Citroën C5 Aircross vs Peugeot 5008: A Sad Clone War

Goodbye to the three independent seats in the rear, the front face of the Bulldog, and the below-door protections. The C5 Aircross is merging into the crowd.

Stellantis seems determined to capitalize as much as possible on its shared STLA Medium platform, used by the Peugeot 3008 and 5008, Opel Grandland, and now the Citroën C5 Aircross. In itself, this approach makes sense: streamlining production costs, optimizing synergies between brands, and offering common technologies appears to be a highly effective strategy on paper. However, what works behind the scenes in a factory or a meeting room is not enough to appeal to a consumer seeking emotion and identity.

The problem lies in execution, more precisely in the design of the models. Take the new C5 Aircross, which should serve as a showcase for the Citroën brand. Unfortunately, at first glance, it looks like a simple cousin of the Peugeot 5008. Even worse, the differences between the two models are so minimal that one begins to wonder if Stellantis isn’t erasing the very personality of its brands.

Good design is the source of emotion… or not

In the automotive world, aesthetics are not just a detail: they are an essential part of the promise made to the customer. Each brand must carry a strong identity, capable of seducing a specific audience. With this multiplication of clones within the group, it is becoming difficult to discern the spirit of Citroën, Peugeot, or Opel. Sure, economies of scale are there, but at what cost? One of confusion, or even disinterest.

Stellantis has the means to do better. The STLA Medium platform is a modern and promising base, but its overuse reveals a lack of finesse in differentiating the models. For a company grouping so many brands with such distinct DNA, this is a serious misstep.

If the goal is to compete with the industry giants, Stellantis must urgently rethink its strategy. Recognizable body styles at first glance and bold designs are essential to avoid falling into uniformity. Because, beyond industrial performance, cars remain objects of emotion. And Stellantis must not forget that.

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