DS Automobiles were born of Citroen, the long-serving mainstream car maker from France. Over time this niche brand has developed a following and a place of their own on the forecourts. The cars are now seen as premium alternatives to the much more established brands.
The latest offering from DS is this: The curiously named Nº 8, the flagship model of the range. It’s very striking to look at and is, insist the manufacturers, of impeccable build quality and has an extended driving range delivered in absolute comfort; the epitome of serene, you might say.
On The Outside
The shape of the DS N°8 assumes a taut, elongated and tapered profile that is illustrated by a roof stretching down to the tailgate’s spoiler. Being an electric vehicle (EV) the designers focused on the search for aero-efficiency to aid range and generally slipperiness through the air, hence the taut and tapered lines. The car’s shape is an invitation to cover long distances on a single charge thanks to a CD factor of only 0.24; among the best in its class. The N°8 shows these aerodynamic characteristics perfectly through the smoothness of its lines which make the flow of air around the car’s body obvious. Each body part has been tested in the wind tunnel, we learn.
It’s an elegant looking car thanks to the fast-back profile, further emphasised by a flowing and continuous roof line to the tailgate. At the front, the DS N°8 embraces an advanced and rather appealing light signature. The illuminated grille, an innovation being witnessed more often these days in the automotive world, is lit up with vertical lines with a DS logo also illuminated. The headlamps, consisting of three modules, are outlined by 8 LEDs that take the ‘Clous de Paris’ pattern ( a sort of embossed pyramid design, echoing the interior trim’s finish.
DS N°8 is the first model in the DS range to embrace the vertical light signature at the rear. The trihedral shape of the vertical ‘light blade’ improves airflow detachment at the rear. The DS N°8 features extended duo tone paintwork.
The Boot
The boot (or trunk) offers a sizeable space with up to 620 litres under the parcel shelf which makes it easy to use. The tailgate, with power opening can be set over a wide range which allows users to access the boot without having to stoop. The depth of the space (1.16m) makes it possible to carry long objects without needing to fold down the rear seat backrests.
On The Inside
The cockpit redefines the standards for comfort and embodies a new and very French ‘art of travel’ design emboldened by advanced connectivity, inevitably supported these days with artificial intelligence (AI), to make the in-car experience seamless and immersive. The seats with their enveloping construction feature a slender shape with fully integrated head restraints. The use of high-density foams and the appearance of adjustable side bolsters on the backrests complete the comfortable seating. The front seats are massaging, cooled and heated (although not at the same time clearly). Comfort is further enhanced by a ‘neck warmer’, close to the body, fitted into the backrests of the front seats, they are illuminated by a backlit DS logo with a crystal-like appearance.
In the rear, the occupants of the seats benefit from meticulously studied postural comfort, with ample knee room, headroom and backrests inclined at 30 degrees, without compromise on their 40/20/40 modularity. Cooled and heated seat bases and backrests complete the comfort. N°8 also enjoys soundproofing assisted by carefully fashioned aerodynamics, a complete acoustic treatment plus laminated glass, which complete the promise of a first-class, prestige journey.
When the doors are opened, the DS logo appears in the middle of the 10.25 inch instrument display. When driving, digital ‘art content’ livens up the background of the instrument display. The contours of the patterns blend into a darker background, so that the driver stays focused on the essential information. In the middle, the design of the odometer is inspired by the world of watchmaking. The readability of the battery charge indicator and the power meter take precedence.
A new and individual ‘X-shaped’ steering wheel breaks with established rules, while its architecture and enhanced ergonomics offer the driver new grip zones that contribute to driving enjoyment. Its rim is covered in different materials depending on the specification level. Fully covered, this new steering wheel also contributes to the idea of close-up thermal comfort through its heating function.
With the DS N°8, the aforementioned French ‘art of travel’ takes on a new dimension. The interior features a double-decker floating centre console. The upper part is devoted to the main interactive features. The transmission selector and the Drive Mode selector, as well as the audio system’s instant access volume control fall perfectly to hand. The phone storage area, (trimmed in Alcantara), is likened to a precious casket, it seems. A covered palm rest contains extra hidden storage, while the armrest accommodates a large additional area. In the lower part, a large storage space, that can be hidden by a sliding shutter, accommodates two removable cup holders and two USB-C sockets. The sides of the console are covered and padded to be pleasant to the touch and in contact with the leg.
The integrated central display is generously sized at 16 inches and able to be personalised, providing access to the functions of the ‘DS Iris System 2.0’ controllable via speech recognition. It is integrated into the dashboard and works seamlessly and responsively like a smartphone. Very slim, it blends perfectly into the surface of the dashboard without encroaching on its trim. Chrome stencilling brings a touch of refinement, used for the first time in this vehicle. A panoramic glass roof completes the ensemble.
The Drive
From new, the DS N°8 will be available with a choice of three 100% electric drive-trains developing 230hp, 245hp and 350hp, the latter being fitted with two electric motors for all-wheel drive. All motors enjoy additional power that periodically gives an extra 30hp to the front-wheel-drive version and 25hp to the all-wheel-drive long range model. As a guide, the long range model has a range of 466 miles and the brand claim an impressive range of more than 310 miles on the motorway (autoroute) at a constant speed of 75mph.
DS Automobiles have been a round for a few years now but in terms of car manufacture they are the new kids on the block. As such they strive to be innovative and the Nº 8 is the culmination of that. This is a very advanced EV that is well worth considering for premium family or business lifestyle motoring.
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