@ Citroën / Stellantis Media
@ DS Automobiles / Stellantis Media
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Citroen C5 Aircross vs DS Automobiles DS 7 – Which car suits you better?

Both models have their strengths – but which one suits you more?
Compare performance, efficiency, price and space directly: Citroen C5 Aircross or DS Automobiles DS 7?

C5 Aircross @ Citroën / Stellantis Media

Citroen C5 Aircross vs DS 7: A Comparative Look at Stylish SUVs

The automotive market is flourishing with diversity, offering a wealth of choices for SUV enthusiasts. Two contenders in this realm, the Citroen C5 Aircross and DS Automobiles DS 7, stand out for their unique blend of style, innovation, and performance. This article navigates the technical intricacies and distinguishing features of these remarkable vehicles, presenting a comprehensive comparison to aid in your decision-making process.

DS 7 @ DS Automobiles / Stellantis Media

Dynamic Performance and Engine Options

The Citroen C5 Aircross, coming in the 2025 model year, offers drivers a choice between a sophisticated Petrol Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) engine and a pure electric variant. The petrol MHEV boasts 145 HP, delivering a balanced performance with a consumption rate of 5.4 L/100km. The electric version, with its 210 HP and impressive 520 km range, assures eco-conscious drivers can enjoy zero-emission driving.

Meanwhile, the DS 7 provides a broad spectrum of powertrains. Its 2024 and 2025 models feature both diesel and plugin hybrid options, ranging from a modest 130 HP diesel engine to a robust 360 HP plugin hybrid. The hybrid versions of DS 7 not only promise power but also ensure efficiency with fuel consumption figures as low as 1.3 L/100km and an electric-only range up to 65 km.

C5 Aircross @ Citroën / Stellantis Media

Advanced Transmission and Drivability

Both vehicles utilize advanced automatic transmissions, ensuring smooth and adaptable driving experiences. The Citroen C5 Aircross offers a dual-clutch automatic for its petrol MHEV, and a reduction gearbox in the electric model, maintaining seamless performance. With front-wheel drive across all its variants, it provides stable and secure traction.

In contrast, the DS 7 provides versatility with front-wheel drive as standard and an all-wheel-drive option for added control and confidence on varied terrains. This flexibility is a definitive edge for buyers seeking a more robust driving experience.

DS 7 @ DS Automobiles / Stellantis Media

Interior Comfort and Versatility

Both SUVs cater well to family and luxury-seeking individuals alike. The Citroen C5 Aircross offers a spacious cabin with seating for five and a voluminous trunk capacity of 565 liters, ideal for both daily commuting and grand excursions.

The DS 7 matches its competitor with an equally accommodating interior, including seating for five and a trunk capacity of 555 liters. This aligns it closely with those prioritizing comfort and functionality.

C5 Aircross @ Citroën / Stellantis Media

Size and Design

The Citroen C5 Aircross measures 4650 mm in length, 1870 mm in width, and 1695 mm in height, projecting a robust on-road presence. In comparison, the DS 7 is slightly more compact, with dimensions of 4593 mm in length, 1891 mm in width, and 1625 mm in height, making it a poised yet agile traveling companion.

DS 7 @ DS Automobiles / Stellantis Media

Innovations and Environmental Impact

In terms of innovations, both cars reflect their brand's commitment to reducing environmental footprints. The electric variant of the Citroen C5 Aircross is rated with a CO2 efficiency class A and zero emissions, marking significant progress towards sustainable mobility. The DS 7, with its plugin hybrid options, also boasts commendable efficiency with low CO2 output and excellent environmental ratings.

C5 Aircross @ Citroën / Stellantis Media

Conclusion: Which SUV Fits Your Lifestyle?

Choosing between the Citroen C5 Aircross and the DS 7 ultimately hinges on personal preferences and lifestyle needs. The Citroen C5 Aircross advocates for those leaning towards futuristic electric driving with commendable range and efficiency. Meanwhile, the DS 7 offers more versatility with its diverse powertrain options and a slight edge in drivability, particularly for those looking to harness hybrid power in an elegant design.

Whether it's the thrill of hybrid technology or the promise of electrification, both the Citroen C5 Aircross and DS 7 deliver with their unique flair. These vehicles epitomize modern engineering and design prowess, promising enduring appeal on the ever-evolving automotive landscape.

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

DS 7 @ DS Automobiles / Stellantis Media

Costs and Efficiency:

When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.

