CITROEN E-C4 X ELECTRIC SALOON 115kW Max 54kWh 5dr Auto

Citroen redefined what a compact electric family saloon could look like with their e-C4 X. Jonathan Crouch checks out the improved version.

Ten Second Review

The e-C4 X is 'the best of a hatchback, with the modernity of an SUV and the timelessness of a saloon', according to Citroen. Or you could simply see it as a sedan version of the brand's quirky all-electric e-C4 hatch. Either way, it's an ambitiously styled four-door family EV that's compact yet spacious, with a simply enormous boot. And it's a bit more appealing in this updated form.

Background

X seems to mean different things to different brands. Citroen doesn't see the letter as designating an SUV. Instead, for them, it references what the brand calls 'the crossroads of different universes', a melding together of different genres, the sort of thing we've already seen in the company's large C5 X. With the e-C4 X, originally introduced back in 2022, the styling brief was rather less ambitious, but it still hoped to blend hatchback, crossover and sedan genres together into one appealing compact shape that a first glance, could fall into any of those three categories. Since then, we've seen something similar (but rather more dramatic) with cousin Stellantis Group Gallic brand Peugeot's 408, but the e-C4 X is a more straightforward design that sits on a different, simpler, CMP platform and is offered in this combustion guise as well as in the full-electric form we look at here. As you might expect, everything is based on the e-C4 hatch, but from the B-pillar back, things are a great deal more spacious and interesting. Citroen revealed a wide-ranging update to this car in Autumn 2024. Let's take a closer look.

Driving Experience

There haven't been any engineering or handling changes as part of this update. The e-C4 X does of course drive just like the e-C4 hatch, though you might be interested to learn that its more aerodynamic shape (0.29Cd) gives it a slightly longer driving range figure. As before, you choose between a base 50kWh/136hp base version (with a 222 mile range) or a 54kWh/154hp model (with 257 miles). To boost this capability, the car can recover energy when decelerating or braking. And there are three drive modes - 'Eco', 'Normal' and 'Sport' - that can vary the level of engine power and the energy draw from the air conditioning to boost driving range. 62mph from rest takes 9.5s on the way to a modest 93mph top speed. Like all EVs, the car can recover energy when decelerating or braking. And there are three drive modes - 'Eco', 'Normal' and 'Sport' - that can vary the level of engine power and the energy draw from the air conditioning to boost driving range. The e-C4 X has a 'Brake' feature to amplify the deceleration of the car without pressing the brake pedal. This set-up allows for the recovery of energy when slowing the car and allows the driver to partially recharge the battery and increase driving range. Like other C4s, this one features a clever Progressive Hydraulic suspension set-up. Here, the car's springs and shock absorbers work in concert with hydraulic compression and rebound stops, which are supposed to slow body movement over bumps and tarmac tears.

Design and Build

True to its name, the e-C4 X is what Citroen describes as a 'cross design' - an integration of a Fastback saloon body onto the raised hatchback-cum-crossover design of the C4 hatch. Everything at the front is the same as that hatch showroom stablemate. As with the updated e-C4 hatch, the front look of this revised e-C4 X draws upon the brand's Oli concept car from 2022, with squared-off lighting signatures and the brand's latest logo. But from the B-pillar back, a different roof line takes over and there's an extra 240mm of length. This accommodates a large 510-litre boot (much bigger than the 380-litres you get in the e-C4 hatch). And a small duck tail-like spoiler with distinctive LED lights. There are quite a few changes with this updated model inside, where there's a bigger 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster (1.5-inches larger than before). The 10.0-inch central screen's the same size as previously, but has been updated with a new connected 3D navigation system and a better 'Hello Citroen'-activated voice control set-up. A major selling point of the pre-facelift car was its cossetting 'Advanced Comfort' seats; well they've been improved with an extra 15mm of foam and a new denser section of padding in the centre of the squab. For the EV version, there's also now a 'V2L' 'Vehicle-to-Load' system, which enables you to plug external devices (like laptop, lights, coffee makers, drones and so on) into the vehicle battery. And rear seat space? You might hope for an improvement over the hatch there given the body length increase of this sedan body shape, but that ignores the fact that this e-C4 X model's wheelbase length of 2,670mm is unchanged over the hatch. So things are much the same in the back, apart from the fact that headroom is slightly compromised by the sloping rear roof line. In compensation, Citroen claims best-in-class second-row knee room (198mm) and a more reclined (27-degree) rear seatback. Plus the exterior width of 1,800mm means that three people can comfortably sit side-by-side across the rear bench, with a total of 1,380mm of width at the shoulders and 1,440mm at the elbows. The e-C4 X saloon's boot is a big 510-litres in size (the same as the combustion model but 130-litres bigger than the e-C4 hatch).

