Citroen will unveil its CXPERIENCE CONCEPT, a sleek new four-door car with a 200-kilowatt plug-in hybrid power unit, at October's Paris International Motor Show.
The two-box saloon, measuring 4.85m in length, merges Citroen's extensive design history with modern technologies to deliver a new take on the executive saloon, a territory that is close to the brand and its past.
With its distinctively unique body style, this new concept car has aerodynamics that overturn established codes while illustrating the benefits of the 'Citroën Advanced Comfort®' programme, its design emphasising every detail.
"The whole Style team pulled in the same direction to create a new executive saloon with international reach, breaking with conventional codes to express the brand's values: Optimistic, Human and Smart," said Alexandre Malval, Citroën Design Director.
Inspired by architecture and furnishings, the cabin of CXPERIENCE CONCEPT is a work of clean, contemporary lines. Featuring premium materials, it is clad in a citrus yellow shade synonymous with a fresh, optimistic mindset.
The single-spoke steering wheel gives a nod to the brand's history and the floating dashboard is a horizontal design with a three-dimensional appearance featuring a sculpted, tubular cut-out flowing in a single piece from the right rear door to the left rear door.
The drive experience leverages Citroen's know-how and history and is the latest demonstration of the 'Citroën Advanced Comfort ®' programme, designed for the well-being and comfort of vehicle occupants.
In line with the 'Advanced Comfort' programme, the cabin of the concept car is designed as a true 'cocoon', a second 'home' in a large executive saloon conveying an impression of immediate, intense ultra-comfort for both the driver and passengers as soon as they step inside.
Uniquely, the CXPERIENCE includes Citroen's personal 'sound bubbles' which allow each passenger to select their personal sound medium via a network of integrated microphones and speakers.
Outside, the CXPERIENCE CONCEPT stands apart with its V-shaped headlamps blending seamlessly into Citroen's trademark grille, rear-hinged 'autoclave' doors that rise to the top of the roof at a 90-degree perpendicular angle (in line with the wheels) and a concave rear window punctuated by V-shaped, laser fibre optic 3D rear lights that reference the frontal lighting signature.
Citroën's CXPERIENCE CONCEPT delivers outstanding dynamic performance and can be driven in all-electric mode in the city as a ZEV (Zero Emission Vehicle) with a 60 kilometre range. This is supplemented by a petrol engine developing between 110 and 150-kilowatts with an additional energy boost of up to 80kW provided by the electric motor.
On the open road, fuel consumption can be limited by using the two forms of energy together in successive acceleration phases and on the motorway the internal combustion engine takes over to deliver real performance at the wheels with total power output of up to 200kW (272bhp).
The architecture of Citroën CXPERIENCE CONCEPT is ingenious and unique. The 8-speed electronic automatic gearbox is placed transversely between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor and a compact battery is positioned under the cabin to deliver electric power to the rear axle motor, the design maintaining both passenger space and boot capacity.
"The Citroën CXPERIENCE CONCEPT car challenges convention to express a new vision of executive saloons. It also fits in perfectly with the ambitions of the 'Citroën Advanced Comfort® programme,' " said Citroen Chief Executive Officer, Linda Jackson.
"CXPERIENCE CONCEPT illustrates the brand's capacity to deploy its 'Be Different, Feel Good' promise in this segment," she added.
- BOLD, EXCEPTIONAL DESIGN
- A strong identity
With its unique and 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, making them easy to identify and remember.
Designed by Citroën Styling at the company's Velizy Design Centre near 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 and 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 and 2m wide) with a very low roofline (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 upmarket looks of the car further underlined by large 22-inch wheels and five-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 with chevrons that accentuate the vehicle's width with chrome-finished bars angling out to the headlights.
The observer's eye is drawn in particular to the V-shaped daytime running lights 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 - mobile flaps designed to open and close - are integrated with the front bumpers and positioned either side of the vehicle, contributing to aerodynamic performance on the road while also improving manoeuvrability.
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. 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 with lines following the cut-out of the boot to underline 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 is the rear-hinged 'autoclave' door design. The doors rise to the top of the roof and open to a 90-degree perpendicular angle (in line with the wheels), making for easy entry and exit and providing an excellent view of the spacious, upmarket cabin. Comfort takes centre stage, issuing an invitation to travel.
