2023 Citroen e-C4 X Review: Comfort Above All

The electric vehicle market is obsessed with two things: range and performance. More miles, quicker 0-60 times, bigger batteries. The 2023 Citroen e-C4 X ignores both of those obsessions entirely. Instead, it focuses on something that has become increasingly rare in the EV world: genuine comfort.

Spend an hour behind the wheel and the car starts to reveal its biggest strength. The seats remain supportive, the suspension shrugs off broken pavement, and the cabin stays impressively calm even at motorway speeds. This is not a car that will impress your neighbors with its acceleration. It will not win any drag races or set any range records. But it might be one of the most relaxing electric cars you can drive. Citroen has taken the e-C4 hatchback, stretched it into a fastback saloon shape, and added its signature “Advanced Comfort” suspension and seats.

The e-C4 X sits in a strange space between segments. It has the raised ride height of an SUV, the sloping roofline of a coupe, and the boot of a saloon. It competes with the MG4, Volkswagen ID.3, and Renault Megane E-Tech, but it does not try to beat them at their own games. Instead, it offers something different: a quiet, cushioned ride that makes you forget about the battery percentage and the charging time.

Our Take

The 2023 Citroen e-C4 X is a comfortable, well-equipped electric car that prioritizes ride quality over performance. The suspension is soft, the seats are plush, and the cabin is quiet. The 222-mile range is adequate for most daily driving, and the 100kW rapid charging means you can top up quickly on longer trips.

But the e-C4 X is not for everyone. The acceleration is leisurely, the boot aperture is small, and the price is high compared to some rivals. The MG4 offers better value and more range. The Volkswagen ID.3 is more refined and better to drive. The e-C4 X is for buyers who value comfort above all else. If that sounds like you, it is worth a look.

Pros

• Exceptionally comfortable ride with Advanced Comfort suspension
• Plush, supportive seats with extra memory foam padding
• Spacious 510-liter boot, significantly larger than the e-C4 hatchback
• 100kW rapid charging delivers 80% in around 30 minutes
• Quiet cabin with minimal road and wind noise
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard

Cons

• Sluggish acceleration; 0-62 mph takes 9.5 seconds
• Saloon-style boot lid restricts access despite large capacity
• 222-mile range is mediocre compared to rivals
• Price feels high for the performance and equipment offered
• Lack of one-pedal driving or adjustable regenerative braking
• Some interior materials feel less premium than competitors

What’s New for 2023

The 2023 Citroen e-C4 X is a new model for the brand, sitting alongside the e-C4 hatchback as a more practical, fastback alternative. It shares the same platform and front end as the e-C4, but the body stretches 240mm longer, with most of that extra length going into the boot.

In May 2023, Citroen introduced an updated powertrain for the e-C4 X, featuring a more powerful 154 hp electric motor and a larger 54 kWh battery, increasing the range to 260 miles. However, this upgraded version was initially limited to high-spec Shine trims, with the entry-level models retaining the 136 hp motor and 50 kWh battery.

Exterior Design

The 2023 Citroen e-C4 X is a design that takes a moment to understand. From the front, it looks almost identical to the e-C4 hatchback, with the same bold grille, split headlights, and chunky black plastic cladding. It is only when you move to the rear that the differences become clear.

The roofline slopes gently down into a fastback tail, creating a silhouette that Citroen calls a “fastback” but is really more of a saloon with SUV pretensions. The boot lid is separate from the rear window, giving it a traditional saloon appearance rather than a hatchback. The drag coefficient of 0.29 helps with efficiency, though the difference is marginal.

Interestingly, despite the unusual shape, rear visibility is actually better than expected. The sloping roofline does not intrude as much as you might think, and the rear window provides a clear view of what is behind. The overall look is distinctive and slightly quirky, which is exactly what Citroen buyers expect. It is not as dramatic as the Peugeot 408 or as sporty as the MG4, but it has a quiet elegance that grows on you.

Driving Experience

Behind the wheel, the e-C4 X immediately feels different from most electric cars. The steering is light, almost too light at first. After a few miles, however, it starts to make sense because this simply is not a car that wants to be rushed. The throttle response is relaxed, and the suspension is soft. This is not a car that encourages enthusiastic driving. It is a car that encourages you to slow down and enjoy the journey.

The Advanced Comfort suspension is the star of the show. Citroen has fitted hydraulic bump stops to the shocks and springs, which smooth out potholes and speed bumps with remarkable effectiveness. You feel less jarring and fewer shocks coming through the cabin, and the car glides over rough surfaces with a sense of calm. On smooth motorways, it is even more impressive, with minimal wind and road noise creating a serene environment.

