Magic Recipe for Citroën C4 and C4 X?

Struggling against American and Chinese invaders, French models with chevrons still have many assets. Here’s a new one in their arsenal.

Launched respectively in 2021 and 2023, the Citroën C4 and C4 X are two family sedans distinguished by a silhouette concept combining the status of a sedan with the sportiness of a coupe for the C4, and a fastback line for the C4 X. Built on a gasoline or diesel thermal infrastructure, they have inherited 100% electric versions that account for 25% of C4 sales and 35% of C4 X sales in Europe. That’s good, but we know that replacing an internal combustion engine with an electric powertrain isn’t a guaranteed success.

“Could do better” Mention

The strength of a vehicle built on a native electric platform is the placement of its battery pack as low as possible to improve the center of gravity. When batteries are installed where the fuel tank is, they are well protected thanks to dedicated structures but placed too high. Hence a sluggish handling typical of “electrified thermal” vehicles, which is the main criticism that can be directed at the ë-C4 and ë-C4 X. Because aside from that, the copy is perfect, with the handling mastery typical of former PSA Peugeot and Citroën vehicles and very well-finished, rich interiors.

The solution to combine the best of both worlds was within reach, and here are the eagerly awaited hybrids.

Citroën slow but not too late

After the C5 Aircross at the end of 2023, Citroën introduces the C4 and C4 X Hybrid 136 equipped with the new 48V hybrid technology. It consists of a 48V battery that recharges during certain driving phases, a 3-cylinder gasoline engine producing 136 hp (100 kW) specifically designed for this new hybrid system. It is coupled with the new electrified ë-DCS6 double-clutch gearbox incorporating a ë-Motor electric motor of 21 kW. A simple solution combining versatile usage without the need for recharging and efficiency, reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by nearly 20%. But why weren’t they launched earlier?

Since 2021, the frenzy for all-electric vehicles has noticeably slowed down, without benefiting traditional combustion engines. The hybridization that combines both worlds is gaining popularity, and Citroën has understood this well. This system allows up to 50% of daily urban trips to be made entirely electric and gives a nice boost to reasonable gasoline engines. Faced with such a popular demand, the creators of the first Prius must be raising their eyebrows…

And in terms of price, it’s not even crazy, with the C4 Hybrid 136 available to order from 33,200 euros and the C4 X Hybrid 136 from 33,900 euros. Deliveries will begin in spring 2024.

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