- An interior designed to showcase the flowing design lines
Inspired by architecture, decoration and furnishings, the cabin of CXPERIENCE CONCEPT is a work of clean, contemporary lines. Featuring premium materials, it is decorated in a citrus yellow shade synonymous with a fresh, optimistic mindset.
Alongside the single-spoke steering wheel - a nod to the brand's history - the horizontal floating dashboard design brings a three-dimensional appearance and features a single-piece sculpted tubular cut-out extending from the right rear door to the left rear door.
This presentation reinforces the immediate impression of space, lightness and amplitude, the yellow tones of the interior ambience enhancing the original sense of visual continuity between each of the areas dedicated to the driver and passengers.
Considerable emphasis has also been placed on seat design with the seats upholstered in a padded-effect yellow mesh fabric and the backrests featuring walnut wood in an elegantly light shade to match the dashboard.
Designed to resemble alcoves, the inner door panels are also made from high-quality materials with sea-green geometric fabric matching the body colour and contrasting with the interior ambience.
The flat foam floor has been made to measure and is covered in dark, textured leather with a deconstructed design. Broad, chrome-finish sills on either side underline the careful emphasis placed on interior colours and materials.
02. THE CITROËN ADVANCED COMFORT® PROGRAMME DEPLOYED ON AN EXECUTIVE VEHICLE
Comfort is a concept that has always been closely linked to Citroën and 'Citroën Comfort' has become a true brand signature. Today, this concept has become part of a broader approach with a range of criteria including brightness, space, ergonomics and connectivity. All these criteria contribute to well-being in body and mind and promote discussion and sharing on board the CXPERIENCE CONCEPT car.
- Contributing to well-being in body and mind
Through the Citroën Advanced Comfort® programme, which guided the design of CXPERIENCE CONCEPT, Citroën is reviewing its approach to comfort in the light of its modern vision and expertise.
Designed as a true "cocoon", CXPERIENCE CONCEPT filters out the outside world along with the bumps and dips of the road and employs a progressive hydraulic cushions advanced module. Came out many weeks ago, this exclusive Citroën technology significantly improves the filtration system regardless of the defects road ensuring an outstanding driving comfort. The result : a purely Citroën sovereign comfort.
Entirely focused on the well-being of the occupants, this large executive saloon conveys an impression of immediate, intense ultra comfort, for both the driver and passengers, when they step on board.
The interior was designed to promote well-being, as illustrated by the seats, the part of the car with which passengers are in closest contact. The generous, body-hugging seats of CXPERIENCE CONCEPT provide unique comfort and support. Made from flexible shape-memory foam, they invite the occupants to enjoy a new travelling experience.
In row 1, both the driver and passenger have wide, welcoming seats. The enveloping seats in row 2 reflect the same "living room" mindset. A physical sensation amplified by the alliance of warm, natural materials. To make every journey a friendly, relaxing experience, the front seats feature tapered backrests and openwork headrests to provide greater visibility for passengers in the rear.
Adding a final touch to this peaceful ambience, CXPERIENCE CONCEPT features generous interior space and ingenious storage compartments to make life easier.
The dashboard creates an impression of space with its transverse graphics and the centre console, with its flowing design lines, includes a functional storage compartment at the front and a second compartment for smartphone induction charging. Other storage compartments positioned conveniently around the cabin also contribute to the comfort of the occupants and their day-to-day wellbeing.
The emphasis placed on light, another part of the 'Citroën Advanced Comfort®' programme, also contributes to the sense of onboard wellbeing. Each occupant enjoys an area bathed in light with a wide lateral glazed area around the cabin and the two 'cielos' running the full length of the roof.
The ambient lighting and air purifier also contribute to making the cabin a 'feel good' area, a haven of wellbeing where the occupants can relax and decompress.
Finally, to ensure peace of mind for the driver and to reduce the cognitive load, useful driving information is projected into the driver's field of vision on a wide 'head-up' display panel.
- Promoting sharing and discussion
In tune with its times and in phase with the 'Citroën Advanced Comfort ®' programme, the Citroën CXPERIENCE CONCEPT car is welcoming, comfortable and hyperconnected. CXPERIENCE CONCEPT is a car apart, with an intuitive human-machine interface designed to provide continuity between digital worlds for the driver and passengers.
Intelligent technologies promote interaction and contribute to smoother use of the vehicle and its equipment. Available to everybody and present at both front and rear, these technologies underline the brand's efforts to place particular emphasis on passengers, who play a full role in each journey.
