► New Citroën ELO concept car revealed
► Electric people mover that looks a bit like a lunar rover
► Makes public launch at 2026 Brussels motor show
Citroen has unveiled one of its wackiest concepts yet: the ELO. This new, almost lunar rover-like box on wheels is designed to be a ’genuine bubble of freshness and energy’ and introduce some new thinking on how we use a car.
‘ELO is an ideas laboratory that perfectly embodies Citroën’s values, and opens up perspectives on what drives our thinking today,’ says brand CEO Xavier Chardon. ‘It ticks all the boxes of what has been the brand’s DNA for more than 100 years and what I want to nurture in the coming years: creative, bold, accessible, responsible, ingenious and dedicated to well-being.’
In reality, the ELO has turned out to look like something rather wacky – an almost cyberpunk-like people mover that’s all electric. Citroën points out that it’s 4.1 metres long – just a smidge longer than a Citroën C3 – and yet is designed to be as roomy as the footprint allows. And the name? ELO consists of the second letters from ‘rest’, ‘play’, and ‘work.’ Please do feel free to cringe and/or question your sanity in your own time.
ELO is also meant to ‘reinterpret the spirit of MPVs and leisure activity vehicles that have shaped [Citroën’s] history.’ Think the spirit of Xsara Picasso, Berlingo and SpaceTourer… but also seemingly inspired by Blade Runner. There are elements of Citroën’s current design seen in the car’s face as well as its rear lights, which have cutouts that act as aerodynamic devices. Funky honeycomb wheels and a huge open glasshouse complete the look.
Citroën has teamed up with Decathlon and Goodyear for the project; the former has assisted in the design concept and applied certain materials, while the latter has developed bespoke ‘smart’ tyres for on- and off-road conditions.
The interior is designed to be as flexible as possible. ELO can carry up to six people – three in the front, three in the rear – with the whole interior concept allowing for multiple seat configurations. Citroën points to the fact the rear seats can be removed ‘for an impromptu picnic’ – noting that detail is a nod to the original 2CV – and vehicle-to-load functionality is included so you can power various devices while out and about. Citroën also says the displays can mirror your work meetings if you’re business-ing on the move.
Does this take the crown for weirdest concept car of 2025? It’s certainly up there. We’ll see it in person at the 2026 Brussels motor show in January.