2023 Citroen e-C4 X Saloon Review
We try out the quirky new Citroen e-C4 X
Citroen adds a more practical electric model to its range in the shape of the e-C4 X.
Review
Pros: cargo capacity, useful range
Cons: small boot aperture, very similar design to e-C4
The Citroen e-C4 X is an electric car hoping to buck the trend towards SUVs by offering a design closer to a saloon whilst retaining a raised ride height. It uses the same mechanical underpinnings as the Citroen C4 crossover but is more practical.
Citroen e-C4 X Design
Don't be alarmed if you find something familiar about the Citroen e-C4 X. The blend of crossover and saloon borrows heavily from the current C4, with both models sharing the same front end and side doors. Where the e-C4 X differs is around the rear. The redesigned roof has a sloping profile though the shape of the extended boot lid hints at a more traditional saloon shape.
Unlike its C4 sibling, the e-C4 X doesn't have a hatchback tailgate; instead, there's a separate boot lid. It doesn't have the same wide-open aperture of the hatch, unfortunately, though the larger boot measures 510 litres — up from 380 litres in the C4. Another plus with this design is that there is no longer a spoiler spanning the rear window, meaning rearward visibility is improved. All versions will come with 18-inch alloy wheels as standard.
Citroen e-C4 X Interior
The cabin of the e-C4 X feels spacious thanks to the layout of the dashboard and a surprisingly high roof line. That dash features a small digital display in front of the driver with all the essential driving data in an easy-to-read fashion. Complementing this on higher-spec models is a colour head-up display.
Its multifunction steering wheel uses solid buttons that are a decent size, making them intuitive to use. There is a reasonable degree of steering wheel adjustment for reach and rake. Combined with the electrically adjustable front seat, finding a comfortable driving position is a simple task. Speaking of comfort, those front seats have above-average levels of padding, with a thicker foam composition that enhances support over lengthier journeys.
A 10-inch touchscreen sits high on the dashboard and is augmented by a couple of physical buttons on its base serving as shortcut functions. The usual Android Auto and Apple CarPlay wireless smartphone mirroring functions are standard, and you can add a wireless charging pad alongside both types of USB ports. There's a 12-volt power outlet too.
Rear passenger space is reasonably generous for this type of car. Citroen has claimed a few extra millimetres of leg- and headroom by reclining the backs of the rear seats by a few more degrees. Two adults will comfortably fit in the outer rear seats, but the middle seat is a tighter squeeze.
Citroen e-C4 X Performance & Drive
Only one powertrain is available for the Citroen e-C4 X, comprising a 136hp electric motor that drives the front wheels powered by a 50kWh battery. That setup provides a 360-kilometre driving range and is capable of rapid DC-charging at up to 100kW, which means getting the battery back up to 80 per cent in as little as 30 minutes.
Delivery of that power is smooth, and the electric motor operates in near silence. Having a single-speed automatic makes driving much smoother in stop-start traffic than an internal combustion engined car would be. Where Citroen likes to differentiate itself from its competition is under the skin with its patented suspension that provides a more cushioned operation. This takes the hard edge off bumps and lets it glide over sharp speed humps effortlessly. You feel less jarring and fewer shocks coming through the cabin because of it, and those padded front seats double down on providing a smoother ride.
The only trade-off with this type of suspension is that the car can lean a bit more to the side when corning at higher speeds, but this isn't a car that inspires dynamic driving. You can opt for a Sport mode, but all that does is quicken the response from the accelerator pedal. The car's overall character doesn't change, so you're best to leave it in the default Normal mode. If you need to undertake a long journey and want to preserve as much range as possible, then the Eco mode can help by dulling acceleration. A battery-saving mode increases energy recuperation and is well worth using in urban environments.
Citroen e-C4 X Pricing
The pricing of the Citroen e-C4 X is still being finalised, but it will carry a premium over the e-C4 crossover. Buyers in Ireland will have a choice of four specification grades, although only one powertrain is available across the range.
Carzone Verdict: 3/5
In creating the e-C4 X, Citroen has added an electric car to its range that is more practical and is sure to appeal to a broader spectrum of buyers. Both company car drivers and taxis could benefit from the extra space in the boot and rear seats, while the modest increase in driving range, thanks to its improved aerodynamics, will always be welcome. Best of all, though, is the suspension and comfort, which sets the Citroen apart from its many rivals.