Citroen e-C4 review

Citroen's first proper go at an electric family car is a successful one, offering good all-round ability with a unique character

Overall rating

3.5 out of 5

Price
£31,995 - £35,795
Fuel Type:
Electric

Pros

  • Very comfortable and refined
  • Practical family transport
  • Competitive charging speeds

Cons

  • Soft chassis can feel a bit unwieldy
  • Some rivals offer a longer range
  • Steering is too light
Car typeRangeWallbox charge timeRapid charge time
Electric219 miles7hrs 30mins (0-100%, 7kW)30mins (0-80%, 100kW)

Citroen e-C4 verdict

The Citroen e-C4 is a small electric family car that focuses on comfort and refinement. Despite not yet being offered with the bigger battery found in its DS 3 E-Tense sibling, the e-C4 remains a usable, practical and relatively affordable EV. The Citroen feels unique – quite a feat when many electric cars today share the same running gear – but it’s not different for the sake of it; instead the e-C4’s quirks only add to its charm.

Range details, specs and alternatives

The Citroen e-C4 has been around for a little while now. Based on the same fundamental platform and running gear as the Peugeot e-2008, Vauxhall Mokka Electric and DS 3 E-Tense, the slightly unconventional looking e-C4 is a small family electric car that primarily rivals zero-emissions hatchbacks like the Volkswagen ID.3, Nissan Leaf and MG4 EV.

Although there are plenty of compact electric SUVs around that compete with the e-C4, including the budget-minded MG ZS EV, the soon-to-be-replaced Hyundai Kona Electric, and the slightly larger and also more expensive Kia Niro EV.

All e-C4s feature a 50kWh battery, connected to a 134bhp electric motor that powers the front wheels.That battery and motor combination will return, Citroen says, up to 219 miles on a charge. You can charge at up to 100kW from a suitable rapid charger; a 10-80% top-up takes around 30 minutes, which is competitive in this area of the market.

Citroen has updated the car over time, including the addition of a new infotainment system on certain models from February 2023. But the French brand has so far resisted fitting the slightly larger 54kWh battery found in the recently facelifted DS and all-new Jeep Avenger – presumably to keep costs down. 

However, in late 2022, Citroen released a second bodyshape for the e-C4, called the e-C4 X. From the front the two look identical, but at the rear, the e-C4 X swaps out the standard car’s hatchback tailgate for a longer, saloon-style fastback opening. It’s not expected to be as popular with UK buyers, but the bigger boot means it’s not without appeal.

There are currently three trims to choose from for the e-C4: Sense, C-Series Edition and Shine Plus. Every car comes with LED lights, 18-inch wheels and a reversing camera, as well as Citroen’s Advance Comfort Suspension. This does what it says on the tin, prioritising a plush ride that makes the e-C4 a fantastic urban runaround.

Higher-spec models bolster the kit count with keyless entry, diamond-cut wheels and heated front seats, as well as extra safety kit. Even the top-spec trim comes in at under £35,500.

For a more detailed look at the Citroen e-C4, read on for the rest of our in-depth review…

Most Popular

New Ford Explorer electric SUV revealed in full
2023 Ford Explorer - front 1
News

New Ford Explorer electric SUV revealed in full

Ford’s new electric crossover boasts a range of more than 300 miles and will be built on the same platform as the Volkswagen ID.4 SUV
21 Mar 2023
Top 10 best 4WD electric cars 2023
Best 4WD electric cars header
Best cars

Top 10 best 4WD electric cars 2023

Whether you’re looking to venture off-road, or just want some extra assurance in the winter months, we list the best four-wheel-drive electric cars on…
22 Mar 2023
Driver Power: The best electric and hybrid cars to own
DriverPower header
Best cars

Driver Power: The best electric and hybrid cars to own

DrivingElectric’s very own customer satisfaction survey ranks the very best EVs and hybrid cars, as voted by you
10 Mar 2023

More on e-C4

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

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

Unique crossover model gets same tech as standard Citroen e-C4, but that extra space commands a small premium
19 Dec 2022
Citroen e-C4 electric gets revised trim levels for 2022
Citroen e-C4
Citroen C4

Citroen e-C4 electric gets revised trim levels for 2022

Range now starts from £28,495 after government grant
11 Jan 2022