Citroen e-C3 X

Citroen has updated its affordable electric hatchback with the launch of the new eC3 X, bringing several improvements and added premium features over the outgoing model. The upgrade focuses on fixing some of the biggest shortcomings of the earlier eC3 by adding better lighting, a more premium-looking cabin, improved features, and a stronger safety package.

The Citroen eC3 X continues to target those who are looking for an easy-to-drive electric car for daily city usage. While the battery pack and motor remain unchanged, Citroen has introduced a new Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) ownership option, which reduces the upfront cost and makes the EV more accessible.

The eC3 X is available in three variants: Live, Live (O), and Shine. The earlier Feel variant has been discontinued and replaced by the new Live (O) trim.

The Citroen eC3 X comes with an identical silhouette to the earlier model but receives subtle design updates that make it look more premium and modern.

At the front, the biggest change comes in the lighting setup. The older halogen headlamps have been removed and replaced by LED projector headlamps in top-spec trims, while the DRLs now feature a split design. It also gets LED fog lamps, replacing the simpler halogen setup from the previous version. The front bumper continues with its chunky design, giving the compact EV a slightly SUV-inspired appearance. Moreover, it also comes with a silver skid plate for contrast. You get the typical Citroen-styled logo, which looks unique and stylish. 

In profile, the 2026 model gets the same body style and stance as before, albeit with a few changes. The eC3 X features black ORVMs with integrated turn indicators, roof rails and chunky body cladding. It rides on newly designed 15-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, adding a more premium touch compared to the earlier model.

At the rear, the 2026 eC3 X gets familiar wraparound LED tail lamps and gets the new eC3 X badging on the tailgate. The overall design remains simple, but the updated lighting elements help the EV look more modern.

Colour Options

The Citroen eC3 X is available in six monotone colour options:

• Cosmo Blue
• Garnet Red
• Deep Forest Green
• Perla Nera Black
• Steel Grey
• Polar White

The interior of the eC3 X receives a big update when compared to the outgoing eC3. While the layout remains familiar, Citroen has added more premium-looking materials and upgraded the technology.

The dashboard features a blue colour scheme, complemented by a premium leatherette finish, while the seats are finished in dual-tone white leatherette upholstery with blue highlights. These changes make the cabin feel more upmarket compared to the all-black interior of the older model.

The eC3 X brings a better experience for the driver, as it comes with a new 7-inch digital instrument cluster, replacing the earlier monochrome display. This gives the driver a more modern interface and improves the overall ownership experience.

The front seats continue to offer a comfortable seating position with good visibility, making the eC3 X easy to drive in crowded city conditions. The cabin remains spacious enough for four adults, with good headroom and adequate legroom.

The lower centre console houses physical controls for AC and other functions, and you also get a charging pad for your phone and a charging port as well. 

The updated Citroen eC3 X receives several new features, making it feel better equipped than its previous version. The biggest upgrade is the addition of a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, replacing the older monochrome display. It also gets a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, connected car technology, electric auto-folding ORVMs, a wireless phone charger, and auto-dimming IRVM. Automatic climate control is still missed, considering its ICE sibling gets it. 

As optional extras, the French automaker has given features like a JBL audio system and a front and rear dashcam setup. The dashcam package further enhances convenience and safety by including features such as lane departure warning, front vehicle distance alert and pedestrian warning. Overall, the eC3 X now feels much more competitive against newer electric rivals. 

Safety is another department where the Citroen eC3 X sees some crucial updates, with the biggest addition being the availability of six airbags (4 with lower variants), replacing the earlier model’s dual-airbag setup. The EV also continues to get essential safety features like ABS with EBD, reverse parking sensors and speed-sensitive door locks.

Higher variants additionally get ISOFIX child seat mounts and a reverse parking camera, making the eC3 X a more family-friendly option.  

The Citroen eC3 X continues with the same practical boot space as before, offering up to 315 litres. The compact EV offers enough room for everyday luggage and city usage.

The flat boot floor makes loading larger bags easier, while the rear seats can be folded to increase available space. However, the lack of a 60:40 split folding setup continues to limit flexibility.

Citroen also provides a full-size spare wheel with the eC3 X without compromising on the numbers.

The eC3 comes with a 29.2 kWh battery pack which is paired with a single electric motor. This setup offers a claimed range of 325 km (MIDC Part 1 + 2). In our rear world test, the eC3 gave us a range of 232 km, which is enough for a week worth of city commutes.

City Performance

Starting the electric C3 is like starting an ICE engine, you insert and rotate the key to bring it to life. At least, the top-end variant of the eC3 should have been equipped with push button start/stop feature. It gets a drive selector to shift between drive, reverse and neutral, and the process feels quite slow. It takes time to shift from drive to reverse and vice versa, hence making quick U-turns in city traffic quite difficult. Also, on the inclines, the use of handbrake is necessary to compensate for the absence of hill hold assist.

The stated 143Nm torque is available right from the start and this feels surprisingly alive to drive. The pedal response is quick, especially between 20-50kmph or 30-60kmph which makes overtaking a breeze and going into gaps effortless. So it’s definitely a quick car for doing city commutes.

Highway Performance

Despite feeling quick in the city, the eC3 feels slow on the highways. It is fine for regular usage, but you do get quick acceleration till 60 kmph, but beyond that it takes another 10 seconds to reach 100kmph. And this is why it feels less active to drive on highways. Not to mention, the top speed is capped at 108kmph which will limit its use on expressways. 

The eC3 can be driven in two driving modes – Normal and Eco – which can be shifted with a press of a button. Again, changing the drive modes requires you to take off your foot from the accelerator pedal, which feels unnecessary. The Eco mode continues to offer good drivability but dulls down throttle response to prevent quick discharge of the battery. The Normal mode will only be required when you are in a hurry, or are on a highway.

Ride Comfort

The eC3’s suspension system easily soaks undulations in the city. Speed breakers and potholes are dealt with in comfort but it does pick up the odd bump and make you feel it. You will also feel some side to side motion over really deep potholes. At higher speeds, the stability keeps you confident.

It is not as comfortable as the standard C3, but it still manages to do a good job, and you won’t complain about its ride quality.

Handling

The eC3 is easy to maneuver in the city with its compact size and light steering wheel, and even on the highways, it feels planted on straights. However, during sudden lane changes, you do feel certain side to side movement, which will startle the passengers.

The updates made to the Citroen eC3 X now makes it a more compelling option, with the 2026 updated model focusing on improving the areas where the earlier model felt weak, including features, cabin appeal, and safety.

The addition of improved exterior lighting, newer features inside the cabin, and more safety equipment makes the eC3 X a much stronger product than before.

However, the battery and motor remain unchanged, meaning existing eC3 owners may not find enough reasons to upgrade purely for performance or range. For first-time EV buyers looking for a comfortable city commuter with a richer feature list and lower entry price through BaaS, the Citroen eC3 X now makes a much stronger case.

Other Options To Consider

Tata Punch EV

Reasons To Consider

• More premium cabin experience and better overall build quality

• A significantly richer feature list

• Better highway performance and stronger performance options

• Available with two battery pack options, offering higher range capability

Reasons To Ignore

• Higher variants are more expensive

• Ride quality is good, but not as comfort-focused as the eC3 X

MG Comet EV

Reasons To Consider

• More affordable entry point

• Easy to drive and compact, making it ideal for city usage

• Offers a good set of features for its price

Reasons To Ignore

• Quirky design may not appeal to all buyers

• Lower range compared to the eC3 X

• Limited rear seat space

• Only suited for city driving 

• Not as comfortable for longer journeys