the citroën c5 x bids farewell in the united kingdom: is this the twilight for the french sedan?

In an automotive world where SUVs dominate every quarter of sales, where consumers grapple with whether to invest in a vehicle as heavy and aerodynamic as an elephant on a skateboard, it seems that the poor Citroën C5 X has decided to quietly bow out, much like an old musette singer disappearing after a final hit. The French sedan, still very much alive in the nostalgic minds of aficionados, has taken a phenomenal hit in the British market, a true cry of distress that only awakens memories of a bygone era. When was the last time you saw a Talisman or a Renault Laguna on the street? Strangely, it’s a collapse that comes as little surprise when one knows that these majestic family cars have spent more time being ignored than rolling on the asphalt.

The inevitable decline of the family sedan

In the United Kingdom, the C5 X will find itself on the famous sidewalks of obsolescence at a speed that would make a racing coupe envious. With only 4,296 sales in 2024, the Citroën sedan has shown that it can't even convince the crowds enough to be named car of the year. A disheartening figure, especially when compared to the 8,863 units sold by the Peugeot 508. It is clear that the atmosphere in Sochaux is closer to a séance than a victory celebration.

A market that is crumbling

The situation has deteriorated so quickly that even Thierry Koskas, the big boss of the brand, admitted that it would be "insane" to continue this venture. Times are tough, and even a facelift – the usual marketing magic trick – seems to be a luxury that Citroën can no longer afford for this model. Renewing a car that isn't selling? What a ridiculous idea! They don’t need a brand-new retro logo to face an already well-underway collapse.

A twilight for large French sedans?

A part of the French automotive industry seems to be resting on its laurels, believing in a miraculous resurrection of family sedans. Renault has given up all hope with its Talisman, while Peugeot struggles to keep its head above water with a 508 that is burning sins bought by modernity. As for DS Automobiles and other gems of the landscape, they are focusing on electric gadgets while hoping that a technology miracle will revitalize these bodies. But for now, history seems to be shaping up more as a bad comedy than an archaeology of excellence.

This space left for the future

Here, the scarecrow that dances around us is drunk on the need to defend the great lines of the sedan. Luxurious? Maybe. Practical? Yes, but who still wants to burden themselves with tons of metal? The trend is shifting towards compact models that are psychologically more suited to our time. Who knows, maybe companies like Volkswagen, BMW, or Ford will have more success upending everything with their electric models? A better alternative, at least maintained, compared to a leather-clad unicycle.

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