Citroen e-C4

Citroen e-C4 Overview

The Citroen e-C4 positions itself as a mainstream electric hatchback, blending French comfort with practical EV specs for urban commuters and families seeking an affordable alternative to premium rivals. Priced from around £26,150 OTR for the standard range model, this Citroen electric hatchback targets budget-conscious buyers in the compact EV segment, offering Citroën Advanced Comfort® suspension and seats that prioritize serene driving over sporty thrills. Its fastback-inspired design philosophy emphasizes refined styling, a spacious 380L boot (expandable to 1,250L), and modern tech like a 10-inch touchscreen with connected navigation.

What sets the e-C4 review apart in the EV landscape is its dual-battery lineup on the CMP platform: a 50 kWh option for city runs and a 54 kWh pack for longer journeys, delivering up to 420 km WLTP range. Key distinguishing features include progressive hydraulic suspension for plush ride quality, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and safety aids like Active Safety Brake. In a market dominated by Tesla and Hyundai, the Citroen e-C4 matters for delivering European comfort at accessible prices, making electric vehicle range and efficiency approachable without compromising on everyday usability.

Citroen e-C4 Performance and Driving Experience

The Citroen e-C4 delivers smooth, effortless power with its front-wheel-drive electric motor, excelling in relaxed cruising rather than track-day heroics. The standard range version offers 136 hp (100 kW) with a 0-62 mph time of 10 seconds, while the extended range upgrades to 156 hp (115 kW) and 192 lb-ft torque for a brisker 9.2-second sprint. Real-world driving impressions highlight its softly sprung setup, which glides over rough roads and speed bumps better than stiffer rivals, providing a wafting motorway gait ideal for daily commutes.

Handling remains composed for a comfort-focused EV, with electronic power steering and a 10.9m turning circle suiting city parking. No AWD option exists—it’s pure RWD-free FWD efficiency—but the instant torque ensures peppy urban acceleration without drama.

Citroen e-C4 Range and Battery Specifications

Official Citroen e-C4 WLTP range reaches 257 miles (420 km) on the 54 kWh battery or 219 miles (357 km) with the 50 kWh pack, though real-world range typically hits 200-230 miles depending on conditions. Battery technology uses lithium-ion chemistry with 50.8 kWh usable in the larger unit, paired with efficient energy consumption around 160-180 Wh/mi. Cold weather or aggressive driving can drop range by 20-30%, but highway efficiency shines thanks to aerodynamic design and regenerative braking.

Factors like terrain and load influence output, with urban cycles yielding the best results. The e-C4 battery specs make it versatile for mixed use, balancing cost and capability in the compact EV class.

Citroen e-C4 Charging Times and Options

Home charging for the Citroen e-C4 is straightforward with a Mode 3 Type 2 cable: Level 1 (120V) takes overnight for a full top-up, while Level 2 at 7.4 kW or 11 kW completes 20-80% in 4h40 or 3h10. DC fast charging peaks at 100 kW, achieving 20-80% in just 27 minutes on compatible networks like Ionity or public rapid chargers, making road trips feasible.

Practical scenarios favor wallbox installs for daily use, with compatibility across major EU/UK networks. The included cable supports accelerated public charging, minimizing downtime for busy owners.

Citroen e-C4 vs Competitors

In the Citroen e-C4 vs competitors arena, it undercuts the Hyundai Ioniq 5 on price while matching similar real-world range (200+ miles) but trades angular styling for superior comfort via Advanced Comfort® suspension. Against the Tesla Model 3, the e-C4 offers a plusher ride and lower entry cost (£26k vs £40k+), though it lags in acceleration and supercharger access. The Kia EV6 edges it in power and tech, but the e-C4 shines in value-packed family practicality over sporty dynamics.