Citroen e-C4 X (2022 - )

We are used to numerous variants of the Citroen C4, but the e-C4 X coupe-styled crossover is the first one Citroen has produced that will only be available as an all-electric car.

A 136PS front-wheel drive motor is the sole powertrain, with three trims available.

All models get 18-inch alloys, a 10-inch infotainment touchscreen with DAB radio, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 5.5-inch digital instrument display, dual-zone climate control, adjustable lumbar support and LED headlights.

The mid-range Shine trim tested here gets a higher-resolution infotainment screen with SatNav and a head-up display. It also boasts a deluxe leather steering wheel, power-folding door mirrors, intelligent high beam and tinted back windows.

If you opt for the top-of-the-range Shine Plus trim, you'll also get Alcantara upholstery, a height-adjustable driver's seat, and a heated steering wheel.
 

Citroen is known for its bold styling, and the e-C4 X follows the same traits, with a busy front-end made up by the lighting arrangement, which presents as arrows pointing inwards.

The main headlights sit a little further down. Meanwhile, there's lots of cladding, especially around the sides and wheel arches, to create an off-road appearance, even though the e-C4 X is anything but an off-roader.

Around the back, the roofline comes down so low that it looks more like a saloon – and that's because it is one, which is rare for cars in this segment.

Citroen is no stranger to divisive styling – some will love it, some will hate it – but at least it doesn’t look bland or ordinary.

On the inside, the e-C4 X looks attractive. The dashboard layout is particularly appealing, with the infotainment screen poking out in a piano black surround, while dashes of silver trim brighten things up in various places.

The infotainment system could be more intuitive to use. Still, the graphics are sharp, and the screen is responsive on the whole. Plus, Citroen has elected to leave the physical air conditioning controls in place rather than integrate them into the screen, which is a relief.
 

You don't need to drive the e-C4 X for long to work out that this car is not being sold for its driving prowess.

Despite plenty of torque off the line, 0-62mph takes 10 seconds, which is reasonable, but plenty of rivals competing for your money are quicker.

Likewise, most of them handle better, as the e-C4 X has very soft suspension, meaning there’s considerable body lean in the bends.

The e-C4 X blows most of the competition out of the water with its relaxing, comforting suspension, though. The Citroen certainly irons out creases in the road. However, this can cause some bounciness when encountering bumpier surfaces.

The steering could be more responsive, but in a car like this, you hardly depend on feedback through the wheel to get the most out of it.

Fun isn’t to be found here, but it wafts along effortlessly without a fuss.
 

There is plenty of space up front in the e-C4 X, so you won't be rubbing shoulders with your fellow front-seat occupant while driving along. And the adjustable lumbar support helps you find a comfy driving position.

The back is a different story, though. While the seats are relaxing, one of the biggest criticisms of the standard C4 was its lack of legroom, but, despite the e-C4 X's larger size, it's disappointingly no better.

It is made worse by a significant slope in the roofline, which eats into the headroom, too.

Most of the e-C4 X’s additional size is used up in the boot capacity, which is a large 510-litres. This is around 30% bigger than you'll find in an e-C4 – expanding to 1,360 litres with the rear seats down, which fold away in a 60/40 split.

This capacity exceeds what you’ll get in most of the Citroen’s foes, although because it's a saloon, you'll need help to fit tall objects in.

The visibility out of the front is good, although the pillars are thick at the rear, so you’re more reliant on the rear-view camera. However, you don't get one on the entry-level Sense trim.

Citroen claims the e-C4 X has a range of 221 miles. A 50kW battery is provided, and at a 100kW charging speed, it will take around 25 minutes for a 10-80% top-up. Meanwhile, a 0-100% charge using a 7kW home wall box will take seven-and-a-half hours.

Road tax is free – at least until 2025 – thanks to the Citroen’s zero emissions, while electric cars come in the lowest band for Benefit In Kind, making it appealing to company car users.

Citroen's been improving in reliability recently but still only offers a bog-standard three-year, 60,000-mile warranty. However, that mileage limit only applies to the third year and is unlimited for the first two.

A separate eight-year, 100,000-mile guarantee covers the battery.
 

The e-C4 X is acceptable to drive, but its larger size doesn’t translate into more room if you’re in the back.

If you need a big boot or you’re after a car that maximises ride comfort, you’re on to a winner, but you’ll have to accept that it comes at the expense of handling and performance.

It has a nice interior, too, which is arguably Citroen's best effort to date.

The Kia Niro is slightly superior but more expensive, while the surprisingly excellent MG4 EV is cheaper if you don't need a massive boot.