CITROEN has launched its new flagship C5 X SUV crossover with prices starting from £27,790.

Three powertrains will be available including a plug-in hybrid which is capable of up to 37 miles of purely electric motoring.

The plug-in costs from £36,470 and use a 1.6-litre PureTech 180 petrol engine mated to an electric motor to give a combined power output of 225hp which results in performance figures of 0 to 62mp in 7.9 seconds, a top speed of 145mph and a theoretical fuel return of around 218mpg.

Emissions are rated at 30g/km with a benefit in kind tax banding of 12 per cent for business users.

The C5 X PHEV is joined by two turbo petrol models powered either by a 1.2-litre PureTech 130 three-cylinder engine or a 1.6 four-cylinder version with 180hp on tap.

The 1.2 is capable of up to 48.6mpg with a CO2 figure of 136g/km while the 1.6 is rated at 43.9 to the gallon and 147g/km.

All are fitted with eight-speed automatic transmissions.

Three trim levels are available with the range starting in Sense Plus specification available with either the PureTech 130 powertrain or the plug-in version.

All models come with automatic LED headlights as well as electronic and heated door mirrors and are fitted with Citroen's Advanced Comfort Seats. A 10-inch central touchscreen is also standard, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while an active safety brake with forward collision alert and reversing camera with top rear vision are some of the safety and convenience features available.

Higher grade Shine trim costs from £29,290 with all three powertrains available with the PureTech 180 priced from £31,820 and the plug-in hybrid from £37,970.

Shine specification adds chrome rear bumper trim, a heated steering wheel and a 12-inch central touchscreen as well as a head-up display and a level 2 semi-autonomous driving system.

Top grade Shine Plus models are priced from £31,820, £33,810 and £39,960 respectively and have leather upholstery, heated front seats and a surround-view camera system among their extra features.

The C5 X sees Citroen return to the large family car sector after an absence of some four years and the new model blends the practicality of a saloon with an estate and comes with 545 litres of boot space with all seats in use.

Luggage capacity on the plug-in is slightly smaller at 485 litres and all versions measure 4.8 metres long, 1.5 metres tall and 1.8 metres wide.