Citroen Metropolis Concept – Citroen’s Vision of What an Avant-garde Luxury Sedan Should Look Like

Citroen has revealed the Metropolis Concept, a sleek luxury sedan concept car that pays homage to China’s development. Designed by the company’s Shanghai-based design team, the Metropolis will debut at the Shanghai World Fair in May. Called the Metropolis, the latest Citroen is aptly named because it’s about the size of a city block. At 17.4 feet (5.3 meters) long and 6.5 feet (2 meters) wide, it’s longer than a long-wheelbase Mercedes S-Class and wider than a Maybach. And those are some freakin’ big cars.

Citroen Metropolis

These are the first ‘real life’ pictures of Citroen’s Metropolis, that gives certain German makers a lesson or two on how to design an eye-candy luxury sports saloon. Reflecting China’s avant-garde status, grandeur and vitality, the sleek limousine concept immerses itself in ‘Creative Technologie’, balancing environmental responsibility with luxurious comfort and driving pleasure.

Citroen Metropolis

Citroen Metropolis’ powerful hybrid drivetrain utilises an optimised 2-litre V6 petrol engine and a 7-speed, dual-clutch electronic gearbox. At low speeds, Metropolis runs in Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mode, with its electric motor developing a continuous 55bhp (40kW), peaking at 95bhp (70kW). At steady speeds on main roads and motorways, the petrol powerplant efficiently provides 272bhp (200kW) and 375Nm of torque. When additional performance is required, such as during overtaking, the car uses both the electric motor and the combustion engine to deliver a maximum power output of 460bhp (345kW) and 430Nm of torque – equivalent to a 4-litre V8 petrol engine.

Citroen Metropolis will be on show in the French Pavilion at the Shanghai World Fair from 1st May to 31st October, 2010. Unfortunately it’s just a concept car for the time being, so if you’re not planning a trip to Shanghai any time soon, your best bet is to have a stroll through our gallery below for a closer look.