Robert Ackers
Summary
- The Citroën XM, launched in 1989, is known for its distinctive design and advanced Hydractive suspension.
- Early reliability issues with sensors and connectors impacted sales, but well-kept examples can be found for around
The Citroën XM is a rare, characterful long-distance cruiser that still looks like nothing else on the road. Launched in 1989 to succeed the CX, its Hydractive suspension, Bertone styling and aviation-like cabin make it a standout classic — and you can find good examples from around £5,000.
Why the XM is special
- Distinctive design: Bertone’s sharp, creased styling (a departure from the curved DS/CX line) gives the XM an instantly recognisable silhouette — slim headlights, a stepped beltline and a tall glasshouse with that unusual black-tinted vertical tailgate panel.
- Advanced suspension: Citroën’s semi-electronic Hydractive set-up combined hydropneumatics with a suite of sensors to reduce roll and sharpen handling while keeping the brand’s signature pillowy ride. At start-up many XMs still “levitate” as the hydraulic system primes itself.
- Innovative cabin tech: early pixel-message centres, a secondary rear window that shields rear passengers from draughts when the hatch is open, and a generally airy, aircraft-like ambience.
- Practical long-distance cruiser: when the systems work, the XM covers miles in comfort and with real character — a true alternative to more orthodox executive saloons.
The story in brief
Launched in summer 1989 as the CX replacement, the XM won European Car of the Year early on — and for good reason. But early promise was tempered by reliability niggles: Hydractive sensors and connector blocks proved vulnerable to poor earthing and corrupted signals, and the message centre sometimes failed to report faults properly. Sales never hit Citroën’s ambitious targets: over its 11-year run roughly 333,000 XMs were built. Today few survive — which helps explain why an intriguing, well-kept example can be had from around £5,000.
What to look for when buying
If you’re tempted, these checks will save you time and money:
- Prioritise a facelifted V6 — the facelift and V6 petrol are widely regarded as the best balance of performance and refinement. (User tip: the early 2.0-litre is fine but can feel sluggish until turbo variants or V6 power are fitted.)
- Hydractive system health — test the levitation/ride-height function on start-up and at rest; listen for pump noise and feel for consistent ride height at all corners. Intermittent levelling, odd ride modes or a permanently low nose/heels suggest hydraulic or sensor issues.
- Electrics and message centre — make sure warning messages are honest and accurate during a test drive; unreliable instrument-cluster messages are a common XM gripe.
- Connector blocks & earthing — ask for evidence of any wiring or connector work; poor earthing and corroded connectors are a root cause for many faults.
- Service history — a well-documented history (timely hydraulic fluid changes, suspension servicing and fixes for earlier electrical gremlins) is hugely valuable.
- Test long-distance — the XM shines on long runs; try a longer drive to check cruise comfort, gearbox, engine smoothness and long-term electrical behaviour.
- Estate practicalities — if you want the estate, note it’s capacious but was less popular and fewer good examples survive.
Pros & cons at a glance
Pros
- Unique, head-turning styling.
- Exceptionally comfortable long-distance ride when Hydractive is healthy.
- Characterful, rare alternative to ubiquitous executive saloons.
- Good value for distinctive classic-car ownership (from ~£5,000).
Cons
- Early electrical reliability issues (sensors, connectors, message centre).
- Hydractive repairs can be specialist and require knowledgeable maintenance.
- Fewer surviving examples — good condition cars require patience to find.
- Some engines (early 2.0) can feel underpowered until upgraded or turbocharged.
Quick specs & history (from launch-era details)
- Launch: Summer 1989
- Production life: ~11 years (ended c. 2000)
- Total sold: ~333,000
- Notable tech: Hydropneumatic / Hydractive suspension, pixel message centre, secondary rear window
- Best buys: facelifted V6 petrol models (recommended)
Verdict
If you want an unusual, comfortable cruiser with a story and personality, the Citroën XM is among the best bargains in classic motoring. Buy the right example — ideally a facelifted V6 with a known service history and healthy Hydractive electronics — and you’ll own a car that still astonishes on the road for a fraction of the price of more conventional classics.
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