I’ll never forget the moment I realized I was driving through a construction zone without feeling like my teeth were being rattled loose. There I was, navigating through torn-up asphalt and temporary barriers at rush hour, yet somehow my coffee stayed perfectly still in the cup holder. My passenger was peacefully scrolling through her phone instead of gripping the door handle. That’s when it hit me – this wasn’t just another SUV.
The Citroën C5 Aircross had turned what should have been a jarring commute into something surprisingly serene. After spending a week with this French SUV, I understand why people describe it as floating on air.
Why the C5 Aircross Prioritizes Your Comfort Over Everything Else
The new Citroën C5 Aircross makes an interesting bet in today’s SUV market. While most competitors chase sporty handling and aggressive styling, Citroën doubles down on one thing: making every journey feel effortless. This philosophy shows up everywhere, from the ultra-light steering to the cloud-like suspension.
“The C5 Aircross isn’t trying to be a sports car,” explains automotive engineer Sarah Mitchell. “It’s designed for people who spend hours in traffic and want to arrive feeling relaxed rather than beaten up.”
The electric Long Range version I tested takes this comfort-first approach even further. With its silent electric motor and extended range capabilities, it transforms daily driving into something approaching meditation.
What Makes This SUV Feel Like Floating
Citroën’s “Advanced Comfort” suspension system deserves most of the credit for the C5 Aircross’s cloud-like ride quality. Here’s how the key features stack up:
| Feature | Benefit | Real-World Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Progressive hydraulic bump stops | Absorbs harsh jolts | Speed bumps feel like gentle waves |
| Ultra-light power steering | Minimal effort required | City parking becomes effortless |
| Soft suspension tuning | Prioritizes comfort over handling | Passengers can sleep or work comfortably |
| Electric powertrain (Long Range) | Silent operation | Conversations happen at whisper level |
The steering wheel requires so little effort that you could probably navigate most turns with just your pinky finger. This might sound ridiculous, but it’s genuinely helpful during long drives or when maneuvering in tight parking spaces.
- Hydraulic cushions at the end of suspension travel smooth out the harshest impacts
- Speed humps and potholes get absorbed rather than transmitted to passengers
- Body roll is noticeable in corners, but most buyers won’t mind
- Low-speed damping can still produce some noise over sharp obstacles
The trade-off becomes apparent when you try pushing the C5 Aircross through winding roads. The soft suspension means considerable body roll in corners, and the light steering provides little feedback about what the front wheels are doing.
“This car isn’t built for canyon carving,” notes automotive journalist Mark Thompson. “But for the vast majority of driving we actually do – commuting, family trips, grocery runs – it’s exceptionally well-suited.”
Where This Comfort Philosophy Really Shines
Highway cruising reveals the C5 Aircross at its absolute best. The electric Long Range model glides silently at motorway speeds, with the suspension soaking up road imperfections that would have other SUVs bouncing their occupants around.
The acceleration isn’t particularly exciting – 0-62 mph happens in just under nine seconds – but it feels perfectly adequate for real-world driving. More importantly, the power delivery is smooth and predictable, without the jerky transitions that can make some electric vehicles feel unrefined.
Range anxiety becomes less of a concern with the Long Range battery pack, though public charging speeds remain a weak point compared to some competitors. During my test week, I found myself planning charging stops around meal breaks rather than quick top-ups.
Interior space impresses, with generous room for passengers and cargo. The seats themselves continue the comfort theme, offering good support without feeling overly firm. Climate control works quietly and effectively, maintaining the serene cabin atmosphere.
“The C5 Aircross succeeds because it knows exactly what it wants to be,” observes industry analyst David Chen. “Instead of trying to excel at everything, it focuses on comfort and does it better than almost anyone else.”
Who Should Consider This Floating SUV
The Citroën C5 Aircross makes the most sense for specific types of drivers. If you spend significant time commuting in stop-and-go traffic, frequently drive with passengers who might be working or sleeping, or simply want the most relaxing possible driving experience, this SUV delivers.
Families with young children will appreciate how the smooth ride keeps everyone comfortable on longer trips. Business travelers who need to arrive at meetings feeling fresh rather than road-weary will find the C5 Aircross invaluable.
However, driving enthusiasts should look elsewhere. The soft suspension and light steering prioritize comfort over engagement, making spirited driving feel disconnected and unsatisfying.
The electric Long Range version suits buyers who can charge at home or work regularly. Public charging infrastructure limitations mean this isn’t ideal for frequent long-distance travelers who rely on rapid charging networks.
Value-conscious shoppers will find the C5 Aircross competitive on price, especially when considering the level of comfort it provides. The feature list is generous, and running costs remain reasonable for an electric SUV of this size.
FAQs
How does the C5 Aircross ride quality compare to luxury SUVs?
The comfort level rivals vehicles costing significantly more, though luxury brands typically offer better materials and technology integration.
Is the steering really that light?
Yes, it requires minimal effort for most driving situations, though this can feel disconnected on winding roads where more feedback would be helpful.
What’s the real-world range of the electric Long Range model?
Expect around 250-280 miles in mixed driving conditions, with efficiency dropping in cold weather or at sustained highway speeds.
Does the soft suspension cause any problems?
Body roll in corners is noticeable, and very low-speed impacts can still produce some noise, but overall refinement is excellent.
Who is the C5 Aircross best suited for?
Commuters, families, and anyone prioritizing comfort over sporty driving will find it ideal, especially those who can charge at home regularly.
How does it compare to the Peugeot equivalent?
The C5 Aircross uses a more conventional steering wheel and focuses even more heavily on comfort, while Peugeot models tend to offer slightly sportier handling.
