New Citroen e-C4 X: fastback version of e-C4 electric on sale now

The quirky Citroen e-C4 X is on sale now, priced from £31,995 – £1,000 more than the standard e-C4 electric crossover. The e-C4 X gets the same battery and motor technology as its sibling, and comes in three trim levels: Sense, Shine and Shine Plus.

Citroen claims it’s the brand's first "electric-only model” to be sold in the UK; the normal e-C4 is also available with a choice of petrol and diesel engines. The e-C4 X is a four-door fastback version of the existing hatchback – a little bit like the larger C5 X – boasting a slightly longer body and bigger 510-litre boot.

The range kicks off with the entry-level e-C4 X Sense, which gets 18-inch alloy wheels, Citroen’s Advanced Comfort Seats, keyless go, plus a 10-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The e-C4 X Shine costs an extra £2,500 and brings an upgraded infotainment system with navigation and voice control, as well as a head-up display and reversing camera. It also features automatic high-beam technology, and a heated steering wheel.

Topping the lineup is the Citroen e-C4 X Shine Plus, which for an extra £1,000 (£35,495) gets Alcantara trim for the front seats, plus extra safety kit including adaptive cruise control. All versions get Active Safety Brake, Speed Limit Information, Lane Keeping Assist, Forward Collision Warning and Driver Attention Alert.

24

According to Citroen, the e-C4 X’s design “combines the elegant silhouette of a fastback with the modern attitude of an SUV and the timeless refinement and spaciousness of a four-door”. As mentioned, the e-C4 X uses the e-C4’s familiar electric powertrain – rather than the updated Vauxhall Mokka Electric's bigger battery and more powerful motor – consisting of a 134bhp electric motor and 50kWh battery pack. The e-C4 X’s official driving range is 222 miles on a charge, which is two miles more than the standard e-C4.

Maximum charging speed from a public rapid charger will be 100kW – allowing for a 10-80% charge in around 30 minutes. The e-C4 X’s on-board charger also supports wallbox charging at up to 7.4kW; charging in this fashion will take approximately 7.5 hours, according to Citroen.

Practicality-wise, although the e-C4 X’s boot is bigger than the standard car (510 litres vs 380 litres), it’s saloon-style opening is likely to be more restrictive than the e-C4’s hatchback. Maximum boot width between the wheelarches is 1,010mm and maximum length is 1,079mm. There’s also additional carrying space to be found under the boot floor, which can be used to house the car’s charging cables.

The redesigned rear has also boosted comfort for rear-seat passengers, according to Citroen, although the X has the same wheelbase length as the e-C4. Citroen says this increase has allowed for 198mm of rear-seat legroom for the new car, as well as a more reclined rear seatback. The brand says three people can comfortably sit shoulder-to-shoulder across the rear bench, with sufficient elbow and shoulder room on offer.

24

Those ‘Advanced Comfort Seats’ we mentioned previously, incorporate thickened foam and strong posture support for greater comfort, with the experience described as akin to “sitting in a snug armchair”, isolated from exterior noise and road imperfections. Heating and massage functions for the seats are available as options.

The e-C4 X also employs Citroen’s ‘Progressive Hydraulic Cushions’ suspension setup, as used on several other models, including the C5 Aircross SUV. This incorporates both a traditional spring and shock-absorber element as well as hydraulic bump stops, in order to deliver what's described as “magic carpet” ride quality.

The e-C4 X is on sale now, with first customer deliveries scheduled for spring 2023. Other markets including Europe, the Middle East and Africa (but not the UK) also get the choice of petrol and diesel engine options, in addition to the electric e-C4 X.