Citroen might be still claiming that the E-C4 X/C4 X is a combination of fastback and SUV, but facelift or not, this is still effectively a saloon version of the C4/E-C4!
Design and interior
Outside, this facelift equals a redesigned grille with Citroen’s new logo in the centre, plus slim LED headlights, with its unusual light signature divided into three distinctive horizontal elements. The lower part of this light signature also integrates the LED directional indicators.
The side guards have been smoothed to give a more dynamic look, and the ‘Colour Clips’ that debuted on the E-C3 are now part of the design. There are also new wheel designs, and new colours.
Facelift changes for the back of the E-C4 X/C4 X are less obvious, with the new badging, plus the new Citroen logo in the centre of the boot.
Inside, the biggest change for Plus and Max equipment grades is an all-new 7in HD instrument cluster, along with the standard 10in touchscreen. This touchscreen is running the latest-generation infotainment system, with connected 3D navigation – although it can’t hide the fact that the rest of the cabin feels quite dated.
Elsewhere in the E-C4 X/C4 X’s cabin, the Advanced Comfort front seats have been redesigned to enhance the interior comfort, which along with the Advanced Comfort suspension, must equal maximum support.
One thing that hasn’t changed is the 240mm of extra length compared with the C4. This obviously equals more space in the rear and boot. In fact, there’s 198mm of extra legroom, making it particularly interesting to private hire companies. Then there’s the boot, which despite the access issues of the saloon design, yields an extra 130 litres, taking the total to 510 litres. There is extra boot practicality in the form of a flat loading floor, split/fold rear seat, and ski hatch.
Performance and drive
The facelifted E-C4 X/C4 X is available with the choice of electric and mild hybrid powertrains. The mild hybrid version mates the 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine, with a 28hp electric motor, and a 48V belt starter for quick engine starts and charging the 48V lithium battery which is under the passenger seat. Bringing this all together, is an electrified six-speed dual-clutch gearbox, with the total output 134hp.
The E-C4 X EV is available in two versions, the first in Plus spec, with a 50kWh battery and 136hp with up to 232 miles of range. In range-topping Max spec, it has a larger 54kWh battery and 156hp, with up to 271 miles of range. Both versions are capable of a 20-80% charge in under 30 minutes.
We drove the E-C4 X with the bigger 54kWh battery, and it feels much the same as the E-C4, willing enough in everyday use. With reasonable acceleration off the mark, and instant torque, this electric Citroen never felt underpowered. The only change to the driving experience, is in ‘Sport’ mode, which noticeably sharpens up the throttle response. This almost seems at odds with the E-C4 X’s comfortable, refined, and relaxed character – even on the Max spec’s 18in alloy wheels. But, if you engage ‘Eco’ mode, this does the opposite and retards the throttle. The only demerit apart from body roll, is the slow steering, which lacks feel.
With UK buyers still favouring hatches over saloons, the facelifted E-C4 X/C4 X remains a leftfield fleet choice. Considering interest from private hire fleets that Citroen UK MD Greg Taylor told us about on this launch, this doesn’t appear to be a worry for the brand! The saloon version of the C4/E-C4 remains a likeable, reasonably spacious, high-value package, with prices starting at £24,495.
Positive: Decent EV range, impressive ride and refinement, more rear space and larger boot than the C4/E-C4, well-equipped, affordably priced.
Negative: Comfortable rather than fun to drive, dated interior, some odd spec omissions, boot access and split/fold rear seat hinder extra boot space.
Standard equipment: 18in alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, reversing camera, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, front and rear electric windows, auto headlights, rain-sensing front windscreen wipers.
Engines: Petrol mild hybrid: 134hp; Electric: 136hp, 156hp
Equipment grades: Plus, Max
Transmissions: Six-speed DCT automatic, single-speed automatic
| Model | Citroen E-C4 X 54kWh Max |
| P11D | £30,095 |
| Residual value | TBC |
| Depreciation | TBC |
| Fuel | £2,702 |
| Service, maintenance and repair | TBC |
| Cost per mile | TBC |
| Range | 271 miles |
| CO2 (BIK%) | 0g/km (2%) |
| BIK 20/40% a month | £10/£20 |
| Luggage capacity | 510 litres |
| Battery size/power | 54kWh/156hp |
| Score | 6/10 |
