If the DS5's exterior was futuristic, the interior was designed to transport occupants into the cockpit of a
modern jet. The driving position was described as driver-focused, blending the seating of a coupe with the
layout of a Gran Turismo. The steering wheel is nearly vertical, with a broad center, and the center console
is elevated, positioning the gear lever naturally for the driver.
The most symbolic element of the cabin is the "cockpit" roof. It features three independent light inlets and
two center consoles: a low one between the seats, and another mounted on the roof, right above the driver's
head, just like in an aircraft. These consoles house toggle switches, rotary selectors, and controls for the
audio and navigation systems, all designed to be operated intuitively.
Internal refinement was elevated through the use of authentic materials. Citroën used real aluminum in
details like the door handles and around the air vents. The seats could be upholstered in "Club" leather,
featuring the exclusive "watchstrap" design, a trademark of the DS line that required a complex manual
sewing process. An analog clock, standard on higher trims (DStyle and DSport), added a touch of classic
elegance to the technological dashboard.
In terms of practicality, despite the focus on style, the DS5 offered five real seats and a trunk with a
capacity of up to 468 liters (VDA) in conventional versions, a volume comparable to that of a sports wagon
(Sportwagon). There were also smart storage compartments, such as a 13-liter space under the center armrest,
which was illuminated and cooled.
Technical Architecture and Platform Challenges
One of the most notable technical curiosities of the Citroën DS5 is its platform. Unlike the contemporary
Citroën C5, which used Platform 3 and the famous Hydractive hydropneumatic suspension, the DS5 was built on
the PF2 (or BVH2) platform. This was a stretched version of the base used in the Citroën C4 and the Peugeot
3008.
The decision to use the PF2 platform was motivated by production efficiency and packaging issues. The DS5
became the first Citroën brand car to be assembled at Peugeot's flagship plant in Sochaux, France, sharing
assembly lines with models from the sister brand. Using this architecture allowed the car to be 25 cm
shorter than a C5 sedan, resulting in greater urban agility and lower total weight.
However, this choice brought compromises in the suspension. While the C5 was known for its "magic carpet"
ride, the combustion versions of the DS5 used a torsion beam rear suspension, which was criticized in its
early years for offering an excessively firm and sometimes uncomfortable ride on uneven surfaces. Only the
Hybrid4 version, out of necessity to accommodate the rear electric motor, used an independent multi-link
suspension, providing superior ride comfort.