Citroen CXPERIENCE CONCEPT

With this two-box saloon measuring 4.85m in length, Citroën is expressing its ambitions in upmarket territory, deploying its "Be Different, Feel Good" promise in this segment. The exceptional new, international body style is a new step forward that marks a new offensive in brand strategy. With its unique, distinctive body lines, the CXPERIENCE concept car expresses a new take on the codes of executive saloons, a territory that is close to the brand and its history. It is an aerodynamic concept car whose design reflects the emphasis placed on every detail. The shape lines and graphics belong solely to Citroën and are thus easy to identify and remember.

Designed by Citroën Styling at the Design Centre in Vélizy, outside Paris, CXPERIENCE CONCEPT expresses the brand's new aesthetic codes. An innovative vehicle, it is inspired by the high-tech world on the outside, and by furnishings/travel on the inside. The CXPERIENCE concept car is immediately recognisable. With its two-box style and cleverly designed rear-hinged doors, it looks ready to leap forwards. The bold lines express power, while the generous curves and smooth volumes express the car's own stylistic language.

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.

At the front, the pure lines of this concept car are very much in evidence, with an original light signature expressing a new take on the layered headlights that are part of Citroën's identity. Other attributes of CXPERIENCE CONCEPT include a smooth front end and special grille. The chevrons accentuate the vehicle's width with the chrome-finish bar angling out to the headlights. The observer's eye is drawn in particular to the V-shaped DRLs, which give the car a high-tech look. They 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.

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. The indicators are positioned in the centre under a slim one-way panel, giving CXPERIENCE CONCEPT a unique, high-tech identity. The light system is fitted in a black technical block whose lines follows the cut-out of the boot, underlining the width of this large saloon. Like the brand's most recent vehicles, the chevrons at the rear of the concept car feature a black lacquer finish.

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 doors provide an excellent view of the spacious upmarket cabin. Comfort takes centre stage, issuing an invitation to travel.

Alongside 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. This presentation reinforces the immediate impression of space, lightness and amplitude. The yellow tones of the interior ambience enhance the original sense of visual continuity between each of the areas dedicated to the driver or passengers.

Considerable emphasis 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. On either side, broad chrome-finish sills underline the careful emphasis placed on interior colours and materials.

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. The key touch screen is split into parts, putting the emphasis on the driver as well as the passenger thanks to a reconfigurable "multi-fenestration" in 1/3 - 2/3 or 2/3 - 1/3 or in full screen mode, depending on the desired aboard experience. The infotainment options are presented in such a way as to enable easy browsing by all the occupants, who can find information on their journey, select their own music or watch their favourite film. To maintain a link between the vehicle and the outside world, CXPERIENCE CONCEPT features a range of connected services, enabling the driver to open the gate from a distance, for example, or receive home deliveries.

Two other control features - a smartphone and a mobile tablet - maintain digital continuity and activate a number of onboard functions. At the front, a central console houses a dedicated smartphone stand. Induction-rechargeable and connected to the screens, the smartphone starts the car and activates a range of control functions (comfort, photos, videos, etc.). At the rear, passengers have access to a mobile tablet. Presented in a refined case, the tablet lets the occupants adjust the seats and air conditioning at the same time as well as providing access to media sharing

To promote onboard discussion and exchange, the designers also placed considerable emphasis on onboard sound spatialisation. The Citroën Styling teams working on the "sonification" applied the same principle as for the Citroën AIRCROSS concept car, an SUV premiered at the Shanghai Motor Show last year. The openwork front and rear headrests feature two loudspeakers with integrated bass sound and microphones. These sound bubbles let everybody choose who they want to communicate with. Or simply sit and listen to their own audio programme. Each journey can set the scene for either lively discussion or individual relaxation. For easier discussions or to keep an eye on young children, integrated cameras make it possible to see each passenger or even to take part in a videoconference.

Citroën CXPERIENCE CONCEPT delivers 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 attractive, functional signature of this drivetrain can be seen on top of the bonnet in the form of two battery charge indicators extending the line of each DRL.