The new Citroën ë-C5 Aircross is a spacious family SUV that delivers a real-world range of 300 miles in its Long Range version. It qualifies for the full £3,750 UK plug-in car grant, bringing the starting price to just under £33,000.
On a cost-per-mile basis, it outperforms most rivals, including Chinese competitors and even the Tesla Model 3, which costs £5,000 more for about 25 miles less range. However, this excellent value applies only to the entry-level You! trim, which lacks features like heated seats and a heat pump (a £700 option). Upgrading to Plus or Max versions significantly increases the price, and the top-spec Max exceeds the grant threshold.
The interior is roomy, with a 651-liter boot and a high-quality fabric dashboard. The large touchscreen is user-friendly, with always-on climate controls. The rear seats offer a 40/20/40 split, but the previous model's individual seats are gone.
On the road, the ë-C5 Aircross is comfortable at highway speeds, but its suspension is firmer than the old model, and the battery weight affects ride quality over bumps. Handling is stable but not sporty, with light steering. Overall, it's a practical, well-finished electric SUV that offers great value in its base form.