Citroen C5 Aircross has a significantly advantage in terms of price – it starts at 29100 £, while the DS Automobiles DS 7 costs 41900 £. That’s a price difference of around 12746 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: DS Automobiles DS 7 manages with 1.30 L and is therefore convincingly more efficient than the Citroen C5 Aircross with 2.50 L. The difference is about 1.20 L per 100 km.

As for range, the Citroen C5 Aircross performs decisively better – achieving up to 520 km, about 455 km more than the DS Automobiles DS 7.

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the DS Automobiles DS 7 has a clearly edge – offering 360 HP compared to 210 HP. That’s roughly 150 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the DS Automobiles DS 7 is clearly quicker – completing the sprint in 5.70 s, while the Citroen C5 Aircross takes 8.30 s. That’s about 2.60 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the DS Automobiles DS 7 performs hardly perceptible better – reaching 235 km/h, while the Citroen C5 Aircross tops out at 220 km/h. The difference is around 15 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: DS Automobiles DS 7 pulls convincingly stronger with 520 Nm compared to 300 Nm. That’s about 220 Nm difference.

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In curb weight, Citroen C5 Aircross is hardly perceptible lighter – 1629 kg compared to 1651 kg. The difference is around 22 kg.

In terms of boot space, the Citroen C5 Aircross offers slight more room – 565 L compared to 555 L. That’s a difference of about 10 L.

In maximum load capacity, the DS Automobiles DS 7 performs barely noticeable better – up to 1750 L, which is about 82 L more than the Citroen C5 Aircross.

When it comes to payload, Citroen C5 Aircross slight takes the win – 471 kg compared to 424 kg. That’s a difference of about 47 kg.

Who wins the race?

The DS Automobiles DS 7 proves to be leads convincingly overall and therefore becomes our DriveDuel Champion!
DS Automobiles DS 7 is the better all-rounder in this comparison.

from about £41,900
DS 7 @ DS Automobiles / Stellantis Media

DS Automobiles DS 7

  • Engine Type : Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 130 - 360 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 1.3 - 5.5 L
  • Electric Range : 50 - 65 km

Citroen C5 Aircross

The Citroën C5 Aircross feels like a sofa on wheels, delivering a calm, floaty ride and clever packaging that makes life with luggage and kids noticeably easier. Quirky French styling and a supremely practical, family-focused cabin mean it quietly wins hearts by prioritising comfort over showroom bravado.

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DS Automobiles DS 7

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The DS 7 wraps Parisian elegance into SUV practicality, with sculpted surfaces, a jewel-like grille and an interior that feels more boutique lounge than family transporter. It appeals to buyers who want style and comfort without shouting, delivering a refined ride and clever tech that make daily driving feel a little more special — and yes, it’ll turn heads in the school run.

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Citroen C5 Aircross
DS Automobiles DS 7
C5 Aircross @ Citroën / Stellantis Media
DS 7 @ DS Automobiles / Stellantis Media

Costs and Consumption

Price
29100 - 41600 £
Price
41900 - 59300 £
Consumption L/100km
2.5 - 5.4 L
Consumption L/100km
1.3 - 5.5 L
Consumption kWh/100km
17 kWh
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
81 - 520 km
Electric Range
50 - 65 km
Battery Capacity
17.8 - 73 kWh
Battery Capacity
12.90 kWh
co2
0 - 121 g/km
co2
30 - 145 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
55 L
Fuel tank capacity
43 - 55 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1629 - 2184 kg
Curb weight
1651 - 2002 kg
Trunk capacity
565 L
Trunk capacity
555 L
Length
4650 mm
Length
4593 mm
Width
1870 mm
Width
1891 mm
Height
1695 mm
Height
1625 mm
Max trunk capacity
1668 L
Max trunk capacity
1750 L
Payload
446 - 471 kg
Payload
398 - 424 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Electric, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
145 - 210 HP
Power HP
130 - 360 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8.3 - 11.2 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.7 - 11.9 s
Max Speed
170 - 220 km/h
Max Speed
195 - 235 km/h
Torque
230 - 300 Nm
Torque
300 - 520 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
107 - 157 kW
Power kW
96 - 265 kW
Engine capacity
1199 - 1598 cm3
Engine capacity
1499 - 1598 cm3

General

Model Year
2025
Model Year
2024 - 2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, A, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, B
Brand
Citroen
Brand
DS Automobiles
What drive types are available for the Citroen C5 Aircross?

The Citroen C5 Aircross is available as Front-Wheel Drive.

The prices and data displayed are estimates based on German list prices and may vary by country. This information is not legally binding.