Market and Model

Right, let's get to prices, which now start from around £27,000 (the same as the equivalent e-C4 hatch version). there's a choice of two trim levels, 'Plus' and 'Max'. To take on key compact similarly-sized EV rivals in the same price bracket, all versions of this e-C4 X need to be well equipped. They are. Nice touches the include LED ambient lighting on the new 7-inch digital instrument panel. Front passengers benefit from access to Citroën's Smart Pad Support, a retractable tablet holder built directly into the dashboard, which enables the front passenger to make the most of time spent on the move. Below this is a Dashboard Tray, a large sliding drawer with a cushioned action. A popular option will be the large electric opening panoramic sunroof. A 10-inch central infotainment screen comes with all C4 Xs, as does wireless 'phone charging and 'Apple CarPlay' and 'Android Auto' smartphone-mirroring connectivity. A superb sound system can be specified too, with Arkamys digital sound processing and 8 speakers. A nice optional touch you might well want to consider is a full-HD camera built into the rear view mirror which can take photos or video stored on a 16GB memory card. Safety-wise, there's no fewer than 20 different driver assistance features, including Highway Driving Assist and a 'level 2' semi-autonomous drive system incorporating Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keeping Assist.

Cost of Ownership

With the top 54kWh model, the electric motor and battery enhancements reduce average energy consumption to 12kW/h, offering significant benefits in real-life customer use, even at temperatures close to 0-degrees C. With both variants, the relatively compact battery size means less weight and less consumption, plus eco-style 'A+ 18-inch' tyres reduce rolling resistance and minimise energy loss through friction. As standard, there's a heat pump, which uses a humidity sensor to maximise energy efficiency and cooling. Like the e-C4 hatch, the e-C4 X charges at up to 100kW and charging times are the same with either the 50kWh or the 54kWh battery. The e-C4 X is fitted with a 7.4kW on-board charger, which can rapid charge to 80% in around half an hour using a 100kW public fast charger. At home, the car will charge from empty in around 7.5 hours using a 7kW garage wallbox. That could fall to just 5 hours if you have a 3-phase home electricity supply and have the car fitted with an optional 11kW on-board charger. As usual with an electric car, to take advantage of lower cost off-peak electricity tariffs, you can manage charging times by using the touchscreen tablet in the passenger compartment or by using the provided 'MyCitroen' app. The charging port features a coloured indicator so the user can monitor the charging process - which can also be followed on the 'MyCitroen' app. Whatever your choice of e-C4, you'll properly want to keep garage costs in check by opting for the affordable 3 year servicing plan that is available at point of purchase. Finally, there's the usual Citroen three year / 60,000 mile warranty. And the e-C4 X has its own battery warranty - 8 years or 100,000 miles for 70% of charge capacity.

Summary

Citroen really wants this e-C4 X to be seen as a Coupe-SUV - like, say, a smart #3 - which might be a bit of a stretch because it's not clean sheet design like that car; merely an e-C4 hatch with a rather stylish boot. Still, because that e-C4 hatch model has a rather crossovery vibe, the e-C4 X confection kind of works, especially in this updated form. And the way the stretched rear has been configured means that you get more luggage space than any other EV of this size we can think of. Fashion and practicality are attributes the e-C4 X will need because mainstream brand saloons rarely sell well in our market. This one may not break that trend, but the right kind of customer might well like it very much indeed. It delivers the saloon body style Citroen needs in its line-up for Middle Eastern, African and Southern European markets. But there's much wider appeal here. Enough maybe, to make you want to try this car.

Body Glass

Dark tinted rear windows and side windows with chrome detail

Rain sensing automatic front windscreen wipers

Front and rear electric windows

Variable front intermittent wipers

Brakes

Anti-lock brake system

Electric parking brake

Hill start assist

Electronic Stability Programme

Chassis/Suspension

Advanced comfort suspension - double hydraulic stops on front and rear suspension

Communication

Apple car play and Android auto

Driver Aids

In-crash braking

Front, rear and lateral parking sensors

Citroen connect box emergency and assistance system

Electronic Power Steering (EPS)

Blind spot detection

Citroen Smart Pad Support - integrated support for attaching a tablet computer for front passenger

Adaptive cruise control with Stop and Go

Speed limiter

Driver Information

Driver's head-up display

My Citroen Drive Plus with Navigation

10" high resolution touchscreen with natural voice recognition, swipe gesturing and customisable widgets for media connectivity and vehicle settings

5.5 inch backlit full TFT driver's instrument cluster with LED surround lighting

Driving Mirrors

Electrochrome interior rear-view mirror with automatic day-night switching

Electrically heated, folding and adjustable external rear view mirrors with courtesy lighting

Perla Nera black painted external rear view mirrors

Entertainment

DAB Digital radio

Citroen Hifi system with 1 speaker in dashboard centre, 4 woofers in doors, 2 tweeters in pillars and 1 subwoofer

Bluetooth telephone and audio streaming

Exterior Body Features

A-pillar painted in body colour and gloss black B-pillar

Rear boot

Body colour door handles

Rear side wing doors

Body colour bumpers

Gloss black rear skirt

Exterior Lights

Intelligent beam headlights

LED front headlamps

LED third brake light

LED daytime running lights in V signature

LED front fog lamps with static cornering function

Welcome and goodbye lighting

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Dual zone automatic air conditioning

