Citroën E-C4 X

Citroën is drawing on its idiosyncratic and comfort-orientated past for its new e-C4 X. Richard Gooding sees if the niche-busting and all-electric French newcomer can combine appealing qualities of both the past and the present

What is it? The e-C4 X builds on the success of the electric version of Citroën’s C4 family hatchback crossover, the e-C4, which was first introduced in 2021. Using the same SUV stance but fitted with a separate and more traditional saloon car-like boot, the e-C4 X increases the luggage capacity of the e-C4 hatch by almost a third. At launch, the e-C4 X was the first Citroën to be offered only as an electric vehicle.

What range does it have?
Up until May 2023, the Citroën e-C4 X was available with the 100kW electric motor and 50kWh battery powertrain from the wider Stellantis group, good for up to 222 miles of combined WLTP range. A new 115kW motor and 54kWh battery option has been added since then, with up to 260 miles of combined WLTP range. During our 402-mile test, we saw a range high of 218 miles from our 50kWh car during more temperate conditions. All e-C4 Xs have a heat pump as standard to aid efficiency.

How long does it take to charge?
A 7.4kW on-board charger is standard on all ë-C4 Xs, with a three-phase 11kW unit offered as an option. Connected to a 7.4kW wallbox, both batteries take seven-and-a-half hours to refill. Plugged into a 100kW DC rapid charger, though, a 20-80 per cent top-up takes around 30 minutes.

How does it drive?
Blending the distinctive style of the e-C4 with a notchback boot, the e-C4 X looks like few other cars. That more practical luggage area holds 530 litres of space with the rear seats up – compared to the ë-C4 hatch’s 380 – and up to 1,360 litres with them folded. Inside, the e-C4 X uses the same cabin as its hatch sister, and that’s no bad thing. While there are fewer nice finishes than some rivals, a large 10-inch touchscreen is standard – with separate physical air conditioning controls for some functions – and seats which prioritise comfort.

Using Citroën’s hydraulic bump stop technology and soft suspension set-up, the e-C4 X delivers a smooth and comfortable ride. A side effect is more body roll through faster cornering, but along with its laid back acceleration, it’s best to enjoy the e-C4 X’s more relaxed demeanour in any case. Driving modes allow for driving experience adjustability, and a single ‘B’-mode gives an increased regenerative braking option, but there is no way to increase or decrease its sensitivity.

What does it cost?
The two battery and motor options are the only main differences between versions of the e-C4 X, however, it’s worth noting that the more powerful 115kW motor and 54kWh battery combination is only available in top-spec ë-series trim. The entry level e-C4 X You starts at £32,195, and comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone air conditioning, LED headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, rear parking sensors, cloth and leather effect trim, as well as a 10-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Move up to the £35,130 Max and you’ll gain adaptive cruise control, a blind spot detection system, heated front seats, intelligent beam headlights, rear privacy glass, satellite navigation, alcantara and leather effect trim, as well as a more advanced safety pack.

The larger battery and motor ë-series model costs from £37,195 and features a Perla Nera Black-painted roof, a heated steering wheel, as well as wireless smartphone charging. A £36,295 ë-series model using the smaller 50kW battery and 100kW motor is also available.
 
How much does it cost to tax?
As with all electric cars, the Citroën e-C4 x is exempt from VED charges in its first and subsequent years of registration. For fleet drivers, the French EV has a two per cent 2023-2024 Benefit In Kind (BIK) value.

Why does my fleet need one?
With its ‘notchback’ silhouette and separate boot, the e-C4 X genuinely offers something different from the swathes of hatchbacks and increasingly popular SUVs already on sale. Its looks may not be to everyone’s taste, but there’s no denying the model’s increased practicality. Another highlight are the levels of comfort, the more practical range brought with the larger battery option, as well as the high spec and relative value offered for the price.