The wraps have come off the Citroen DS5 at Auto Shanghai 2011 to reveal a unique French beauty styled to leave its conservative German competitors in its wake.
It’s not all style and no substance with the DS5, however. Among the powertrain options will be a HYbrid4 diesel hybrid system (shared with the upcoming Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4), which will be a first for Citroen.
As in the Peugeot, the HYbrid4 system will produce 147kW of combined power – with the diesel engine powering the front wheels and an electric motor spinning the rears – and promises to emit just 99g/km CO2 in combined cycle driving conditions.
The DS5 follows the design direction of the smaller DS3 and DS4, although it is undoubtedly the most muscular and athletic of the family thanks to its assertive front end, highly stylised profile lines and chunky taillights and tailpipes.
The interior takes cabin design to a whole new level. Asymmetry and flowing bespoke lines dominate, and almost every surface and interior element appears to be finished in a different luxurious material.
In terms of functionality, the DS5 will be driver focused and incorporate a head-up display and controls mounted above the driver’s head, similar to an aircraft.
At 4520mm long and 1850mm wide, the DS5 is 300mm shorter than the standard Citroen C5 Estate but just as wide, making it significantly more compact and hatch-like.
Despite this, the boot is just 40 litres smaller than the C5 wagon, measuring in at 465 litres with the rear seats upright.
Citroen is yet to announce a launch date for the DS5, although with the Chinese show car revealed in production form, it is understood the vehicle will go on sale globally in the second quarter of 2012.