Remote temperature pre-conditioning

Interior Features

Raised centre console with armrest and two cup holders

Alcantara/leather effect textile advanced comfort seat upholstery

Storage drawer in front cabin

12V power outlet and 1x USB Type-C socket for charging and data connection and 1x USB Type-A socket for charging at 1st row

Grey fabric interior door decoration

1x USB Type-A socket for charging and 1x USB Type-C socket for charging in 2nd row

Height and reach adjustable steering wheel

Deluxe leather steering wheel with two command blocks

Dashboard tray in front cabin

Rear central folding armrest with cupholders and ski hatch

Interior Lights

Ambient lighting around sides of driver's instrument cluster

Boot light

Front and rear LED interior lighting

Packs

Safety pack plus with advanced active safety brake - C4 X/e-C4 X

High level acoustic insulation pack - C4/C4 X/e-C4 X

Safety

Row 1 and 2 curtain airbags

Front seatbelt pretensioners

3x3 point rear seatbelts

Driver and front passenger airbags

Tyre underinflation detection

Manual child lock in second row

Seatbelt unfastened on the move warning

Manual deactivation of front passenger airbag

Row 1 side thorax airbags

Seats

Rear head restraints

Front head restraints

Electrically heated front seats

Height adjustable driver's seat with adjustable lumbar support

2/3 Split folding rear seats backrest

3 seat bench in 2nd row

Map pockets in rear of front seats

Height adjustable front passenger seat

Single front passenger seat

Security

Keyless entry and start

Anti-theft alarm (volumetric protection)

Two remote keys

Remote locking with deadlocks

Vanity Mirrors

Driver and passenger sunvisors with illuminated vanity mirrors

Vehicle Charging

Mode 3 charging cable with Type 2 connectors - for accelerated charging from wall boxes and dedicated public charging points

Scheduled charging

Wheels - Alloy

18" Bi-tone diamond cut Crosslight alloy wheels with anti-theft locking wheel nuts

Wheels - Spare

Puncture repair kit with compressor

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins): 450

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW: 7.4

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Charge Time (Mins): 300

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Power Supply - kW: 11

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Charge Time (Mins): 30

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Power Supply - kW: 100

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Percentage Change: 20-80

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Charge Time (Mins): N

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Power Supply - kW: N

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Percentage Change: N

Coupler/Connector Type: CCS Type 2

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years: 8

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage: 100000

Battery Capacity in kWh: 54

Battery Leased: 0

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - City: 550

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb: 415

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb - TEL: 418

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb - TEH: 415

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - City: 342

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb: 258

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb - TEH: 258

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb - TEL: 260

Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty: 70

Charging Port Location: Left Side Rear

Usable Battery Capacity: 47.7

Maximum Charging Rate - kW: 100

Emissions - ICE

CO2 (g/km): 0

Standard Euro Emissions: N

Noise Level dB(A): 64

CO: N

HC: N

NOx: N

HC+NOx: N

Particles: N

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): N

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): N

CC: 1

Cylinders: N

Cylinder Layout: N

Number of Valves: N

Camshaft: N

Fuel Delivery: N

Catalytic Convertor: N

Engine Layout: N

Compression Ratio: N

Transmission: AUTO

Gears: 1 SPEED

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: N

EC Urban (mpg): N

EC Extra Urban (mpg): N

EC Combined (mpg): N

General

Coin Series: Max

Coin Description: N

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 23E

Service Interval Mileage: 16000

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 24

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 80

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 83

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 57

NCAP Safety Assist %: 63

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 4

Badge Power: 156

Badge Engine CC: 0.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 1

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 9.3

Top Speed: 93

Engine Power - BHP: 156

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 115

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 192

Engine Torque - NM: 260

Engine Torque - RPM: 3674

Engine Torque - MKG: 26.5

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: N/A

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 195/60 R18

Tyre Size Rear: 195/60 R18

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 18" ALLOY

Wheel Style: CROSSLIGHT

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4600

Width: 1834

Wheelbase: 2670

Width (including mirrors): 2032

Height: 1525

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 1584

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2040

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): N

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: N

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: N

Max. Loading Weight: 456

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 510

No. of Seats: 5

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1360

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 10.9

Exterior Body Features

Premium metallic paint

Additional metallic paint

Bi-tone roof - Perla nera black

Opening glazed sunroof

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Heat pump

Interior Features

Heated steering wheel

Packs

Anodised deep red colour pack - C4/C4 X/e-C4 X Shine/Shine plus/Plus/Max

Techno Pack - C4 X/e-C4 X

Paint - Metallic

Additional metallic - Cumulus grey

Metallic - Okenite white

Additional metallic - Perla nera black

Additional metallic - Platinum grey

Additional metallic - Eclipse blue

Paint - Special

Premium metallic - Elixir red

Trim - Alcantara Suede

Alcantara/leather effect textile advanced comfort seats - Dark grey/ Dark grey + Alcantara interior ambience

Vehicle Charging

11 kW three phase onboard charger