But the e-C4 X is not a car for driving enthusiasts. The 0-62 mph time of 9.5 seconds is leisurely, and the car never feels urgent even in Sport mode. The brakes are slightly spongy, and the lack of adjustable regenerative braking means you cannot use one-pedal driving. The steering never feels sporty, but that clearly was not Citroen’s objective. This is a car that rewards a relaxed driving style. Push it hard, and it will feel out of its depth.

Performance and Acceleration

The 2023 Citroen e-C4 X is available with a single powertrain in its base form: a 136 hp electric motor driving the front wheels, powered by a 50 kWh battery. This setup delivers 0-62 mph in 9.5 seconds and a top speed of 93 mph. In May 2023, Citroen introduced an upgraded version with a 154 hp motor and a 54 kWh battery, offering 260 miles of range, but the entry-level powertrain remains the most common configuration.

The acceleration is smooth and silent, but it is not quick. The electric motor delivers power in a steady, gradual manner rather than the instant shove you get from some EVs. It is adequate for city driving and motorway cruising, but overtaking requires planning. The single-speed automatic transmission makes stop-start traffic effortless, and the near-silent operation adds to the relaxed atmosphere.

Ride Comfort and Cabin Refinement

Spend a few hours in the e-C4 X and the suspension tuning starts to make perfect sense. The Advanced Comfort suspension, combined with the Advanced Comfort seats, creates a driving experience that is almost unique in the electric car market. The seats have an extra 15mm layer of memory foam, providing exceptional support for long journeys. The suspension smooths out potholes and speed bumps with remarkable effectiveness, making rough roads feel almost pleasant.

The cabin is also well-insulated, with minimal road and wind noise intrusion. The raised ride height and thick glass contribute to a sense of isolation from the outside world. The climate control works effectively, and the rear passengers benefit from air vents, which is a thoughtful touch.

The only downside is the firmness of the suspension at low speeds. While it absorbs bumps well, it can feel slightly floaty over undulating surfaces, and the body roll is noticeable in corners. But for most buyers, the trade-off is worth it.

Interior and Luxury Feel

The interior of the 2023 Citroen e-C4 X is spacious and well-designed. The dashboard is clean and modern, with a small digital instrument cluster in front of the driver and a 10-inch touchscreen sitting high on the dashboard. The physical buttons on the base of the screen serve as useful shortcuts, and the multifunction steering wheel has solid, intuitive buttons.

The front seats are exceptionally comfortable, with thick padding and good support. Finding a comfortable driving position is easy, thanks to the electrically adjustable seats and reasonable steering wheel adjustment for reach and rake. The rear seats are also spacious, with Citroen reclining the seatbacks by a few degrees to improve headroom and legroom. Two adults will fit comfortably, though the middle seat is tight.

The materials are a mix of soft-touch surfaces and harder plastics. The overall quality is acceptable but not class-leading. The Sense and Shine trims are well-equipped, but the Shine Plus adds niceties like a head-up display and wireless charging.

Technology and Infotainment

The 2023 Citroen e-C4 X comes with a 10-inch touchscreen as standard, running Citroen’s latest infotainment system. The system is intuitive and responsive, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto available wirelessly. The menu structure is logical, and the screen is bright and clear even in direct sunlight.

The Shine Plus trim adds a head-up display that projects key driving information onto the windshield, reducing the need to look away from the road. The system also includes connected services, navigation, and voice control, though the voice recognition is not as comprehensive as some rivals.

The standard audio system is adequate, but the lack of a premium audio option is a missed opportunity. The wireless charging pad is a useful addition, though it is not standard on all trims.

Charging and Running Costs

The 2023 Citroen e-C4 X with the 50 kWh battery has a WLTP range of 222 miles, though city driving can stretch that to over 300 miles. The upgraded 54 kWh version increases the range to 260 miles.

Charging is straightforward. The e-C4 X supports 100kW DC rapid charging, which can take the battery from empty to 80% in around 30 minutes. A full charge from a 7kW wallbox takes approximately 7.5 hours. The car comes with a standard single-phase 7.4 kW charger, with an optional three-phase 11 kW charger available.

The real-world efficiency is around 4.0 mi/kWh, which is respectable for a car of this size. The cost per mile is competitive with other EVs, though the price of electricity varies by region.

Practicality and Storage

The 2023 Citroen e-C4 X has a 510-liter boot, which is significantly larger than the e-C4 hatchback’s 380 liters. This is one of the car’s strongest selling points, making it a practical choice for families and road trips. The boot is wide and deep, though the saloon-style boot lid restricts the opening, making it harder to load bulky items.

The cabin storage is generous, with door pockets, a central cubby, and a glovebox. The rear seats fold down to expand the cargo space, though the boot aperture remains a limitation. The raised ride height makes it easy to load and unload items, and the 18-inch alloy wheels are standard across all trims.

