Citroën launches the Aircross X in India — and it’s not just a badge job
Citroën India has officially pulled the curtain off its latest weapon in the SUV battlefield: the Aircross X, priced from ₹8.29 lakh (ex-showroom). This isn’t just a sticker update — it’s a part of the brand’s bigger “X-Series” strategy, where models get design and tech upgrades to stand out in India’s brutally competitive SUV market.
What’s new — style, features, and tech
On the outside, the Aircross X doesn’t scream for attention. Apart from a fresh Deep Forest Green shade, an optional dual-tone roof, and new “X” badging at the rear, the silhouette stays familiar. But step inside, and you’ll notice where Citroën has really put in the work.
The cabin now gets ventilated leatherette seats, soft-touch panels on the dashboard and doors, gold accent trims, and ambient plus footwell lighting that makes night drives feel a notch more premium. A larger 10.25-inch bezel-less infotainment display pairs with a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, while Citroën’s new voice assistant — CARA — is the highlight.
CARA understands 52 languages, can switch mid-conversation, and does more than just play music: it handles navigation, calls, SOS alerts, crash notifications, and even vehicle functions. It’s essentially Citroën’s answer to Alexa-on-wheels, fine-tuned for Indian buyers.
Other additions include passive entry and push start, cruise control, a 360-degree camera with satellite view, and LED projector fog lamps. And while the Aircross X doesn’t change mechanically, it continues to offer both 5- and 7-seat layouts, making it flexible for different family setups. Boot space is quoted at a roomy 511 litres in the 5-seater.
Safety also gets bragging rights. The Aircross recently scored a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating for adult safety and 4 stars for child safety, and the X inherits the same crash-tested structure. For a family SUV, that’s a big tick mark.
Under the hood
Engine options remain the same as before. The entry-level variant packs a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine (around 82 bhp) with a 5-speed manual gearbox, available only in the 5-seater. Move up the ladder, and you get a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol pushing about 110 bhp, paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic. For those looking at running costs, a dealer-fitted CNG kit is also on offer in select trims.
Pricing and positioning
The Aircross X starts at ₹8.29 lakh for the base “YOU” variant and stretches to about ₹13.49 lakh for the top-end automatic “MAX” trim. Mid-spec “PLUS” variants sit in between, with both manual and automatic options.
Citroën has also kept optional extras like a dual-tone roof or the 360-degree camera pack as add-ons, so buyers can tweak the SUV to their preference without being forced into a top variant.
By keeping the entry price aggressive while loading higher trims with premium kit, Citroën is clearly aiming to undercut rivals like the Creta, Grand Vitara, and Seltos on paper while offering “big SUV features” at compact SUV prices.
What works — and what doesn’t
The wins:
· The feature list finally feels up-to-date for Indian buyers who are spoilt for choice. Ventilated seats, ambient lighting, digital displays, and a multilingual assistant make the Aircross X look sharp against competitors.
· The 5-star Bharat NCAP rating is a rare flex in this segment and could be a dealmaker for family-oriented buyers.
· Flexible seating (5- and 7-seat) and practical boot space make it versatile for households.
The concerns:
· Externally, the SUV doesn’t look very different from the standard Aircross. For buyers who equate “new” with a bold exterior refresh, this may feel underwhelming.
· Citroën still has to battle its limited dealership and service network in India. The features may bring people to showrooms, but aftersales experience will decide if they stay.
· The “X” branding risks being seen as just another trim badge if the difference doesn’t feel substantial enough in daily use.
Verdict
The Aircross X is Citroën’s attempt to nudge buyers into paying a little extra for features that actually matter — safety, comfort, and connected tech. The brand has smartly kept the base price competitive while offering premium features in higher trims to make it aspirational.
But here’s the truth: success won’t depend on spec sheets alone. It will hinge on how reliably this tech performs, how well Citroën expands its service reach, and whether Indian buyers see enough “X factor” to justify choosing it over the tried-and-tested names in the segment.
For now, though, the Aircross X is Citroën’s strongest shot yet at cracking India’s SUV code.