Now, it seems that their model is making a comeback as a premium French SUV, aimed to rival the likes of the X1 from BMW or Mercedes-Benz`s new GLA; and that`s because of new features that the French carmaker is putting into the SUV: long range, tech-heavy cabin, and exterior new design lines. Thus, the company is clearly hoping this new “First Class” SUV can do what the No. 8 and No. 4 could not.

The car`s design traces back to the concept shown at the Geneva Motor Show in 2020, with DS pointing to the roofline in particular, which flows into a spoiler above the tailgate. There are also rounded surfaces and a standout shoulder line that really highlight the car`s new personality.

As for exterior paint jobs, the No.7 can be had with a choice of six colors, like Silk Green, Palladium Grey, Alabaster White, Topas Blue, Perla Nera Black, and Crystal Pearl. As for wheels, sizes are available up to 21 inches.

The electric range is broad. The front-wheel-drive Long Range version uses a single motor delivering 242 horsepower (245 metric horsepower), or 276 horsepower (280 with Boost), and pairs it with a 97.2-kWh battery pack built in northern France. Installed in the floor, it preserves legroom and allows up to 460 miles (740 kilometers) of range. The all-wheel-drive Long Range model raises output to 345 horsepower (350 metric horsepower), or 370 horsepower (375 metric horsepower) with Boost, while range stands at 422 miles (679 kilometers). It also covers 0 to 62 mph (0 to 100 kph) in 5.4 seconds. Another version, the FWD E-Tense, uses a 73.7-kWh battery, returns 337 miles (543 kilometers), and produces 227 horsepower (230 metric horsepower) or 256 horsepower (260 metric horsepower) with Boost engaged.

Then there is the equipment list. The active suspension reads the road with a windshield-mounted camera and adjusts each shock absorber through a motorized solenoid valve within milliseconds. DS PIXELVISION combines adaptive headlights, pivoting main beams, cornering lighting, and glare-free high beams, with a reach of 400 meters (1,312 feet). Add level 2 driver assistance, night vision, a digital rearview mirror, a head-up display, the Neck Warmer, and Focal’s Electra 3D audio system with 14 speakers and a 690-Watt amplifier, and the No. 7 does not exactly arrive empty-handed. Order books are already open, with the first version offered being the E-Tense with 230 horsepower at 64,200 euros, or $74,075.

DS No. 7 SUV – Photo Gallery

A New Look at Presidential Prestige

DS Automobiles presented the DS N°8, built for the French presidency, on Thursday. Unlike any car you could ever get, this car establishes a new level of luxury and environmental friendliness. The vehicle’s exterior structure has a unique sapphire blue color, a typical reverence for the French flag. This striking blue contrasts with the black on the mirrors, roof, and side-sills, creating a very elegant and patriotic look.

What really makes the DS N°8 outstanding is its front grille Luminascreen trimmed (it looks just superb in my view) with rotating beacons of blue, white, and red. These, or representatives of the French flag colors, are prominently featured in the car, including special supports mounted on the car’s front bumper and an emblem just below the brand and model name at the rear.

Inside the New Presidential Car

The interior of DS N°8 is equally eye-catching with exquisite blue Alcantara and Nappa leather upholstery. The door panels are decorated with some cute things, enhancing the classy environment in the car. The dashboard is particularly exceptional, its rye straw inlay covers its full length, nestling into the door areas.

In the middle tunnel, special buttons for the flashing light and other accessories are conveniently visible, mixing style with practicality. All these indicate DS’s dedication to utilizing tradition alongside modern innovation.

Technical Insights

As much as DS has done a lot to keep many technical minutiae under wraps, it is known that the DS N°8 is an electric marvel that promises a remarkable 750-kilometer range. This impressive line is based on the Long Range FWD version with a 245-horsepower engine and a 97.2 kWh battery. Armoring for both safety and security is our priority because the car is completely armored, thus protecting the President in that regard without compromising eco-friendliness.

Personal Reflection

While it is someone like me who puts a high value on innovation and sustainability, I am overjoyed to see France influencing the world with such an electric presidential car. The DS N°8 is not only a nod to a need for emission reduction but also an illustration of the excellence of French automotive design. It is inspiring to see such an esteemed symbol of power welcome the future of mobility.

