Citroën’s new C5 X flagship is now on sale, priced from £26,490 and including plug-in hybrids alongside petrol versions.

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Inspired by the CXperience concept car, it incorporates design features from iconic Citroën models, such as the DS, CX and XM, and reinvents the previous C5 saloon and estate with a new crossover approach. This is denoted by the ‘X’ and combines the raised ride height of an SUV with saloon styling and the practicality of an estate.

It also features a ‘lounge-like’ interior that brings significantly increased rear passenger space compared to the former C5. Legroom is increased by 6cm while boot space stands at 545 litres for petrol variants and 485 litres for PHEVs, extending to 1,640 and 1,580 litres respectively when the rear seats are folded down. The boot features a low loading sill for the boot and the cabin has eight storage compartments dotted around.

The C5 X also gets Citroën’s Advanced Comfort seats with extra padding to enhance passenger comfort in the back, while all petrol models also get the hydraulic cushion Advanced Comfort Suspension and the PHEVs feature Advanced Comfort Active Suspension. An acoustically insulated windscreen is also included as standard.

Powertrain line-up includes two petrols: a 1.2-litre PureTech 130, or more powerful 1.6-litre PureTech 180 engine, both sold exclusively with an eight-speed automatic gearbox and with CO2 emissions starting from 136 and 147g/km respectively.

The plug-in hybrid is priced from £35,190 and combines the 1.6-litre PureTech petrol with an 110hp electric motor and a 12.4kWh lithium-ion battery pack, giving a combined power output of 225hp and 360Nm of torque. It’s capable of up to 34 miles in full-electric mode and emits 30g/km of CO2 – putting it in the 12% Benefit-in-Kind rate for the 2022/23 tax year.

The hybrid variants come with three driving modes – Electric, Hybrid and Sport – and adjustable regenerative braking, along with an ë-Save function that allows drivers to reserve electric range for later in the journey. A 7.4kW single-phase on-board charger is standard, along with a Mode 3 charging cable with a Type 2 connector and remote temperature pre-conditioning.

The C5 X is available with a choice of three trim levels: Sense Plus, Shine and Shine Plus, all available with either the plug-in hybrid or petrol powertrains.

Sense Plus versions come with 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, front and rear parking sensors, reversing camera, part leather-effect upholstery for the seats and a 10-inch central touchscreen that incorporates Connected 3D Navigation, wireless smartphone mirroring functionality and a Hi-Fi speaker system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across the range.

Shine models upgrade the touchscreen to a 12-inch unit and add in extended head-up display technology and wireless smartphone charging, along with radar-controlled active safety brake tech. The exterior gains chrome detailing while the interior benefits from upholstery upgrades and a heated multi-function steering wheel.

Range-topping Shine Plus versions feature electronic tailgate operation, extended blind spot detection and a 360-degree reversing camera. Driver and front passenger seats are electrically operated and heated, while front and rear windows are acoustically insulated.

First deliveries of the C5 X start in the spring.