Recreating the C-Sport Lounge Concept

The long-rumored top-tier model of the Citroën DS series, the DS5, has finally been revealed. Its unveiling in China, a market second only to Europe in sales volume for Citroën, signals the company's significant commitment to this model.

Its styling is particularly noteworthy. It shares many common elements with the C-Sport Lounge concept shown at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show. The low, long silhouette, the large air intakes on both sides of the front, and the A-pillar that forms a triangular window with the character line extending from the rear of the headlights, over the front fenders, and upwards from just before the door mirrors. The compact greenhouse and other features are almost identical to the concept car.

However, while the C-Sport Lounge concept featured flowing lines, the DS5 has a more muscular image. Additionally, the suicide doors have been replaced with conventional ones, and the rear end is no longer sharply upswept. The overall impression is not one of a low, flowing design, but rather a somewhat high-riding, crossover-like feel, similar to the DS4. This styling change was likely influenced by practical considerations, such as sharing a platform with the Peugeot 3008. Dimensions released so far include a relatively short overall length of 4,520mm and a width of 1,850mm, which is average for this class recently. The luggage capacity is stated as 465 liters, though the figure with the rear seats folded down is not confirmed.

Citroën's First HYbrid4 System

Like the exterior, the interior boasts a high level of design. As was stated when the C-Sport Lounge concept was unveiled, it offers a low, coupe-like driving position, embodying "Grand Touring for the 21st Century." Controls are concentrated on the center console for intuitive operation. A color head-up display is also equipped, allowing the driver to access necessary information without diverting their gaze from the road.

The powertrain is Citroën's first HYbrid4 system, the same one featured in the Peugeot 3008 at last year's Paris Motor Show. It combines a 2.0-liter turbodiesel engine with an idling stop function at the front, and an electric motor above the rear axle driving the rear wheels, creating a four-wheel-drive hybrid system. The engine produces 120 kW (163 hp), and the motor delivers 27 kW (37 hp). Environmental performance is also excellent, with CO2 emissions of 99g/km in the European NEDC combined cycle.

While there has been no official announcement regarding the sales launch, it is expected to go on sale in France by the end of the year.