Citroen is helping us remember the old and strange C6 model with a concept that previews a luxury saloon, that could easily be integrated in its DS range. Called Citroen CXperience, the car will be showcased during this year Paris Motor Show, at the end of September.
With this two-box saloon measuring 4.85m in length, Citroen is expressing its ambitions in upmarket territory. It also has a very low roof (1.37m tall) and short overhangs (3m wheelbase) beneath which sits 22 inch wheels.
The V-shaped DRLs, which give the car a high-tech look, are made up of fine 3mm wide strips with the indicators elegantly positioned in between. Further down, the light signature is completed by three LED directional headlights, positioned either side of the vehicle. For greater efficiency, the controlled air intakes are integrated with the front bumpers. Mobile flaps designed to open and close are positioned on either side of the vehicle. These contribute to aerodynamic performance on the road while also making manoeuvres easier.
Inside, along the single-spoke steering wheel, a nod to the brand’s history, the floating dashboard is of horizontal design. It has a three-dimensional appearance, with a sculpted, tubular cut-out extending from the right rear door to the left rear door in a single piece.
Considerable attention was placed on the design of the seats, which are upholstered in a padded-effect yellow mesh fabric. The backrests feature walnut wood in an elegant light shade, like the dashboard. Designed to resemble alcoves, the inner door panels are also made from high-quality materials. The sea-green geometric fabric matches the body colour and contrasts with the interior ambience. The flat foam floor was made to measure. It is covered in dark, textured leather with a destructured design.
Citroen CXperience Concept features a plug-in hybrid drivetrain with a petrol engine developing between 150 and 200 bhp and up to 80 kW of additional energy provided by the electric motor. CXperience Concept can be driven in all-electric mode in the city (ZEV -Zero Emission Vehicle) where it has a range of 60 km. On the open road, fuel consumption can be limited by using the two forms of energy together in successive acceleration phases.
On the motorway, the internal combustion engine takes over to deliver a total power of up to 300 bhp. The 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. This maintains both passenger space and boot capacity. Citroen CXperience Concept has a 3 kWh battery that can be charged in just a few hours.
