Citroen ELO concept hits the right notes
Published on 10th December 2025 at 12:18
When it comes to being daring in the design room, breaking away from the norm,
the folk in Citroen are in a class apart. Their history tells its own story, from the
Traction Avant, to the 2CV, to the still stunningly beautiful DS19, their designers
have been given free reign to express and to satisfy.
Energy
Now as ready to renter a New Year, details of a new concept car, the ELO, has just
been announced and yes, it’s a radical departure from the 2+2 we are used to, with a
footprint in the popular 4-metre segment and seeking to rewrite the usable space
and sheer functionality of your transport choice.
A true living space, ELO was designed to be an everyday companion, a place to rest,
play or work thanks to its complete and intuitive modularity. With its ultra-spacious
and modular interior that can accommodate up to six people, it meets the demands
of a fast-paced life between commuting, leisure, family activities, teleworking and
impromptu getaways.
As could be expected from Citroen, the ELO has a distinctive silhouette, different
form all else in the automotive carpark, dressed in vibrant orange and certainly not
for the shy or introvert.
The lighting signature echoes that introduced on the latest C5 Aircross. The
bumpers are identical at the front and rear, made of expanded polypropylene,
offering lightweight and effective protection against minor impacts. At the rear, the
light signature also reinterprets the C5 Aircross's "Light Wings" concept, with a
floating upper element. The asymmetrical double tailgate, inspired by utility
vehicles and vans, is glazed at the top to maximise visibility and brightness.
Rest
Clever spaciousness allows for those who travel, but also for those times when your
car choice should be a place to relax, whether at leisure and work. ELO offers up to
six comfortable seats in a minimal footprint of 4.10m. The seats in the three rear
seats are removable and, once removed, can be used as extra chairs outside for
reading or an impromptu picnic - a nod to the Citroën 2CV.
ELO carries two mattresses folded in dedicated storage compartments in the boot,
the total load volume is therefore not affected by these beds. These mattresses are
designed with Decathlon's Dropstitch material, which is inflatable and used for
surfboards, kayaks and paddleboards. Combined with a retractable projection
screen, it allows you to watch a film in complete relaxation, transforming ELO into a
welcoming and cosy cocoon.
On the outside, an integrated compressor inflates accessories like buoys,
paddleboards, bike tyres or vehicle tyres, enabling multiple leisure activities. ELO is
also equipped with V2L, (Vehicle to Load), technology, this transforms the
environment into a veritable base camp, offering the possibility of powering an
electric BBQ or a speaker.
Play
With ELO, it's not the customer who adapts to the car, but the car that adapts to the
customer's needs. The standard model has four seats with a centrally positioned
driver's seat, which offers a new feeling of visibility with a 180° windscreen and a
modern, ingenious interface, while rear passengers enjoy immense space. The
driver's seat can be turned around for conversation or work, and if necessary, two
additional seats can be deployed to carry six people. It can also be transformed into
a sleeping space for two people, a home cinema room, a power supply, and many
other uses. ELO is revolutionising the world of mobility and becoming the catalyst
for shared moments with your partner, family and friends. Decathlon, whose design
team contributed its expertise in sports and outdoor activities, enabling the team to
imagine new features and dare to use innovative materials, and Goodyear, which
developed new smart tyres designed for outdoor use.
Work
The driver's seat has a cushion and backrest with different thicknesses and foam
densities, adapted to different configurations. It provides the comfort and support
needed for driving, while also serving as an office chair when required. It rotates
360° and an easily accessible tablet can be attached to the base, as it is housed under
the seat of the central seat in row 2.
This tablet can hold a laptop and allow you to complete your tasks with complete
peace of mind. In this configuration, the instrumentation under the windscreen will
adapt to relay your video conference, display your meeting schedule and manage
your calls. Cleverly integrated pull-out trays in the front inner wheel arches,
equipped with cup holders, allow you to store items such as your phone or
headphones, enhancing the feeling of being as comfortable as you would be in the
office.
Responsible Materials
Particular attention was paid to the sustainability of materials, limiting the number
of parts and mass. The second-row seat backrest upholstery is made from a durable,
easy-to-clean material that is perfectly suited to leisure use: it is wear-resistant and
can withstand water and repeated wear.
The driver's seat illustrates a simple approach designed to reduce the number of
parts. ELO also features a durable, washable felt developed by the brand's Colours &
Materials department and manufactured in France, near Lille.
This material is made from surplus fabrics and components used for the Oli concept
car presented in 2022. Once shredded, these scraps were transformed into sheets
used to manufacture the various storage boxes on board. This eco-responsible
approach is extended to the choice of interior upholstery: a plasticised material that
is easy to maintain, durable and gives ELO a colourful touch.
On either side of the driver's seat is expanded polypropylene, the same material
used by Decathlon for its bicycle helmets. Composed of 30% recycled materials and
fully recyclable, it is also used on the lower part of the bumpers. This very
lightweight material is used on the flat surfaces of the four wings. This protection,
identical in shape and composition, is also found on the rear bumper, a choice that
limits the number of body parts and helps to reduce the vehicle's weight.
Xavier Chardon, speaking on the reveal, commented; “ELO is a laboratory of ideas
that perfectly embodies Citroën's values and opens up perspectives on what drives
our thinking today. It ticks all the boxes of what has been the brand's DNA for over
100 years and what I want to nurture in the coming years: creative, bold, accessible,
responsible, ingenious and dedicated to well-being. It is totally in tune with the
times and offers concrete, innovative solutions to promote freedom of movement
and a better life. Its style expresses friendliness and joie de vivre, and its ultra-
modular interior is designed as a living space in its own right. It is full of clever
features and simple technologies to make everyday life easier. ELO sends a strong
message that conveys our vision of what Citroën should be."
