2025 Citroen E-C4 X review

May 16, 2025 Matt Allan

The Citroen E-C4 X has a new face and a lower starting price. Is that enough to compete with family EVs such as the VW ID.3 and MG4?

Citroen has been making headlines recently thanks to its low-cost E-C3 supermini. But at the same time as launching its most affordable model EV yet, the French brand has also revised the rest of its electric portfolio, updating the E-C4 and E-C4 X and slashing their prices.

The price changes mean Citroen’s family-focused hatchback and its saloon-styled sibling both now start at less than £30,000 and give Citroen an industry-leading five EVs in the sub-£30,000 category.

Alongside the price reductions, the two models have been given a visual refresh and equipment upgrade but is that enough to keep them competitive? We’ve been driving the E-C4 X to find out.

Design, interior and technology

One of the biggest changes for the 2025 Citroen E-C4 X is its exterior looks.

Many midlife facelifts are barely perceptible tweaks to headlights and bumpers but here they’re much more substantial and apparent. The E-C4 X has received a whole new front end with a more cohesive horizontal design. Citroen’s new retro badge sits between horizontal running lights, with more angular headlights cut into the bonnet line. The overall effect gives a sharper, more aggressive look, especially with the X’s swooping rear profile, which remains unchanged, unlike the refreshed and simplified E-C4 hatchback.

While the exterior changes are plain to see, interior updates are harder to spot. Most significant is probably the introduction of redesigned Advanced Comfort seats that sit (sorry) at the centre of the E-C4 X’s exceptional comfort. New, thicker foam and improved support really do offer comfort levels from the class (or two) above, especially in conjunction with the Advanced Comfort suspension. Passenger space is decent enough for the class, with room for four average-sized adults on board. There’s also an impressive 510 litres of boot space but it’s hamstrung by the awkward saloon boot lid that restricts access.

Elsewhere, there’s a new seven-inch digital instrument display on higher-spec cars and an updated operating system for the 10-inch touchscreen. Sadly, it’s still a long way behind the best in class, with ugly graphics and a sluggish interface.

More positively, there are proper physical controls for the air conditioning and a wealth of squishy plastic finishes that look and feel far nicer than Citroens of the recent past. That’s supported by the thick quilted seat panels, that add some extra texture and visual interest.

The E-C4 X interior changes are subtler than those on the outside

Battery, motor and performance

Citroen still sells the E-C4 X with the 50kWh battery and 134bhp motor that’s been available since the model’s initial launch. These have been incrementally improved over the years and offer up to 223 miles of driving range, which will suit many users. But there’s also the option of the more modern and powertrain fitted to my most recent test car.

This uses a 54kWh battery and 152bhp motor. While the capacity isn’t much different, the battery is a newer, better unit that allows for up to 264 miles of range. And the motor adds a touch more urgency to things, cutting the 0-62mph time from 10 to 9.3 seconds.

The E-C4 X#s saloon profile hasn’t changed

That still isn’t particularly quick but that doesn’t matter because the E-C4 X is about getting places in comfort rather than at high speed and it does that exceptionally well. The Advanced Comfort suspension offers an unparalleled ride quality even on the UK’s awful roads. The payoff is a sponginess to proceedings that encourages a calmer driving style and which extends to the steering, which is light and vague. Noise control isn’t quite as impressive as the ride but is still more than acceptable for the class.

All versions of the E-C4 X get 100kW DC charging for a 20-80% charge in less than 20 minutes.

Price and specification

Like many EV makers desperately trying to attract private retail buyers, Citroen has drastically cut the price of the E-C4 X, shaving thousands off compared to the previous generation.

Unlike the E-C4 hatchback, the X isn’t offered in entry-level £26,295 You! Spec. Instead, the range starts with the Plus grade at £28,715.

That means additional equipment including a reversing camera with Top Rear Vision, 3D satellite navigation and seven-inch driver’s digital display. That’s over and above the You!’s diamond-cut 18-inch alloys, 10-inch touchscreen with wireless phone mirroring, dual-zone climate control and rear parking sensors.

The Plus model still only gets the 50kWh battery. If you want the ‘extended range’ powertrain, you need to step up to the Max trim, priced at £31,505. That also adds exterior visual enhancements, heated front seats and steering wheel, faux leather upholstery, a head-up display, adaptive headlights, adaptive cruise control and front and side parking sensors.

Verdict

The recent price cuts certainly help the E-C4 X’s case by bringing it closer to some key rivals.

The MG4 still offers better range for a little less money, but the top-spec Citroen is roughly the same price as the entry-level Volkswagen ID.3 while offering better range.

In reality, the differences are fairly marginal and individual priorities will play a part in deciding if the Citroen is the right choice. Build quality, specification and badge appeal are somewhere between the MG and VW. But the Citroen offers far more luggage space, and ride comfort than no rival can match, which could be enough to swing things in its favour.