The recently unveiled Citroen ELO concept car is a bold electric vehicle that challenges the trend of ever-larger family cars. The ELO builds on the innovative spirit of the 2022 Citroen OLI concept, pushing the boundaries of compactness, accessibility, versatility, and sustainability.
The Citroen ELO Concept has been designed to represent a multifunctional space for relaxation, adventure, and productivity. The same is reflected in its name ELO (rEst, pLay, and wOrk).
“We are very proud of ELO because it is the perfect expression of what design should be: combining style and function. ELO is a bubble of energy, both in terms of its colorful and endearing personality and its modernity, but also in terms of all the possibilities it offers for enjoying an intense and rich life,” said Pierre Leclercq, Citroën Style Director.
Citroen ELO Concept Specifications
The ELO rides on a dedicated EV platform with a rear-wheel drive system for optimized space. Details like battery size, range, charging time, power, acceleration, and top speed still remain undisclosed. The vehicle will support vehicle-to-load power output for external devices.
Even the dimensions of the ELO are not clear other than that it is 4.1 meters long and 1.7 meter high.
The Citroen ELO Concept Design is Cheerful and Practical.
At just 4.10 meters long, the Citroen ELO defies expectations by offering seating for up to six passengers. Its “small is the new big” philosophy counters modern SUVs and MPVs. It offers a compact size for urban use without sacrificing interior room.
ELO’s exterior radiates optimism with its vibrant orange paired with a boxy yet endearing silhouette. It blends MPV practicality with SUV ruggedness. Large 21-inch wheels offer high ground clearance, and identical front and rear bumpers means manufacturing fewer new parts offering cost efficiency.
The front features a closed grille, a big illuminated Citroen logo, and bold rectangular headlights. Antagonist doors without B pillar open in opposite directions for easy access, and the panoramic sliding roof enhances the open-air feel.
Inside, the Citroen ELO transforms into a “tiny house on wheels.” The central driving position provides excellent visibility. Also, seating the driver centrally liberates space for passengers and removes the need to engineer and build left and right-hand drive models. The dashboard is a smart transparent and floating projection across the windshield.
Seating is ingenious, with the driver’s seat able to swivel fully to face passengers, two fold-out jump seats on either side of the driver, and a three-person rear bench with individual seats.
For rEst: Two inflatable mattresses stored in the trunk can be deployed quickly with the car’s in-built compressed air system, creating a bed for two under those sliding roofs.
For pLay: An integrated projector and pull-out screen turn it into a mobile cinema, while other accessories support outdoor adventures like camping or surfing.
For wOrk: A foldable table, wheel-arch device holders, and projected displays on the windshield enable remote working or video calls.
Citroen ELO Concept Review: In short
While not headed directly to production, the Citroen ELO ideas of multi-functional interiors, efficient packaging, and a joyful design will definitely influence future Citroën models.
In a world of oversized MPVs and SUVs, the Citroën ELO concept reminds us that clever thinking can deliver more with less. The concept will debut publicly at the Brussels Motor Show in January 2026, so keep a lookout on Citroen’s official site for more updates.
“ELO is a new step in an exceptional period for Citroën; 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,” said Xavier Chardon, CEO of Citroën.
