Citroën reveals new luxury SUV concept ahead of official Shanghai Debut

Citroën's distinctive DS Wild Rubis concept is a full-hybrid plug-in four-wheel drive vehicle that gives an indication of the French carmaker's future design direction.

Clearly conceived for the style-conscious executive, the DS Wild Rubis is Citroen's attempt to combine the rugged demands of an off-road vehicle with its own quirky design philosophy.

The company is saving details about its interior specifications and performance for its official unveiling at the Shanghai Motor Show on April 21 but promises that it will be packed full of technological features. At 4.7m in length and standing 1.59m tall, the car is imposing and features a prodigious use of chrome plus huge 21-inch alloy wheels.

Despite increasing environmental concerns, competition and choice in the SUV market appear to continue at pace. BMW will also be showcasing its X4 SUV at Shanghai and it's interesting that its dimensions are almost identical to those of the DS Wild Rubis.

Rumor also has it that Land Rover, the undisputed king of the SUV market, is developing a 'baby' Range Rover that could cost as little as €25,000. At the other end of the market, Bentley has confirmed that it is to start production on its own luxury SUV, expected to cost upwards of €150,000 which it aims to get on the road by 2015.