Citroën to revive C6 saloon for Chinese market
Citroën is preparing to bring back the C6 nameplate as a new flagship saloon in China, with production set for the Dongfeng-PSA joint venture.
Citroën is set to reintroduce the C6 as its flagship saloon for the Chinese market, with the first prototype already produced and full market launch planned before the end of the year. The new C6 will be built in China by the Dongfeng-PSA joint venture, as the French brand looks to strengthen its position in the world’s largest car market.
The move comes after DS Automobiles separated from Citroën to become a standalone premium brand, leaving Citroën without a clear flagship. The revived C6, codenamed X81, is intended to fill that gap, targeting executive buyers in China who favour large, comfortable saloons and typically avoid diesel engines. Citroën will offer the C6 with 1.8- and 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engines, both familiar units in the PSA range, in line with local preferences.
Built for China, drawing on Metropolis concept
The new C6 is based on PSA’s EMP2 platform, which supports a variety of the group’s latest models. The design is expected to take cues from the Citroën Metropolis concept, first shown in Shanghai in 2010, though with a shorter wheelbase and less dramatic styling at the front. Early reports suggest the C6 will focus on rear-seat comfort and interior refinement, key selling points for Chinese executive saloons.
Manufacturing will be handled by Dongfeng-PSA, Citroën’s Chinese partner, which already produces several models for the local market. The C6 will be petrol-only at launch, but there is potential for a hybrid version to follow, reflecting growing interest in alternative powertrains in China. The official unveiling is expected in the third quarter, with sales to begin before the year ends.
Competition and platform sharing
The C6 will not be alone in the segment. DS Automobiles, now independent from Citroën, is tipped to introduce its own flagship saloon, the DS9, using the same EMP2 platform and built by the same Dongfeng-PSA joint venture. The DS9 is expected to launch the following year, further intensifying competition among French brands for Chinese executive buyers.
