a new powertrain and elevated performance, you’ll be disappointed. The ë-C4 X gets the same powertrain that can be found across Citroën’s range of EVs (aside from the AMI). This means 134bhp and 192lb-ft of torque being sent to the front wheels for a 0-62mph time of 9.5 seconds and a top speed of 93mph.

The battery is also the same 50kWh unit which enables the ë-C4 X to travel 223 miles on the WLTP cycle. As with other models bearing this powertrain, Eco, Normal and Sport modes unlock different levels of power, helping to extend battery life while out on the road.

Charging at a maximum of 100kW DC supplies an 80 per cent charge in 30 minutes, whilst the standard 7.4kW on-board charger delivers a full charge in 7.5 hours which can be reduced to five hours with the optional 11kW charger.

Exterior design

Citroën reckons that the new ë-C4 X will stand out from the crowd against “the mass of existing hatchback and SUV body styles available”. Whilst we could contest that, the C4 does strike an attractive pose.

The X is slightly longer than the hatch at 4600mm vs 4360mm. This means it slots in under the C5 X which sits at 4800mm long. This additional length has increased boot space to 510 litres which is over 100-litres more than the hatch albeit the wheelbase remains the same at 2670mm. The fastback body style helps the Citroën achieve a drag coefficient of 0.29.

At the rear, new LED taillights complement the front LED Vision lighting. A matt black lower skirt on the front bumper links to the side and rear while the lower hexagonal grille is flanked by distinctive fog lamps.

Interior design and tech

Inside the ë-C4 X is more-or-less the same interior as you’ll find in the regular ë-C4. It’s not bad by any stretch, but when we tested the hatch we reckoned it was “not particularly inspiring… but it’s simple and uncluttered with sweeping lines and lots of dark, soft-touch materials”.

What we were more impressed with was the comfort on offer. Rear-seat space is plentiful with 198mm of rear leg room – a best-in-class for the Citroën – and three adults will fit easily. Advanced Comfort seats which blend various materials also enhance the car as a nice place to sit. An optional panoramic sunroof adds to the interior’s overall pleasantness.

Infotainment is from Citroën’s latest MyCitroën Drive Plus system which is interfaced through a 10 inch, customisable touchscreen. Speech recognition is built in with 20 languages supported whilst up to eight profiles can be stored so that when a regular driver gets in, the car can be configured to their preferences at the touch of a button.

Up to 20 driver assistance systems are available including active safety systems and semi-autonomous features, plus elements like a head-up display, reversing camera with top rear vision and 360-degree vision make the car easier to live with.

Price and availability

The new Citroën ë-C4 X is now available to order with prices starting at £31,995 for the base spec 'Sense' model which comes with a decent level of kit. Opt for the 'Shine' model and you'll get a few more toys such as a head-up display, Citroën Drive Plus infotainment and a reversing camera for £34,495. Finally, the top-spec 'Shine Plus' model gains heated front seats shod in Alcantara and Highway Driver Assist for £35,495.