Citroen ELO: The Concept Fitting the MPV Spirit into a Compact Body
Citroen is reviving the MPV spirit with the ELO concept, which fits six seats into a 4.1-meter body. Despite its compact structure, the concept offers a surprisingly flexible and spacious interior.
Believing that the return of MPVs doesn’t have to be boring, Citroen unveiled an innovative concept symbolizing the brand’s future vision. Named ELO, this extraordinary concept reinterprets the idea of a vehicle focused on spacious living within compact dimensions, capable of accommodating six people.
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Although only 4.1 meters long, the ELO‘s rear seat width is on par with the brand’s flagship, the C5 Aircross. Speaking at the launch in Paris, Citroen CEO Xavier Chardon stated that ELO represents the brand’s new design approach, saying, “Everyone thought MPVs were finished, but we are here to reshape habits.”
A Mobile Base Camp The concept’s most striking feature is the 3+3 seating layout and the central driving position. According to Design Chief Pierre Leclercq, this layout provides maximum visibility in the city. It is also ideal for long journeys, allowing children to sit next to their parents.
Citroen envisioned the concept as a “mobile base camp.” The rear seats were prepared in collaboration with Decathlon. The seat bases can transform into portable chairs. When the backrests are folded down, they create a floor for two single beds that can be suspended from roof connections. Additionally, it is possible to watch movies inside the vehicle using a projector.
Details supporting ELO’s outdoor use include integrated sockets in the body, an air pump, and an awning system that can be set up on the sliding doors. Even the upper sections of the headlights and taillights are designed with ridged surfaces suitable for placing plates.
Game Controller-Style Steering The ELO does not feature a traditional instrument panel. The driver is surrounded by a front panel shaped like a personal pod. The number of physical buttons has been kept to a minimum. While the engine start and hazard lights are located on the steering column, most functions are managed via two game controller-style joysticks on the steering wheel.
It has not yet been announced whether Stellantis‘ current or future platforms will support this unusual six-seat configuration. However, the ELO serves as a continuation of the “radical simplicity and utility focus” line that began with the Oli concept in 2022. It could also open the door for a reinterpretation of vehicles with a 3+3 layout, such as the 1998 Fiat Multipla.
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