Citroen unveils CXPerience Concept Ahead of 2016 Paris Motor Show

Citroen has previewed the CXPerience saloon car roughly a month ahead of the 2016 Paris Motor Show – the ‘two-box’ concept saloon car showcases the brand’s ambitions of moving into the premium upmarket segment.

The CXPerience is a product of Citroen Styling, based in Velizy, France which aims to embody the brand’s new aesthetic codes that embody a high-tech world on the outside with high-class furnishings on the inside.

The vehicle measures 4.85m in length, 2.0m across and 1.37m in height, making it 320mm longer, 130mm wider and 140mm lower than the current flagship model, the Citroen DS5. Short overhangs on fore and aft cloak a 3.0m wheelbase which is even longer than the W213 Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Large 22-inch five-spoke wheels decorate the flanks, with bodywork finished in a pearlescent sea green "Mizuiro" hue.

At the front, layered headlights – a part of Citroen’s identity flanks a smooth grille insert. The Citroen ‘chevron’ badge forms the centrepiece of a wide chrome garnish that extends outwards toward the front headlamps. Further down, three LED directional headlights, positioned either side of the vehicle. Active flaps, integrated into the sides of the front bumpers are said to improve aerodynamic efficiency.

The rear end brings is highlighted by a concave rear window with a mobile fin at the bottom for improved aerodynamics. The 3D rear lights featuring laser fibre optics are also V-shaped such as the one up front. Like the brand's most recent vehicles, the chevrons at the rear of the concept car feature a black lacquer finish. Possibly the biggest visual highlight is the rear-hinged ‘suicide doors’ opening up to the cabin space.

The interior is inspired by contemporary architecture – finished in citrus yellow shade. A floating dashboard houses a single-spoke steering wheel – another homage to Citroen’s history. Considerable emphasis was placed on the design of the seats, which are upholstered in a padded-effect yellow mesh fabric. The backrests feature walnut wood in a light woody shade similar to the dashboard. The flat foam floor was made to measure, constructed in textured leather, to finish off the interior.

A 19-inch and 16/3 format rectangular screen is a key onboard feature and functions as the vehicle control centre. The infotainment options are presented in such a way as to enable easy browsing by all the occupants, who can find information on their journey, select their own music or watch movies.

A smartphone and a mobile tablet – augment and activate a number of on-board functions. At the front, a central console houses a dedicated smartphone stand. Induction-rechargeable and connected to the screens, the smartphone starts the car and activates a range of control functions such as the comfort and infotainment settings.

The Citroën CXPerience is powered by a plug-in hybrid petrol engine. The internal combustion engine is said to develop between 150- and 200bhp, while the electric motor will contribute an additional 80kW - total system output is rated at 300bhp. Citroen claims a total electric range of 60km for the CXPerience concept.

The concept car houses a 3.0 kWh battery that can be charged in 4.5 hours with a standard charging system or in less than 2.5 hours on a 6.6 kW charger adapted for connection to a 32Amp socket.

An 8-speed electric automatic gearbox is placed transversely between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor, and a compact battery is positioned under the cabin to deliver electric power to the rear axle.