The Citroen C5X might have a fastback crossover stance but it still retains a few styling references to older flagships of the French brand. A Chinese YouTube channel called “Bai Ning’s car time” wanted to accentuate the feeling of nostalgia, with a retro-themed exterior and interior makeover for the C5X inspired by its iconic CX predecessor.
The first thing that needed to change in the C5X – which is sold under the Dongfeng Citroën Versailles C5 X name in China – is the relatively high ground clearance. While the signature hydraulic suspension of Citroen is not available anymore, an aftermarket air suspension module was retrofitted to the crossover, allowing it to go up and down on demand, by approximately 100 mm (3.9 inches).
Read: Watch The Citroen C5 X’s Advanced Comfort Active Suspension In Action
The next step for Bai Ning was the exterior trim. The unpainted plastic cladding on the wheel arches has been replaced by body-colored pieces, while the lower body components on the bumpers and side sills got a chrome-style finish. The same treatment was applied to the mirror caps and the door handles, matching the upper window trim, and mirroring the original CX.
The most striking modification is likely the new set of shiny disc alloy wheels and the signature rear wheel covers. The latter styling treat was introduced by the iconic DS (1955-1975) and was applied in several Citroen models including the CX (1974-1991) and the smaller GS (1970-1986). In the modern C5X, they do look a bit weird when combined with the non-round shape of the rear fenders, but in order to avoid that, more bespoke body panels would be required, vastly increasing the cost of the upgrade.
Moving inside, the entire cabin of the C5X has been reupholstered, shedding the black-themed trim of the stock model. The YouTuber chose Beige leather upholstery for the seats and the door cards, brown trim for the dashboard, and the matching Alcantara accents on the doors, plus orange suede for the roof and pillars. The light-colored materials are reminiscent of luxury cars from the ’70s and the ’80s, and make the C5X feel more premium and special.
The unique retro-futuristic Citroen C5X was presented in two videos on YouTube, highlighting its exterior and interior upgrades, next to a classic CX. From what we understand, this is a one-off project and the team doesn’t intend on offering a similar kit for sale. Would you prefer it if Citroen took a more nostalgic approach in its modern design, or are you a fan of the brand’s current design language? Mind you, starting this year, Citroen’s new emblem will debut in a production model and gradually find its way into the entire range, replacing the current double chevron.
