Citroen C6 V6 HDi Exclusive
The Citroen C6 was the last great luxury Citroen, a car that made no compromises in its pursuit of the company's traditional values of ride comfort, technological innovation, and distinctive design. Produced from 2005 to 2012, the C6 was a conscious attempt to recapture the spirit of the DS and CX, and while it was never a commercial success, it earned the devotion of those who understood what it was trying to achieve.
The C6 was built around Citroen's most advanced Hydractive III+ hydropneumatic suspension system. This third-generation system combined conventional spring elements with hydropneumatic self-leveling, controlled by an electronic brain that continuously adjusted damping rates based on road conditions and driving style. The result was a ride quality that was, quite simply, unmatched by any other car in production at the time. The C6 glided over road surfaces that would unsettle a Rolls-Royce.
Design was handled by Citroen's in-house team under the direction of Jean-Pierre Ploue, and the C6 was immediately recognizable for its distinctive concave rear window, a feature borrowed from the 1999 C6 Lignage concept car. This reverse-curved glass, combined with the flowing flanks and the assertive front end, gave the C6 a visual presence entirely distinct from its German competitors. The design was controversial but undeniably memorable.
The V6 HDi engine was the most popular choice in European markets. This 2.7-liter V6 turbodiesel, developed jointly with Jaguar and Land Rover (who used it as the TDV6), produced 208 horsepower and an impressive 440 Nm of torque. Mated to a smooth six-speed Aisin automatic gearbox, it provided effortless acceleration and remarkable fuel economy for a large luxury car.
The interior was a deliberate retreat from the clinical precision of German luxury cars. Soft, quilted leather, attention to tactile quality, and a deliberately serene atmosphere made the C6's cabin a genuinely relaxing place. The front seats were among the most comfortable in the automotive industry, and the rear compartment offered generous legroom and its own climate zone.
Despite its considerable qualities, the C6 sold poorly. Only 23,399 were built over seven years, a fraction of the volumes achieved by the BMW 5 Series or Mercedes E-Class. The Citroen brand simply did not carry the prestige necessary to compete in the luxury segment, and many potential buyers could not look past the badge. When production ended in 2012, it marked the end of Citroen's presence in the luxury car market.
Today, the C6 is recognized as a remarkable car that was perhaps too brave for its market. Values have stabilized and are beginning to rise as enthusiasts recognize that no other car from the 2000s offers the same combination of ride quality, character, and technological ambition.
Hydractive suspension system health is critical. Listen for pump noise and check ride height at all four corners. The V6 HDi engine can suffer from injector problems and turbo failures. Aisin gearbox is generally reliable but fluid changes must be kept up. Check for water ingress in rear lights and boot. Electronics can be complex and dealer-level diagnostics may be needed. Low production numbers mean some trim parts are difficult to source.
Total production 23,399 units over seven years, making it one of Citroen's lowest-volume models. The C6 was the final evolution of Citroen's hydropneumatic luxury car lineage that began with the DS in 1955. Production ended in December 2012 with no successor, ending Citroen's presence in the luxury segment.