Citroën plans to relaunch a boxy-designed MPV to compete in the Sports Utility Vehicle category, the same category that wiped out people carriers at the beginning of this century.
Speaking during the launch of the six-seater Citroën ë-Loo concept car in Paris, the brand’s CEO stated: “The time has come to test an alternative to SUVs.
We believe that when a particular segment becomes dominant, as is the case with SUVs which account for over 50% of the market, it is time for new trends to emerge.”
He added that “Citroën will have to be bold, which is why it unveiled the six-seater ë-Loo concept with a central driving position similar to the McLaren F1 and a range of interior innovations like a folding roof panel, steering wheel-mounted infotainment controls resembling a game controller, and seats that can fold flat to become a bed.”
He continued: “We want to understand whether people are ready for this or not,” referring to the innovative concept car. Some in the field have speculated that the appeal of SUVs may fade because they are the cars that people’s parents drove, so young drivers with families will be looking for something different.
Citroën MPV 2.0
The Citroën MPV 2.0 is not a place or cultural site, but a concept for a modern multi-purpose vehicle by the French automotive manufacturer Citroën. It represents the brand’s contemporary design philosophy and focus on versatile family transportation, building upon Citroën’s long history of innovative vehicle design dating back to 1919.
Sports Utility Vehicle
A Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) is a category of motor vehicle that combines features of a passenger car with those of a light truck, such as raised ground clearance and often four-wheel drive. Originating from military and utilitarian vehicles like the Jeep in the 1940s, the modern SUV evolved into a popular family and lifestyle vehicle in the late 20th century, emphasizing spaciousness and a commanding driving position.
Citroën ë-Loo
The Citroën ë-Loo is a conceptual, self-driving electric vehicle designed by Citroën, first presented in 2018. It is envisioned as a mobile, autonomous lounge or “living room on wheels,” intended to showcase a future of comfortable and shared urban mobility rather than representing a historical cultural site.
Paris
Paris is the capital of France, historically founded as the Roman town of Lutetia in the 3rd century BC. It is globally renowned as a center for art, fashion, and culture, home to iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and Notre-Dame Cathedral.
McLaren F1
The McLaren F1 is a legendary British supercar produced from 1992 to 1998, renowned for its central driving position and use of lightweight materials like carbon fibre. It was designed as the ultimate road car and famously held the title of the world’s fastest production car for many years, with a top speed of 240 mph.
