Overview
Citroën is a leading French automobile manufacturer, now owned by Netherlands based Stellantis N.V., which was formed by the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (Italian/ American) and Groupe PSA (French). Stellantis owns a diverse and comprehensive portfolio of leading automotive brands, to include, Maserati, Opel, Peugeot, Jeep, FIAT, Alfa Romeo etc. Previously, Peugeot owned a 89.95% stake in the company.
But of course, Citroën started life in 1919 in a much humbler context. The company was founded by André Citroën, a French industrialist. Though Citroën has had many successful models, the Citroën 2CV certainly stands out. The car was unveiled in 1948 and remained in production up until 1990. In total, over 9 million 2CV variants were manufactured during this period. In 2009 Citroën announced the introduction of a premium brand ‘DS’ (Different Spirit/ Distinctive Series). Citroën is present in 101 countries and has a network of 6,200 points of sale and service throughout the world.
The Citroen electric vehicle (EV) portfolio includes both, battery-electric vehicle (BEV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) models:
- Citroen C5 Aircross Plug-In Hybrid
- All-electric Citroen ë-C3
- All-electric Citroen ë-C4
- All-electric Citroen ë-C4 X
- All-electric Citroen ë-Berlingo
- All-electric Citroen ë-Spacetourer
- Citroën C5 X Plug-In Hybrid
- All-electric Citroen Ami
Electric Cars: The Basics
For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles:
Sign up to the e-zoomed Electric Living newsletter
The All-Electric Citroën ë-C4 X Saloon
Looks familiar? Of course, it does. The front of the all-electric Citroen ë-C4 X is similar to the all-electric five-door ë-C4 hatchback! According to Citroën, the ë-C4 X ‘combines the elegant silhouette of a fastback with a modern look of a SUV’.
Bottom-line, it is a five-seat, four-door saloon. In terms of length, the ë-C4 X (4600mm) fits between the ë-C4 (4360mm) and the C5 X (4805mm). The ë-C4 X and the ë-C4 have the same wheelbase (2670mm), as both electric cars are built on the Common Modular Platform (CMP). The ë-C4 X was revealed in June 2022.
The commonality with the ë-C4 e-hatchback does not stop at the exterior. In fact, both electric cars have the same onboard EV battery size (50 kWh) and offer a 7.4 kW AC (single-phase) onboard charger as standard, with an option to upgrade to a 11 kW AC (three-phase) onboard charger.
No need to upgrade, if the majority of the charging is done at home, as most homes in the UK are supplied with single-phase power supply. Using a dedicated residential EV charger, the EV can be fully charged in 7 hours 30 minutes. At three-phase 11 KW EV charging, the e-car can be fully charged in 5 hours.
We at e-zoomed encourage EV owners to install an on-site renewable energy generation system (solar or wind), coupled with battery storage. This way, the true benefits of driving an electric car can be leveraged to its full extent, to include zero-tailpipe emissions and financial savings. To learn more about the benefits of using battery storage, follow this link!
The ë-C4 X saloon has a claimed electric range up to 222 miles (WLTP) on single charge. Not a significant difference compared to the ë-C4 hatchback (217 miles), despite the more aggressive sloping roofline of the e-saloon. The EV has an aerodynamic drag coefficient of 0.29 Cd.
In any case, for most families, the pure electric ë-C4 X has ample real-world range for day-to-day needs. Of course, the electric vehicle (EV) can also be used for motorway journeys. Expect a real-world emission-free range closer to 185 miles.
The EV does incorporate regenerative braking and an onboard heat pump (as standard), to further enhance the efficiency of the vehicle. The EV has three driving modes: Eco, Normal or Sport, which can be activated by the mode selector in the centre console. To increase the e-range, the Eco mode will be the best choice.
The electric saloon offers DC charging up to 100 kW DC. Not class-leading, but it does get the job done. At 100 kW DC rapid charging, the EV can be charged up to 80% in 30 minutes. Put another way, you can add 62 miles in 10 minutes. For those of you new to electric driving, we suggest following this link to learn more about DC charging!
In terms of performance, this family electric car, will not get you to pole position at the Grand Prix, but again, you would not expect that from a family saloon. The front-wheel drive ë-C4 X can achieve 0-62 mph in 10 seconds (sport mode). The EV offers 260 Nm immediate torque (136 HP). The top speed of the electric car is 93 mph.
Though the Citroen ë-C4 X has yet to complete its Euro NCAP rating, we expect it to be similar to the four-star NCAP rating achieved by the ë-C4 e-hatchback.
The ë-C4 X has a host of driver aids and safety features, to include: 360 Vision, blind spot monitoring system, reversing camera, active safety brake, active lane departure warning system, extended traffic sign recognition and speed recommendation, coffee break alert and more! Other onboard technology includes: 5.5″ driver’s instrument cluster, 10″ touchscreen, Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto.
