Citroën is pulling the plug on its ambitious C5 X in the United Kingdom, with right-hand-drive production scheduled to cease by May 2025 after just three years on the market. The decision comes after dismal sales performance across Europe, with only 4,296 units sold across 28 countries in 2024, down considerably from 11,881 in 2023.
Citroën abandons UK market for its C5 X flagship after sales plummeted by nearly two-thirds across Europe in just one year.
The UK market, particularly resistant to non-premium D-segment offerings, proved especially challenging for the French manufacturer.
The C5 X, a 4.8-metre long crossover that attempted to blend saloon, estate, and SUV characteristics, struggled to find its audience despite competitive pricing. At £31,355, it undercut the BMW 3 Series by over £12,000, yet the German competitor still managed approximately 90,000 European sales during the same period.
The numbers speak volumes about brand preference in the executive car segment.
Citroën management didn’t mince words when explaining the withdrawal, describing the product’s segment in Europe as “non-existent” for mainstream brands. The contrast with Chinese markets, where the C5 X continues to sell well, highlights the regional nature of automotive preferences. The French automaker will now focus on the C5 Aircross SUV as their new flagship vehicle.
I’ve seen few clearer examples of how geographic tastes can determine a model’s fate.
Available with both petrol and plug-in hybrid powertrains, the C5 X offered impressive specifications including 19-inch alloys and advanced suspension technology. Despite its elegant design with an aerodynamic fastback body, the vehicle failed to attract sufficient buyer interest in the competitive UK market. Its dimensions positioned it between the BMW 3 Series and 5 Series Touring, with six metallic and pearlescent color options available.
Despite these credentials, it failed to penetrate the UK’s premium-dominated market.
Final orders will be accepted until late June 2025, after which the C5 X will join numerous other casualties of the challenging executive crossover segment.
The withdrawal signals broader industry challenges for non-premium brands attempting to compete in traditionally upscale categories. For Stellantis Group, the decision represents pragmatic portfolio management, though it leaves Citroën without a flagship offering in a key European market.