Dramatically integrated in the middle of the dashboard is a 19-inch rectangular display screen with a 16/3 format. It is the key onboard feature and functions as the vehicle's control centre, clearing superfluous controls from the dashboard and reinforcing the impression of width and space.
Easy to use because of its size, the screen groups all the onboard functions such as air-conditioning, driving aids, navigation and media sources.
The key touchscreen is split into parts, putting the emphasis on the driver as well as the passengers thanks to its configurable 'multi-fenestration' in 1/3 – 2/3 or 2/3 – 1/3 or in full-screen mode, depending on the desired onboard experience.
The infotainment options 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 and videos).
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 through the new 'Share with U' app as part of a fun and intuitive approach.
With this new service they can share media files (games, music and videos) with their travelling companions and use them onboard! Don't miss the opportunity to test this new feature at the Paris Motor Show!
Citroën CXPERIENCE CONCEPT opts for high-tech rear vision with cameras, the conventional exterior door mirrors replaced by two discreet side cameras sending pictures to small digital screens. Featuring chrome surrounds, these small screens are positioned along the inner door panels and have the same trim features as the audio speakers and air vents.
The driver has a 360-degree view of the vehicle's immediate environment, making driving and manoeuvring easier. A hyper-connected car in tune with the times, CEXPERIENCE CONCEPT also features the ConnectedCAM™ Citroën premiered as a world-first on the new Citroën C3.
Located just behind the interior rear-view mirror, this wide-angle, high definition, connected camera records whatever the driver sees on the road. A witness to the driving experience, it captures life's moments in pictures and on video to keep or share on social networks.
To promote onboard discussion and exchange, the designers also placed considerable emphasis on sound spatialisation. The Citroën Styling teams working on the 'sonification' applied the same principle used for the Citroën AIRCROSS concept car, an SUV which premiered at last year's Shanghai Motor Show. The open-work 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 lets them sit and listen to their own audio programme, each journey setting 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 take part in a video conference.
03. A PLUG-IN HYBRID PETROL SOLUTION FOR A LIMITLESS DRIVING PLEASURE
The emphasis on intelligent technology can also be seen in the choice of a plug-in hybrid solution for a relaxed drive. A true invitation to travel, Citroën CXPERIENCE CONCEPT features a plug-in hybrid drivetrain allying efficiency with performance.
Based on the expertise of the PSA Group, this plug-in petrol-electric hybrid technology allies power and versatility.
Citroën CXPERIENCE CONCEPT delivers outstanding dynamic performance with a petrol engine developing between 110 and 150kW (150 and 200bhp) with up to 80 kW (109bhp) of additional energy provided by the electric motor.
CXPERIENCE CONCEPT can be driven in all-electric mode in the city as a Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) where it has a range of 60km. On the open road, fuel consumption can be limited by using the two forms of energy together in successive acceleration phases and on the motorway the internal combustion engine takes over to deliver real performance at the wheel, with total power of up to 220kW (300bhp).
The Citroën CXPERIENCE CONCEPT has a 3kWh battery that can be charged in just a few hours, from 4.5 hours with a standard charging system to less than 2.5 hours with an ultra-simple charging solution based on a 6.6kW charger designed for connection to a 32Ah 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.
The architecture of Citroën CXPERIENCE CONCEPT is ingenious and unique. The 8-speed electronic automatic gearbox is placed transversely between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor and a compact battery is positioned under the cabin to deliver electric power to the rear axle motor, the design maintaining both passenger space and boot capacity.
This plug-in hybrid's new solution invites users to enjoy a new driving experience whereby they can travel from city centres to the most isolated areas without restriction, receiving exceptional dynamic performances thanks to the electric motor's additional energy while also respecting the environment.
Reflecting the brand's ability to plan for the future and deploy its positioning and values in very different territories, two 'Citroën Advanced Comfort®' showcases will be present on the stand at the Paris Motor Show:
- the C3, the new brand offensive in the B-segment
- the CXPERIENCE CONCEPT car, expressing Citroën's approach to comfort and executive vehicles.
TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS:
Length: 4.85m
Width: 2m
Height: 1.37m
Wheelbase: 3m
PERFORMANCE:
Electric range: 60 km
Power (EEC): between 180 and 220kW
FILMS AND PHOTOS AVAILABLE FROM
http://www.citroencommunication-echange.com/
Login: CXPERIENCECONCEPT
Password: CP162908
Youtube: https://youtu.be/TliaJjxSgO0