End Note

The birth of the DS N°8 is more than just another car; it’s a statement of intent. Choosing an electric vehicle for the presidency, France leaves a strong impression on the rest of the world, demonstrating that tradition and progress are not mutually exclusive. This audacious step is the mark of the nation’s commitment to sustainability and to innovation, and it heralds a greener future.

A Silver Tribute to a Legend

On this historical and symbolic anniversary, the French Mint and DS Automobiles have chosen to celebrate the revolutionary DS through a collector’s coin. The collar of the coin shows a ‘55 DS 19 with a ‘75 DS 23 uniquely placed side by side in gold. This feature is designed in such a way that it adds a light touch to the headlight, and the round edges of the coin are given a good touch of light. This eye-catching piece to quite an excited audience was demonstrated at the recent World Money Fair held in Berlin and is on sale currently at the DS stand during the Retromobile Show in Paris.

The production of this ‘Year of Birth’ coin is not only a commemoration but the beginning of a series to be launched throughout the year to make people associate themselves with what could be a vital link in the history of automobiles.

The DS: A True 20th Century Icon

When the DS was launched on the 6th of October 1955 at the Paris Motor Show, it created a new revolution in the market. Flaminio Bertoni, along with other designers he had assembled a team to design, was able to produce the DS with luxurious designs that reflected the modern look through the sophisticated technologically innovative features that the industry had not seen before.

Engineering Excellence

The very essence of the car design that laid the foundation of its eventual dominance was in two innovative engineers, namely, André Lefèbvre and Paul Magès. Lefèbvre, who came from the field of aeronautics, was renowned for advocating front-wheel drive, aerodynamics, and lightweight construction. His contribution towards the shaping of the DS has been profound and this is evident from the following successful facets of the car.

Self-taught talent Paul Magès presented the world with the feature of hydropneumatic suspension systems in DS. This also gave great comfort on the rides and included hydraulic assistance for the steering, clutch, and brakes, making the DS luxurious and sophisticated.

A Legacy of Innovation

For more than twenty years of the company, nearly 1.5 million DS cars saw the light in Paris, and all of them added to the legends of the brand. The roots of the DS are present in the very present models of DS Automobiles, which are still a celebration of the French art of travel.

Personal Reflection

It was only appropriate that this new iconic car would involve a partnership with the French Mint. Therefore, this great coin is not only a souvenir but tells the story of the DS connection to the automobile industry today. It may remain a symbol of the imagination and creativity that characterized the original DS model on which many modern automobiles are modeled today.

For a car lover, this sort of buds one with history, and the evolution of this model with this coin makes one appreciate how far automobile designers have come.

End Note

The involvement of the French Mint with the automobile manufacturing company to release a set of coins is not just a token of honor; it is an appreciation of the heritage of the DS that has impacted automobile manufacturing. As it stands today, the DS is a true reflection of style, technology, and the French art of making automobiles for the past 70 years.

We can only acknowledge the importance of the DS in the history of automobiles and expect the future advances of one of the most fascinating car brands.

This means that the models are going to be high-end, the very first from a very long list of SUVs, followed by EVs by 2020, with zero-emissions and impressive mile range under the hood.

Talking to AutoExprees, Maxime Picat, European Director at PSA, has confirmed the arrival of the DS`s SUVs, followed others; one of them will also be based on the Wild Rubis Concept unveiled around three years ago in Shanghai. Other SUVs with plug-in hybrid and electric drivetrains will follow shortly.

“We will push the plug-in hybrid in higher segments and electric in smaller segment, like the B-segment or B-SUV. There will be no specific car fully electric of fully hybrid; you will always have a choice of solution,” Picat also added.

So customers will have plenty of offerings, having to choose between a wide array of models. They can opt for plug-in hybrids, which will be aimed directly at the Audi Q5 or the DS 3 SUV, and coming with an electric powertrain.

But all of them will start with the 2017 DS SUV,coming with the latest mechanics, improved architecture, exquisite design and impressive performance. Once on the market, DS Automobiles will also launch the DS 4 hatch, slotted for 2019, followed by a production model of the 2014 Divine Concept.