Test Car Specifications
Model: 2025 Citroen e-C4 X Max 54kWh
Price: e-C4 X from £28,715 (£31,400 as tested)
Motor: 115kW electric motor
Battery: 54kWh lithium-ion
Transmission: single-speed automatic, front-wheel drive
Power: 156hp
Torque: 260Nm
Emissions: 0g/km
Range: 271 miles
0-62mph: 9.3 seconds
Top speed: 93mph
Boot space: 510-1360 litres
Styling
In terms of basic shape, the C4 X hasn't changed, but the facelift is still something of a departure for the brand. As with the C4, the C4 X has a new front end with Citroen's new retro logo and some fractured LED light design. Whether it's an improvement is a matter of taste, but it undoubtedly looks a bit fresher and more modern. And though the C4 X is a bit of an odd proposition, it's never been an ugly one, so it's nice to see that continue.
Interior
From the driving seat, the e-C4 X looks much the same as the e-C4, albeit with a very slightly different view out of the rear window. But the dashboard is basically the same, with its chunky design, big central touchscreen and digital instrument display, as well as its clever glovebox arrangement with a tablet holder, drawer and conventional storage.
Cabin quality is decent without being brilliant, which means the plastics feel a bit cheap, but they are relatively well stitched together, and we like the use of physical switchgear for the heating and ventilation.
The tech has improved since the C4 X was introduced, and the screens look pretty sharp and slick, but there are still some foibles. The menus can be a bit awkward, but at least Citroen has put a handy shortcut in there for accessing the more irritating driver assistance tech, and it all works quite well with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Practicality
The idea of the C4 X body is to provide a bit more practicality, but to do so in a stylish way. The resulting shape means the big Citroen is a saloon, rather than a hatchback, which limits its usefulness somewhat. Although the figures suggest the boot is massive, the reality is that fitting anything more awkwardly shaped than a big suitcase in there is a bit of a challenge. That said, space in the back is pretty good, with adequate head- and legroom for two tall adults, although there isn't much width, so three would be a squeeze.
Performance
Depending on which version of the e-C4 X you choose, you'll get either a 136hp electric motor or a 156hp motor, both of which drive the front wheels. If you get the basic 136hp option, you get the Standard Range battery of 50kWh capacity, while those who opt for the 156hp version get the Extended Range battery with 54kWh of capacity.
The difference in size might not sound big, and it isn't, but there is a noticeable increase in range. Where the Standard Range cars manage up to 232 miles between charges on the official efficiency test, the Extended Range ups that to 271 miles. In the real world, expect around 200-220 miles from the bigger battery on a motorway slog.
With 100kW charging capability, a public ultra-rapid charger will fill either battery to 80 per cent in about 30 minutes, while charging to 100 per cent from a domestic 'wallbox' charging point will take about seven-and-a-half hours, so you can easily manage it overnight.
But whichever version you choose, the e-C4 X will feel punchier than its performance figures suggest. Although neither version is exactly rapid, both will be quick off the mark thanks to the instant bite of their electric motors, and they accelerate strongly at first, which is where it matters.
Ride & Handling
As is the modern way with Citroens, all delusions of sportiness have been eschewed with the C4 X, and the French brand is wholly focussed on comfort. In fairness, the focus has worked pretty well, and the e-C4 X rides tidily over any kind of bump, especially at motorway speeds. It isn't quite as marshmallow-soft as Citroen might want you to believe, but it's pretty good.
The trade-off is that it doesn't really handle that brilliantly. With the battery sitting low, body roll isn't too terrible in the bends, but there's no sense that it wants you to throw it around. The steering is numb, and though grip is ample, there's no bite to the front end whatsoever. Instead, it just lumbers around corners in a slightly stodgy, weighty way.
Still, it's safe and stable, which is all customers will need, and it's a pretty relaxing thing. Range is good enough to prevent most buyers from fretting too much, and the cabin is reasonably quiet and refined, so it's a pleasant place to be.
Value
As well as chasing comfort, Citroen also seems to be prioritising value these days, and the e-C4 X's starting price of £28,715 is pretty appealing. Especially for something with reasonable range and such a big boot. It's well equipped, too, with that money paying for the Plus model with the Standard Range battery and 136hp motor.
As standard, that car gets 18-inch alloy wheels, two-zone climate control and a reversing camera, not to mention the 10-inch touchscreen navigation system and seven-inch digital instrument display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity is standard, too, and you get automatic lights and wipers.
Upgrade to the Max model tested here and you get heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, as well as keyless entry, blind-spot monitoring and some little gold trim pieces on the bumpers and side skirts. Just to show everyone you've got the range-topping model.
Verdict
In a weird way, the new e-C4 X is kind of likeable, without necessarily being brilliant. It’s comfortable and pleasant enough to drive, which will endear it to customers, and it’s practical on paper. And unlike the C4, which is rubbish in electric form and brilliant as a hybrid, the C4 X is the other way around, and the electric version is the most pleasant C4 X to drive. So if you want a hybrid Citroen family car, buy the C4. If you want an electric one, buy this.
All that said, the Citroen’s appeal comes from its long-distance comfort, and a 54kWh battery doesn’t really fit with long-distance driving. Sure, the e-C4 X’s range is reasonable, but it isn’t brilliant, and the hybrid C4 has more appeal in that sense. For driving around town or on a good road, the e-C4 X is bettered by many of its rivals – both petrol and electric.
