First impressions and what's changed since 2020 ë-C4?

The 2023 Citroën ë-C4 X hasn't just had a facelift, it’s got a new body style built on the same platform as the 2020 ë-C4. Where the 2020 car had a coupe-inspired crossover hatchback silhouette, the ë-C4 X stretches out into a saloon-style fastback with a longer rear overhang and a much larger 510 litre boot. Inside, the Shine Plus trim introduces Citroën’s latest HD 10" MyCitroën Drive Plus infotainment, improved voice control, and higher-grade materials like Alcantara Advanced Comfort seats. Safety and convenience tech has also been upgraded, with Highway Driver Assist (Level 2 semi-autonomous) now standard on Shine Plus. Under the skin, it retains the same 100 kW (134 bhp) motor and 50 kWh battery as the original – but minor software refinements and aerodynamic tweaks help deliver slightly improved real-world efficiency.

What are its rivals?

The ë-C4 X shares its e-CMP platform and drivetrain (50 kWh battery, 100 kW motor) with similar EVs like the Peugeot e‑2008, Vauxhall Mokka Electric, and DS 3 E‑Tense. Some larger or more performance-focused rivals include:

• MG4 EV – A rear-wheel-drive hatchback from £26,995, offering sharper dynamics, longer range (up to 323 miles in the Extended Range version), and class-leading value.

• Hyundai Kona Electric – Available in 48.4 kWh and 65.4 kWh versions, it delivers more range and faster charging speeds, with improved tech in the latest models.

• Kia Niro EV – Similar size and boot space to the ë-C4 X, with more refined infotainment and up to 285 miles range.

• Renault Megane E-Tech Electric – A newer EV with more upmarket cabin and sportier handling; pricing starts higher but offers a stronger tech experience.

What’s unique about the Citroën ë-C4 X?

One unique interior feature of the ë-C4 X is the Smart Pad Support tablet holder embedded in the dashboard. This offers a clever way for front passengers to mount and use a tablet securely, with three glove compartments integrated around it. The top one acts as the tablet mount, the middle can mirror the infotainment display, and the lower glovebox is rather small due to a bulky box on the left of it that limits its usable space. On the materials front, the car features an abundance of hard black plastic across the doors, dash and parcel shelf, which undermines its otherwise fairly stylish design.

Citroën says comfort is its defining feature, but in this case that claim doesn't fully hold up. The ë‑C4 X uses the brand’s Progressive Hydraulic Cushion suspension, which is designed to soak up rough surfaces and potholes. While this system does smooth out some road imperfections, it contributes to a floaty, disconnected feel, rather than delivering the planted comfort we had hoped for. The seats, too, fall short of their promise. They are marketed as "Advanced Comfort," and boast their premium Alcantara Advanced material, but we found them harsh and lacking support – especially noticeable on longer journeys.

What about range?

Official range is rated at up to 222 miles. In our own testing however, we were returning an average efficiency of 2.8 miles per kW, considerably below the claimed 4.44! This means a real-world range of around 140 which is unusable on a long journey. That said, charging performance is competitive, it supports 100 kW DC rapid charging: 10–80 % takes about 30 minutes and approximately 59 miles added in 10 minutes on a suitable charger. AC home (7.4 kW) recharge takes around 7½ hours.

How much do I need to budget?

The Citroën e-C4 x with Shine Plus trim starts at £34,995, placing it in the same ballpark as higher-trim versions of similar rivals. Running costs – insurance groups, servicing, and warranty cover, are largely the same as the standard ë-C4. However, the saloon-like styling and slightly less familiar badge appeal could affect resale strength, so it might lose value faster, particularly if you pay full retail.

So what are the positives?

One of the standout features of the Citroën ë‑C4 X is its bold and distinctive design, especially from the rear. The fastback silhouette adds a visual flair that distinguishes it from the boxier EV crowd. It’s the kind of car that draws attention, in fact it even received a number of compliments from elderly ladies passing by.

Interior practicality is another strong point. The dedicated tablet holder and mirrored infotainment extension adds real-world utility, especially for families. The Smart Pad Support system is a thoughtful addition, offering secure and safe tablet use for front passengers without interfering with airbag function. Storage is also fairly good, with 16 cubbies and compartments spread across the cabin to make daily life easier. The boot's 510 litres of space is also a strong positive, more than many similar rivals. 

In terms of technology and convenience, the Shine Plus trim is well-equipped. Features like semi-autonomous Highway Driver Assist, wireless smartphone charging, heated front seats, and the 10" infotainment display come as standard. These add value to the overall package, especially when viewed against similarly priced competition.

Lastly, the ë‑C4 X’s smooth ride remains one of its defining features. The Progressive Hydraulic Cushion suspension may feel floaty at times, but it delivers a comfortable experience over potholes, making this car well-suited to the UK’s weather-worn roads. 

Okay, so what about the downsides?

While the ë‑C4 X aims to build on Citroën’s reputation for comfort, the execution doesn't deliver. Despite marketing around "Advanced Comfort" seating, the seats themselves are flat and unsupportive. Combine this with the car's boaty handling and soft suspension, the result can feel overly floaty and disconnected from the road.

Interior material quality is another shortcoming. While well-designed in terms of layout, the extensive use of hard black plastic across the doors, dashboard, and parcel shelf detracts from what is otherwise an elegant cabin design. It’s a noticeable step down when compared with some competitors that use softer materials and more premium finishes at similar price points.

Although the boot space is generous, its design limits practicality. The bracket mechanism required to close the boot intrudes into the space, making it awkward to use, especially for large or square-shaped items. Likewise, the windscreen wipers fail to reach the outer edges of the glass, which reduces visibility in poor weather. Cupholders, too, are awkwardly designed, just tall enough to catch coffee cup lids, increasing the likelihood of spills. 

Tech-wise, there are a few frustrations. The infotainment interface, although modern-looking, is sometimes sluggish and unintuitive. During testing, the voice control also activated due to ambient noise from our children in the back, suggesting the system might be too sensitive for real-world family use.

Charging information on-screen also suffers from poor UI design. During charging, the interface displays time remaining but then muddles the experience with vague messages like "less brake to start" without explanation. 

Should I buy one?

If you are drawn to unconventional styling, a family-friendly layout with clever storage, and you appreciate Citroën’s flair for quirky features, then the ë‑C4 X Shine Plus definitely has some appeal. However, it’s important to manage expectations – comfort does not live up to the marketing, the tech is underwhelming, and the driving experience does not match its closest rivals.

If you are after a more complete package, with sharper dynamics, better range, or a slicker infotainment experience then the MG4 EV, Hyundai Kona Electric, or Kia Niro EV are all stronger contenders. That said, if you manage to get a decent deal and can live with its compromises, the ë‑C4 X remains a likeable oddball in a crowded market.

Key Specs

Citroën e-C4 x Shine Plus 50kW 2023

Price: £34,995
Top Speed: 93mph
0-62mph: 10.0 seconds
Power: 134hp
Torque: 192lb‑ft
Range: 222 miles
Charging: 100 kW DC, 7.4 kW AC, optional 11 kW AC
Insurance group: 21–23E 
Manufacturers' warranty: 3 years
Battery warranty: Standard 8 years/100,000 miles guarantee