Exclusively revealed one month ahead of the Paris Motor Show, Citroën CXPERIENCE CONCEPT demonstrates the brand’s capacity to deploy its “Be Different, Feel Good” promise in the large saloon segment. With its distinctive body style, this new concept overturns established codes and illustrates the benefits of the “Citroën Advanced Comfort” programme.
Designed by Citroën Styling at the Design Centre in Vélizy, outside Paris, CXPERIENCE CONCEPT expresses the brand’s new aesthetic codes. With its two-box style and cleverly designed rear-hinged doors, it looks ready to leap forwards.
The exterior
A vehicle of imposing proportions (4.85m long, 2m wide) with a very low roof (1.37m tall) and short overhangs (3m wheelbase), the CXPERIENCE concept car allies its majestic stature with flowing lines. The pearlescent sea green “Mizuiro” bodywork is modern, relaxed and sober. The colour further underlines the upmarket looks of this concept car, with its large 22-inch wheels and 5-spoke covers.
The observer’s eye is drawn in particular to the V-shaped DRLs which 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.
The rear end of the concept car also makes a statement with strongly marked wings and 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.
Another characteristic styling feature contributing to the unique personality of the CXPERIENCE concept car are the rear-hinged autoclave doors rising to the top of the roof and opening to a 90°perpendicular angle (in line with the wheels), making it easy to get in.
The interior
Designed as a true “cocoon”, CXPERIENCE CONCEPT filters out the outside world along with the bumps and dips of the road and employs a progressive hydraulic cushions advanced module. Came out many weeks ago, this exclusive Citroën technology significantly improves the filtration system regardless of the defects road ensuring an outstanding driving comfort. The result: a purely Citroën sovereign comfort.
The generous, body-hugging seats of CXPERIENCE CONCEPT provide unique comfort and support. Made from flexible shape-memory foam, they invite the occupants to enjoy a new travelling experience. In row 1, both the driver and passenger have wide, welcoming seats. The enveloping seats in row 2 reflect the same “living room” mindset.
Electronics
Drastically integrated in the middle of the dashboard, the 19-inch and 16/3 format rectangular screen is the key onboard feature. Functioning as the vehicle control centre, it clears superfluous controls from the dashboard and reinforces the impression of width and space. Easy to use by reason of its size, this screen groups all the onboard functions: air conditioning, driving aids, navigation and media sources.
Powertrain
Citroën CXPERIENCE CONCEPT delivers outstanding dynamic performance 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 real performance at the wheel, with total power of up to 300 bhp.
Citroën CXPERIENCE CONCEPT has a 3 kWh battery that can be charged in just a few hours. The vehicle can be charged in 4 1/2 hours with a standard charging system, or in less than 2 1/2 hours with an ultra-simple charging solution based on a 6.6 kW charger designed for connection to a 32A socket.
The architecture of Citroën CXPERIENCE CONCEPT is ingenious and unique. 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.
Technical characteristics:
Length: 4.85m
Width: 2m
Height: 1.37m
Wheelbase: 3m
Performance:
Electric range: 60 km
Power (EEC): between 250 and 300 bhp