Citroen C5 Aircross Vs BMW X1: Which 5-Seater Premium SUV Is A More Suitable Buy?

Should you buy BMW X1 or Citroen C5 Aircross? Find out which car is best for you by comparing the special features.

If you have moved up in life then a premium SUV is the most popular way to showcase that. Demand for luxury SUVs has increased and there are many who want to move on to a premium compact/midsize SUV. The requirements are clear in form of a small enough size to be useful in the city but being big enough for road trips. Of course, these SUVs need to be chauffeur-driven if necessary and have a premium interior, needless to say. Hence, the Rs 30-40 lakh SUV space is an interesting one with the new Citroen C5 Aircross and the BMW X1 coming across as one of the best options in that price bracket. These two SUVs might just be the first luxury car purchase for their buyers hence need to make an impression from the word go.

The C5 certainly does that with its unique design. You cannot expect anything less from Citroen with its typical French flair. The way the grille is designed along with the funky detailing is all eye-catching and looks different from anything else. It is also quite big- more than what the images suggest. The X1 on the other hand is BMW at its sharpest best with this distinctive burnt orange shade making it an aggressive-looking car. The X1 has been around for a while but the facelift makes it classically good-looking in a subtle way.

The interiors have to be well built and feel premium- something which both does very well. The BMW is more traditional in its layout with having a driver-focused cabin along with you sitting low.

The C5 has a more SUV-like driving position while the interior again is different with unique shapes and nice detailing. There is an edgy and a square-like shape given to everything including the vents and the steering wheel. Even the digital dials are refreshingly different. The BMW on the other hand gets classic dials and an upright dash with its dual-tone look.

At this price, you expect everything and more which is provided here but the quality of the materials used inside and the fit/finish is where your money goes. Both SUVs featured here are in their top-spec trims and come with all the amount of tech/amenities expected so no complaints here. Both are 5-seaters but the C5 has an innovative individual three-seater layout along with softer seats. The X1 has a more conventional seating layout but gets good legroom/headroom too.

Diesel is still popular at this end of the SUV space hence both get diesel engines while the Citroen is actually only available with one with the BMW also offering petrol. We have here the range topping 2.0l diesel in the X1 making 190hp/400Nm while the 2.0l diesel in the C5 makes 117hp/400Nm. Both also get an 8-speed automatic as standard.
The BMW thinks it is a sports car given how sharp and responsive this engine is along with the way it feels behind the wheel. It is seriously quick and the trademark quick-shifting gearbox likes aggressive driving but also calms down when driven sedately. The new X1 post the facelift is quieter and rides better but it is for the driving enthusiast as any BMW should be. The Citroen is all about comfort and a relaxed driving experience. It is quick no doubt but the gearbox/engine has been tuned to be a relaxed cruiser. This will suit those who want a more comfortable SUV with a focus on ride quality. The C5 does ride very well and rounds off the nasty road sections easily.

Prices start at Rs 30 lakh for the C5 Aircross and go onto Rs 32.3 lakh for the op-end version. The BMW X1 meanwhile starts at Rs 38.9 lakh while the model tested here is the top-spec Rs 43 lakh one. As if the colour does not tell you in the first place, the X1 is for those who love driving, being the sportier one. Plus like any BMW it is well built while the appeal of the badge is also what drives buyers to it. The Citroen C5 is something completely different with nothing else in the market being quite like this. The styling, interior or the way it drives- it is a comfortable SUV that also stands out amongst the crowd. In the end, these are two rather desirable SUVs aimed at different needs and wants but are unique in their own way. When buying a luxury 5-seater SUV, this is what counts in the end!

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