Car buyers wishing to get into the electric vehicle (EV) market are spoiled for choice these days. The globe is awash with mainstream offerings similar to each other, so perhaps it’s good to seek out something a little different; something, let’s say, with a little French je ne sais quoi. Something from prestige brand DS Automobiles maybe?
The tersely named No.8 is DS Automobiles flagship fully-electric model offering up to 466 miles of range ushing in this new EV era. Check it out in our images. This big EV has a very distinctive design and features an unrivalled premium interior and complete serenity for passengers and driver alike.
The DS N°8 is available in ‘PALLAS’ and ‘ETOILE’ trim levels with two battery sizes combined with a two (FWD) or four-wheel drive (AWD) system, delivering up to 257kW (the equivalent of 350PS / 345BHP).
On The Outside
The gorgeous DS N°8 is perhaps the purest expression of the ‘French Art of Electric Travel’. Daring design meets aerodynamic efficiency. With its assertive, taut and tapered lines, the DS N°8 is truly avant-garde and marks a turning point in contemporary automotive design for this French car maker, once the prestige arm of the Citroen empire, but now a stand-alone company in its own right. This fine EV is in the vein of the sport utility vehicle (SUV) styling but with a real difference to the norm. It boasts a strong identity combining charisma, fluidity and efficiency which gives it a striking presence on the road.
The front of DS N°8 highlights the DS ‘LUMINASCREEN’ grille, a light signature that brings the car to life. The ‘PIXEL LED VISION 3.0’ headlamps adapt their beam in real time to traffic conditions, for optimal illumination without dazzling other road users. The vertical DS ‘LIGHTBLADE’ completes this signature styling. The dynamic profile is highlighted by flush-fitting door handles, lines that play with the airflow and up to 21 inch wheels, depending on the version selected.
At the rear and once again, the vertical DS ‘LIGHTBLADE’ section of the lights ensures perfect visual consistency with the front and strengthens the high-tech roots of this EV. Each part of the bodywork has been designed to contribute to its aerodynamic efficiency, making it possible to achieve ranges that are amongst the best on the market.
The Premium Interior
Open the doors of this French filly and a refined interior, exuding comfort and serenity, is revealed. All versions feature high-quality materials. The manufacturer likens the interior of the DS N°8 to a sensory cocoon, where the textures, light and acoustics transform every journey into a soothing experience. It certainly is supremely comfortable and quiet.
The interior is designed with high-quality materials such as olive leaf-tanned ‘Nappa’ leather (using a traditional non-toxic and completely biodegradable method), as well as ‘Alcantara’ made from 68% recycled content. It’s nice to see that real leather still has its place. The design of the dashboard is unified while the ‘Clous de Paris’ embossed inserts, on the steering wheel and air vents, as well as the pearl stitching on the dashboard and armrests are the brand’s identifying features. Along with the Nappa leather upholstery, these fundamentals underline the luxury of the interiors in DS Automobiles.
The wrap-around front seats use high-density foams. They are massaging, cooled and heated (like the steering wheel) and incorporate a neck-warmer, rather obviously described as a device that blows warm air on the back of the neck. The rear space also provides a high level of postural and thermal comfort (including with the large panoramic glass roof). The thirty-degree inclined backrests and ample headroom coupled with a wide wheelbase ensure first-class comfort.
Technology-wise, the DS N°8 is equipped with two screens, including a 12.25 inch HD instrument cluster complemented by the DS ‘EXTENDED HEAD-UP DISPLAY’, one that projects relevant and non-intrusive information such as speed or mapping, including the route, through the windscreen into the driver's field of vision. The 16 inch central screen, that can be customised like the instrument cluster and the head-up array, are perfectly integrated into the dashboard. It gives access to functions that can be controlled by DS ‘IRIS SYSTEM 2.0’ with extended speech recognition and works with the same seamlessness and responsiveness as a smartphone. DS N°8 incorporates several technologies and features designed to lighten the driver’s mental load while 14 speakers augment the sound experience. All the other usual technologies we expect these days are also on board.
There’s ergonomic storage spaces in several places in the cabin but the car also provides substantial boot (trunk) space, up to 620 litres under the parcel shelf, in a cube shape that makes it easy to use. The tailgate with power opening is adjustable over a large range and allows users easy access to the boot. The depth of the space allows owners to carry long objects without the need to fold down the rear seat backrests.
Electric Power
DS N°8 offers three 100% electric power-trains manufactured in France. The options are FWD 169kW (230PS / 227BHP), with a 73.7 kWh battery for a range of up to 341 miles. Next up is the FWD Long Range 180kW (245PS / 242BHP) with a 97.2 kWh battery allowing up to 466 miles of range and finally, the 350kW AWD Long Range with 257kW (350PS / 345BHP)e, providing up to 427 miles of range on a single charge. These distances will, as ever, be dependent upon how the vehicle is used and what terrain and weather is encountered.
All these power-trains feature a one-time power boost that brings an additional 22kW (30PS / 29BHP) to the FWD version, increasing slightly as the power range goes up. The most powerful version sprints to 62MPH (100KPH) in just 5.4 seconds; even the slowest version cracks eight seconds. Top speed is limited to 118MPH however, probably sensible for an EV as very high speeds will eat the power reserve quickly.
Charging
Charging of the long-range battery is as fast as it is practical. The DS N°8 takes up to 160 kW in direct current, recovering 124 miles of range in 10 minutes. Charging from 20% to 80% is complete in 27 minutes. For everyday use, an 11-kW embedded charger allows efficient charging at home or at public charging points.
If an electric car fits the bill then this a refined and unusual eye-catching choice from a premium European car manufacturer. Get in touch with us here at MHH International to enquire about this car or any from a wide selection of new and used vehicles from prestige brands (EV, hybrid or ICE) listed on our website for export from the UK to many global destinations including Kenya and New Zealand. Full details can be found on this website’s Home Page.
