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History Citroën DS5

If you want to know all about the Citroën DS5, it starts with this concept: the Citroën C-SportLounge. This concept car presented to the world press in 2005 at the Frankfurt Motor Show. An eccentrically designed crossover that combines elements of an exclusive sedan, a practical station wagon and a spacious MPV.

The car stands out for its sleek body and low drag, modern cockpit and luxurious interior. With its distinctive proportions, the DS5 appears larger than it is: at 4.53 meters in length, it falls exactly between the C4 and the C5. Remarkable for this family car: in the back of this car there was room for not three, but only two occupants.

Pastors

The sensational DS5 was a completely different car from its predecessor: the Citroën C5, produced from 2007 to 2019, was in every way a much more traditional car. In the showroom, you could choose between a sedan or station wagon. The DS5 offers a combination of the two, but in a much more distinctive appearance.

Third DS model

After the DS3 (in 2010) and the DS4 (2010), the Citroën DS5 was the third car launched as DS, at the time still a premium component within the Citroën brand.

The facelift of the DS5 in 2015 was used as an opportunity to market DS as an independent luxury brand from now on. In the process, by the way, DS continued to use platforms, technology and dealer organizations from the PSA group unabated.

Interior Citroën DS5

Inside the Citroën DS5, you can see that the designers have been allowed to indulge. As a driver, you look out over a three-part analog and digital instrument cluster. There are shark tooth-shaped switches in the center console, controls in the ceiling and a sporty flattened steering wheel. Luggage space, at 532 liters, is not excessive for a car of this size.

For those for whom the DS5’s interior was not spacious enough, there was also a version with a sunroof. One of these was built especially for French President François Hollande.

engines

Dutch buyers could have their Citroën DS5 fitted with a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with outputs ranging from 156 to 200 hp. However, these THP engines from the PSA group are not known as robust and trouble-free power sources.

For mile-eaters, there are 1.6-liter turbo diesels (110-120 hp). This most fuel-efficient diesel initially came only with a semi-automatic transmission. Later, this engine was also available in combination with a six-speed manual transmission. Prettier was a 2.0-liter turbodiesel with 150, 163 or 180 hp, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

Tax advantages paved the way for a diesel hybrid, the Hybrid4. With a 37 hp electric motor on the rear axle, you then not only have all-wheel drive, but also a system output of 200 hp and 500 Nm of pulling power.

Versions Citroën DS5

No Citroën DS5 will give you the impression that you are dealing with a bare-bones version. For those who want to know all about the Citroën DS5’s equipment levels, it starts with the Chic. That one has automatic air conditioning, cruise control, LED daytime running lights and tinted windows. Things get more interesting from the So Chic, with half-leather upholstery, keyless entry, panoramic roof and rear parking sensors.

The top model is called Sport Chic and also has power front seats with massage function, navigation with reversing camera, a head-up display and xenon lights. Important detail: optional 18-inch or 19-inch rims look nice under a DS5, but detract from French suspension comfort.

Competitors

The Citroën DS5 is an original and quirky alternative to an average station wagon or compact SUV. A Lancia Delta may offer slightly less space, but similar eccentricities. A Volkswagen CC – the four-door Passat coupe – could be considered, but is it eccentric enough?

A Citroën C5 is also a credible alternative. As a sleek sedan with graceful lines or as a spacious station wagon with plenty of convenience. Also fine: the same French engineering and fine comfort, but optionally available with unctuous V6 engine and the famous hydropneumatic suspension system.

Points of interest Citroën DS5

If you want to know everything about the Citroën DS5, we can’t ignore a few points of interest either:

• THP engines are known for oil consumption, rattling timing chains, faulty ignition coils and turbo wear.
• With diesels, watch out for excessive turbo wear and soot filter problems. Therefore, check the maintenance history carefully.
• For a used Hybrid4, check the capacity of the battery pack.

Successor

Of course, you could say that the Citroën DS5 had a successor after DS corporatized with its “5. Yet the real successor may be the Citroën C5 X. This car combines the features of a large sedan, a station wagon and a crossover.