Safety and Driver Assistance

The 2023 Citroen e-C4 X comes with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features, including adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system. The system works well on motorways, maintaining a safe distance from the car ahead and keeping the car centered in its lane.

The e-C4 X also includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The safety systems are generally non-intrusive, though the lane keeping assist can be overly sensitive at times.

The Euro NCAP safety rating for the C4 X is not yet available, but the car is equipped with the necessary hardware to achieve a high score. The ADAC has praised the car’s safety features.

Competitors Worth Considering

Compared with the MG4, the Citroen feels less eager to change direction, but far more forgiving over broken tarmac. The MG4 is sharper, more affordable, and offers a longer range, making it the better choice for buyers who prioritize value and driving dynamics. The e-C4 X is for those who value comfort and practicality.

The Volkswagen ID.3 offers a more refined interior and a better driving experience, with a range of battery options and a more modern design. It is the better choice for buyers who want a premium feel. The Renault Megane E-Tech has a more stylish interior and a longer range, with a more powerful motor and faster charging. It is the better choice for buyers who want a more dynamic drive.

Biggest Strength and Biggest Weakness

Biggest Strength: The e-C4 X’s greatest asset is its ride quality. The Advanced Comfort suspension and seats create a driving experience that is genuinely relaxing, making it one of the most comfortable EVs on the market. The soft suspension absorbs potholes and speed bumps with ease, and the plush seats keep you fresh on long journeys. For buyers who prioritize comfort above all else, the e-C4 X is a compelling choice.

Biggest Weakness: The e-C4 X’s biggest weakness is its performance. The 136 hp motor delivers sluggish acceleration, and the car feels underpowered compared to rivals. The 0-62 mph time of 9.5 seconds is leisurely, and the car never feels urgent even in Sport mode. The lack of adjustable regenerative braking is also a missed opportunity, limiting the driver’s ability to tailor the driving experience.

Which Trim Does Cardrav Recommend?

Cardrav recommends the Shine Plus trim for most buyers. It adds the head-up display, wireless charging, and a premium audio system, making it the best value for money. The Shine trim is a solid choice for budget-conscious buyers, while the base Sense trim is best avoided due to its limited equipment.

For buyers who want the upgraded 154 hp motor and 54 kWh battery, the Shine trim with the new powertrain is the only option. The e-Series trim offers a more modern design and additional features, but it is only available on the updated model.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy the 2023 Citroen e-C4 X?

The 2023 Citroen e-C4 X is a car that knows what it is and does not try to be anything else. It is comfortable, quiet, and practical, with a spacious boot and a range that is adequate for most daily driving. It is not fast, it is not sporty, and it is not particularly efficient. But it is one of the most relaxing electric cars you can drive.

Who should buy it: Buyers who prioritize comfort above all else. Those who spend a lot of time on rough roads and want a car that absorbs bumps with ease. People who value a quiet, serene cabin and a relaxed driving experience.

Who should avoid it: Buyers who want a quick, engaging electric car. Those who need the longest possible range or the fastest charging. Anyone who wants a hatchback with easy access to the boot.

The 2023 Citroen e-C4 X is a niche product, but it fills that niche well. If you value comfort and practicality over performance and efficiency, it is worth considering. If you want a more well-rounded electric car, the MG4 or Volkswagen ID.3 are better choices.

FAQ

What is the range of the 2023 Citroen e-C4 X?

The 2023 Citroen e-C4 X with the 50 kWh battery has a WLTP range of 222 miles. The upgraded 54 kWh version increases the range to 260 miles. In real-world driving, expect around 180-200 miles depending on conditions.

How long does it take to charge the 2023 Citroen e-C4 X?

Using a 100kW rapid charger, the e-C4 X can charge from empty to 80% in around 30 minutes. A full charge from a 7kW wallbox takes approximately 7.5 hours. The car comes with a standard 7.4 kW charger, with an optional 11 kW charger available.

Is the 2023 Citroen e-C4 X a good family car?

The 2023 Citroen e-C4 X is a good family car for small families. The 510-liter boot is spacious, and the rear seats are comfortable for two adults. The raised ride height and soft suspension make it ideal for carrying children. However, the saloon-style boot lid restricts access, making it harder to load bulky items.

How does the 2023 Citroen e-C4 X compare to the MG4 EV?

The MG4 EV is more affordable and offers a longer range, with sharper handling and a more modern design. The e-C4 X offers superior ride comfort and a more spacious boot. The MG4 is the better choice for buyers who prioritize value and driving dynamics; the e-C4 X is better for those who value comfort and practicality.

Is the 2023 Citroen e-C4 X eligible for government grants?

The 2023 Citroen e-C4 X is eligible for the UK government’s plug-in car grant, though the amount varies by region and time of purchase. Buyers should check the current availability of grants and incentives in their area.