In terms of practicality, the boot is a decent size (510 L), though the opening of the boot does reduce its practicality. This may not seem significant, but consumers have benefited from the larger rear openings afforded by hatchbacks and SUVs i.e. five-doors are preferred to four-doors. Having said that, the ë-C4 hatchback has a much smaller boot (380 L) compared to the ë-C4 X saloon. The EV does not have a frunk and the EV cable can be stored under the boot floor.
Interior legroom is ample, even for taller adults. However, the sloping roofline (fastback) does impact the the headroom for taller adults seated on the rear seats. It also impacts the rear-view visibility. But where the e-saloon scores well, is in terms of cabin comfort, a key theme in Citroën’s proposition. On offer is the Advanced Comfort seats with a 15mm structured foam. The seats in the ë-C4 X recline more than the e-hatchback!
Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet! You can lease electric cars via e-zoomed at fantastic prices.
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
An affordable electric saloon | Electric range is not class-leading |
Exceptionally comfortable interior | Rear boot opening not as practical as hatchback |
Heat pump as standard | Exterior styling unconventional |
The All-Electric Citroën ë-C4 X Saloon (credit: Citroen)
At A Glance | |
---|---|
EV Type: | Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV) |
Body Type: | Saloon |
Plug-In Car Grant (PiCG): | Not Available |
Engine: | Electric |
Available In UK: | Yes |
Variants (3 Options) |
---|
Citroën ë-C4 X Sense (from £31,995) |
Citroën ë-C4 X Shine (from £34,495) |
Citroën ë-C4 X Shine Plus (from £34,995) |
EV Battery & Emissions | |
---|---|
EV Battery Type: | Lithium-ion |
EV Battery Capacity: | Available in one battery size: 50 kWh |
Charging: | 100 kW DC charging (10%-80%: 30 mins). Onboard charger: 7.4 kW Standard (0%-100%: 7 hrs 30 mins)/ 11kW AC (0%-100%: 5 hrs) |
Charge Port: | Type 2 |
EV Cable Type: | Type 2 |
Tailpipe Emissions: | 0g (CO2/km) |
EV Battery Warranty: | 8 years or 100,000 miles |
Average Cost Of Residential Charging | |
---|---|
Battery net capacity : 16.7 kWh | £2.40 |
Battery net capacity : 30.0 kWh | £4.32 |
Battery net capacity : 39.2 kWh | £5.64 |
Battery net capacity : 45.0 kWh | £6.48 |
Battery net capacity : 50.0 kWh | £7.20 |
Battery net capacity : 64.0 kWh | £9.22 |
Battery net capacity : 71.0 kWh | £10.22 |
Battery net capacity : 77.0 kWh | £11.09 |
Battery net capacity : 90.0 kWh | £12.96 |
Battery net capacity : 100.0 kWh | £14.40 |
- Note 1: The average cost of residential electricity in the UK varies depending on the region, supplier and type of energy used. An average for the UK is 14.40 p/kWh.
- Note 2: Not all EV manufactures make available the data on net EV battery capacity, and in a number of instances the EV battery capacity advertised, does not state if it is gross or net capacity. In general, usable EV battery capacity is between 85% to 95% of the gross available capacity.
Charging Times (Overview) | |
---|---|
Slow charging AC (3 kW – 3.6 kW): | 6 – 12 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SOC) |
Fast charging AC (7 kW – 22 kW): | 3 – 8 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
Rapid charging AC (43 kW): | 0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
Rapid charging DC (50 kW+): | 0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
Ultra rapid charging DC (150 kW+): | 0-80% : 20 mins to 40 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
Tesla Supercharger (120 kW – 250 kW): | 0-80%: up to 25 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
- Note 1: SoC: state of charge
Dimensions | |
---|---|
Height (mm): | 1525 |
Width (mm): | 1834 |
Length (mm): | 4600 |
Wheelbase (mm): | 2670 |
Turning Circle (m): | 10.9 |
Boot Space (L): | 510 |
ē-C4 X | |
---|---|
EV Battery Capacity: | 50 kWh |
Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 222 miles |
Electric Energy Consumption (Wh/km): | 151 |
Charging: | 100 kW DC charging (10%-80%: 30 mins). Onboard charger: 7.4 kW Standard (0%-100%: 7 hrs 30 mins)/ 11kW AC (0%-100%: 5 hrs) |
Top Speed: | 93 mph |
0-62 mph: | 10 seconds |
Drive: | Front-wheel drive (FWD) |
Electric Motor (kW): | 100 |
Horsepower (hp): | 136 |
Torque (Nm): | 260 |
Transmission: | Automatic |
Seats: | 5 |
Doors: | 4 |
Unladen Weight (kg): | 1,621 |
Colours: | 6 |
NCAP Safety Rating: | N/A |
While e-zoomed uses reasonable efforts to provide accurate and up-to-date information, some of the information provided is gathered from third parties and has not been independently verified by e-zoomed. While the information from the third party sources is believed to be reliable, no warranty, express or implied, is made by e-zoomed regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of any information. This disclaimer applies to both isolated and aggregate uses of this information.