Citroën C4 X MAX Hybrid (2024 - )

It can be confusing trying to keep track of all the adaptations of Citroen’s C4 line-up these days. For example, there is the standard C4, then there are the electrified versions, followed by the C4 X which gains extra length for added boot space and this is also available in EV guise. So, as I say, not easy!

We opted for the C4 X version in a trim level called MAX for our test drive. Customers can also choose from grades called YOU!, Plus and e:series – the latter of which is purely electrified.

Earlier this year, Citroen announced upgrades to its C4 X line-up and it included the introduction of a 48V hybrid powertrain and that’s the model we selected.

Take a Citroen C4 hatchback and stretch out the rear end and you basically get the C4 X, which is saloon shaped and gains added ground clearance. It’s a striking looking car when approached from any angle with design features including LED light clusters with V signature daytime running lights. It has the latest Chevron badging with chrome trim leading into the lights along with a clamshell bonnet, tinted rear windows and 18-inch bi-tone alloy wheels.

Moving inside, there is nothing flashy about the interior – it almost looks a little on the bland side with lots of black trimmings. But there is a wealth of on-board tech to explore, including a 10-inch infotainment screen which offers access to the likes of the sat nav, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, DAB digital radio, six-speaker sound system and lots more besides.

Behind the wheel is a compact 5.5-inch backlit driver information screen and there is also a head-up display so you can keep a watchful eye on the speed. We did notice quite a lot of glare on the tft screen when it was a particularly bright day which is not ideal. But elsewhere we liked the number of physical controls rather than being totally touchscreen-dependent and there is a separate panel for all the climate settings. In addition, the heated seats and steering wheel will help fend off those winter blues.

The new Hybrid 136 powertrain on the Citroen C4 X features a 48V battery pack coupled with a new three-cylinder, 1.2-litre PureTech petrol engine. With 134bhp and 230Nm of torque, the car can reach 62mph from a standing start in 8.1 seconds and tops out at 128mph.

The hybrid technology only allows the car to be driven for less than a mile in EV-only mode at low speeds, but it has improved the fuel efficiency of the vehicle and resulted in a lower emissions figure too.

While the handling is not exactly edge-of-the-seat blistering pace, Citroen does tend to prioritise comfort over sheer speed and that is an area where this car excels.

But it’s no slouch either with smooth acceleration through the six-speed automatic gearbox and steering wheel mounted paddles for added driver engagement.

It’s nicely balanced through twisting country lanes with impressive levels of grip in and out of tighter corners, yet can cruise with ease at 70mph on motorways. Then, when faced with busy town centre traffic, the C4 X is both agile and very easy to manoeuvre through the crowds.

You can expect lounge-like comfort thanks to the Citroen Advanced Comfort Suspension set-up that controls each wheel individually for a balanced ride and it varies according to which of the Eco, Normal or Sport driving modes are selected. 

The Citroen C4 X is 240mm longer than the standard C4 at 4,600mm. Width-wise it is slightly wider at 1,834mm and the height is the same at 1,825mm. The wheelbase is 2,670mm in length and that makes for a spacious cabin with plenty of boot room too.

A couple of six footers can easily fit in up front and, in theory, there is room for a two more adults in the back if the seats are not pushed back very far. But the sloping roof design means anyone nearing six foot will be complaining about head and leg space after a few minutes. Ideally though, it is best suited to children or teenagers.

The boot is accessed via a powered lid and can swallow 510 litres of goodies. Drop the 60:40 split-folding rear seats and that capacity increases to 1,360 litres. Due to its saloon-like rear end styling, the boot entrance is quite small, especially when compared to a much wider opening found on a hatchback model.

But there are plenty of storage compartments scattered throughout the C4 X, including a glovebox, a drawer that pops out from the dashboard, a compact central cubby, door pockets, front cup holders, seat back pockets, some trays, plus USB ports to keep devices charged and connected on the move.

The Citroen C4 X line-up costs from £27,050 for the entry-level YOU! model powered by a PureTech 100PS engine with six-speed manual gearbox. At the other end of the scale is the MAX specification which is on offer in petrol-only guise costing £27,050 or with the hybrid technology, as tested, costing £28,395. For anyone wanting to explore the electrification route, the e-C4 X ranges from £31,960 to £36,960.

While the hybrid technology means the car can drive just 1km in EV-only mode at low speeds, it has resulted in an increase in fuel efficiency and a reduction of up to 20 per cent in carbon emissions meaning fewer trips to the petrol pumps, a reduction in road tax bills, plus an improved Benefit in Kind tax rating for business drivers.

With a WLTP-tested combined fuel efficiency figure of 51.1mpg and CO2 emissions of 106g/km, owners will face a first-year Vehicle Excise Duty charge of £185 increasing to the standard annual fee of £190 after 12 months.

For any fleet drivers considering the C4 X as a company car, it has a BiK rating of 26 per cent while we are still waiting for the insurance group to be announced.

The Citroen C4 X is a stylish family car that is competitively priced and generously equipped, especially in range-topping MAX trim. It’s not that dynamic to drive, but easily makes up for that with its excellent comfort and refinement levels. But on the downside, the car was only awarded four out of five stars when tested for its Euro NCAP safety rating, whereby many rivals achieved the maximum five stars.