The Citroën C5 X 1.6 Plug-in Hybrid, produced from February 2023 to February 2025, represents a unique offering within the C5 X model range. Positioned as a mid-range variant, it combines a 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack, creating a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). The C5 X itself is a distinctive vehicle, blending elements of a traditional station wagon, a crossover, and a sedan, aiming to offer a comfortable and technologically advanced driving experience. This particular powertrain option was designed to appeal to buyers seeking improved fuel efficiency and the ability to drive short distances on electric power alone, while still retaining the flexibility of a gasoline engine for longer journeys.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Citroen |
| Model | C5 X |
| Generation | C5 X |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 (181 Hp) Plug-in Hybrid e-EAT |
| Start of production | February, 2023 |
| End of production | February, 2025 |
| Powertrain Architecture | PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate), Crossover |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Combined fuel consumption (WLTP) | 1.8-1.9 l/100 km (130.7 – 123.8 US mpg, 156.9 – 148.7 UK mpg, 55.6 – 52.6 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions (WLTP) | 32-33 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol / electricity |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 8.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 8.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 8.2 sec |
| Maximum speed | 225 km/h (139.81 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6e |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.5 kg/Hp, 105.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.8 kg/Nm, 209.1 Nm/tonne |
| Gross battery capacity | 12.4 kWh |
| Battery technology | Lithium-ion (Li-Ion) |
| All-electric range (WLTP) | 54 km (33.55 mi) |
| Average Energy consumption (WLTP) | 16.7-16.8 kWh/100 km (26.88 – 27.04 kWh/100 mi, 125 – 125 MPGe, 6 – 6 km/kWh, 3.7 – 3.7 mi/kWh) |
| Max speed (electric) | 135 km/h (83.89 mph) |
| Electric motor power | 110 Hp @ 2500 rpm (150 kW) |
| Electric motor Torque | 320 Nm @ 500-2500 rpm (236.02 lb.-ft. @ 500-2500 rpm) |
| Electric motor location | Between the combustion engine and the transmission |
| Electric motor type | Synchronous |
| System power | 181 Hp (134 kW) |
| System torque | 360 Nm (265.52 lb.-ft.) |
| Power | 150 Hp @ 6000 rpm (110 kW) |
| Torque | 250 Nm @ 1750 rpm (184.39 lb.-ft. @ 1750 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | EP6FDT |
| Engine displacement | 1598 cm3 (97.52 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.3 l (4.54 US qt | 3.78 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1722-1781 kg (3796.36 – 3926.43 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2185 kg (4817.1 lbs.) |
| Max load | 404-463 kg (890.67 – 1020.74 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 485 l (17.13 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 40 l (10.57 US gal | 8.8 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1350 kg (2976.24 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 70 kg (154.32 lbs.) |
| Length | 4805 mm (189.17 in.) |
| Width | 1815 mm (71.46 in.) |
| Width with mirrors folded | 1859 mm (73.19 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2062 mm (81.18 in.) |
| Height | 1485 mm (58.46 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2785 mm (109.65 in.) |
| Front track | 1595 mm (62.8 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1600 mm (62.99 in.) |
| Front overhang | 985 mm (38.78 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 1035 mm (40.75 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric motor drive the front wheels of the car with the ability to work in full electric or mixed mode. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 8 gears, automatic transmission e-EAT |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 205/55 R19 97V |
| Wheel rims size | 19 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
At the heart of the C5 X 1.6 Plug-in Hybrid lies the EP6FDT engine, a 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine utilizes direct fuel injection and an intercooled turbocharger to produce 150 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque at 1750 rpm. The engine is paired with a 110 horsepower electric motor, integrated between the engine and the 8-speed e-EAT automatic transmission. The electric motor draws power from a 12.4 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, providing an all-electric range of up to 54 kilometers (33.55 miles) under WLTP testing. The combined system output is 181 horsepower and 360 Nm (265 lb-ft) of torque. The e-EAT transmission is specifically tuned to work seamlessly with the electric motor, optimizing efficiency and providing smooth gear changes. The engine management system allows for various driving modes, including electric-only, hybrid, and sport, allowing the driver to prioritize fuel economy or performance.
Driving Characteristics
The C5 X 1.6 Plug-in Hybrid offers a refined and comfortable driving experience. In electric mode, the vehicle provides near-silent operation and instant torque, making it ideal for city driving. The transition between electric and gasoline power is generally seamless, although a slight change in engine note is noticeable. The 8-speed automatic transmission provides smooth and responsive shifts. While the 181 horsepower combined output isn’t particularly sporty, it provides adequate acceleration for everyday driving, with a 0-60 mph time of around 8.2 seconds. Compared to the gasoline-only versions of the C5 X, the plug-in hybrid offers improved fuel economy and lower emissions. However, the added weight of the battery pack does slightly impact handling, making it less agile than lighter variants. The gear ratios are optimized for efficiency, prioritizing fuel economy over outright performance.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The C5 X 1.6 Plug-in Hybrid typically came well-equipped, reflecting its mid-range positioning. Standard features often included automatic climate control, a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a rearview camera, and a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) such as lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Interior upholstery was typically cloth or a combination of cloth and synthetic leather. Optional extras could include a panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, a premium sound system, and upgraded ADAS features. The trim level often dictated the availability of these optional extras.
Chassis & Braking
The C5 X utilizes a MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension, tuned for comfort and ride quality. The suspension is designed to absorb bumps and provide a smooth ride, even on uneven surfaces. The front brakes are ventilated discs, while the rear brakes are solid discs. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is standard, along with electronic brake-force distribution and emergency brake assist. The vehicle’s weight distribution is carefully managed to ensure stable handling. Stabilizer bars are fitted to both the front and rear axles to reduce body roll during cornering.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Citroën C5 X 1.6 Plug-in Hybrid was generally well-received by critics, who praised its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and fuel efficiency. However, some reviewers noted that its styling was polarizing and that its performance wasn’t particularly exciting. Compared to other plug-in hybrid options in the same segment, the C5 X offered a competitive price point and a unique blend of comfort and technology. The 1.6 Plug-in Hybrid variant offered a compelling alternative to the gasoline-only models, particularly for drivers who frequently commute in urban areas and have access to charging infrastructure. Compared to higher-powered gasoline engines, the plug-in hybrid offered significantly better fuel economy, but at the cost of some performance.
Legacy
The Citroën C5 X, including the 1.6 Plug-in Hybrid variant, represents Citroën’s attempt to create a unique and comfortable vehicle that stands out from the crowd. While production was relatively short-lived, the C5 X 1.6 Plug-in Hybrid powertrain is expected to prove reasonably reliable, benefiting from the established technology of the EP6FDT engine and the electric motor system. On the used car market, these models are likely to appeal to buyers seeking a comfortable, fuel-efficient, and technologically advanced vehicle with a distinctive design. The long-term value will depend on maintenance history and battery health, but the C5 X 1.6 Plug-in Hybrid offers a compelling proposition for those looking for a different kind of family car.
