Horsepower has long been a simple benchmark for car performance, but the rise of electrified powertrains has complicated its calculation. For hybrid vehicles, combining power from gasoline engines and electric motors involves varying standards, meaning published figures can change without any mechanical alterations.
This is precisely the case with the Citroën C5 Aircross plug-in hybrid. Its designation has shifted from "195" to "225," adding 30 horsepower on paper while the 1.6-liter engine, electric motor, and battery remain identical. The change stems from updated Euro 7 emissions regulation reporting requirements, shifting from continuous to peak combined output labeling.
Citroën confirms no technical modifications were made; performance, torque, and the 50-mile electric range are unchanged. The vehicle's specs include a 21.5 kWh battery, 0-60 mph in 8.3 seconds, and a starting price around $42,000 in Germany.
This update underscores a broader industry shift where evolving regulations are reshaping how automakers report and market performance figures for electrified vehicles, even affecting model names.