DS Automobiles, the French luxury brand of Stellantis, has unveiled its new flagship model, the DS N°8, which embodies a new format of Coupé SUV, fully electric and the first production model from the brand to utilize Stellantis’ STLA Medium architecture.
The exterior design is inspired by the DS Aero Sport Lounge concept, focusing on aerodynamics, with elongated and tapered lines that have achieved a drag coefficient of 0.24 cd, allowing for greater range on a single charge.
At the front, the highlight is the illuminated DS Luminascreen grille, an innovation in the automotive world, which lights up through vertical strips and an illuminated DS logo. The slim DS Pixel Vision headlights are combined with sharp DRLs that extend towards the bumper.
The DS N°8 is the first model in the DS lineup to adopt a vertical light signature at the rear. Directly inspired by the DS Aero Sport Lounge, it references the iconic vertical signature at the front, allowing for instant recognition of the DS N°8. The trihedral shape of the rear DS Lightblade optimizes airflow separation, resulting in a gain of 1 dm² of SCx, which translates to an additional 4 km (WLTP) or 5 km on the highway. Another distinctive element is the C-pillars, which have a steep inclination resembling flying buttresses.
The silhouette of the DS N°8 adopts a wide, narrow, and tapered profile, illustrated by a roof line that extends to the trunk door, where a spoiler is integrated.
DS revealed that the N°8 was designed around a subtle balance between fluid and attractive surfaces on the flanks, contrasting with chiselled and incisive lines at the front and rear. Like the DS Aero Sport Lounge, the more extensive two-tone paint highlights a deep black. Present on the roof, it extends over the hood, reaching the grille. This elongated two-tone effect enhances the character and elegance of the silhouette and represents a nod to the glorious times of French coachwork.
The “Paintjet” technology used in creating this two-tone black surface on the hood represents a world premiere in high-volume productions. Its application process eliminates the need for a baking phase, thus limiting greenhouse gas emissions.
DS revealed that the new N°8 is offered in five body colors, three of which are new: Topaz Blue, Palladium Gray, and Alabaster White, joining the existing shades of Crystal Pearl and Perla Nera Black.
Inside, the DS N°8 reveals a refined cabin, exuding a sense of comfort and serenity. All interiors of the DS N°8 feature premium materials, including brushed aluminum with remarkable density and finish, used across vast surfaces.
Another highlight of the interior is the expansive dashboard that envelops the occupants and illustrates the seamless design spirit. It is both decorative, like a piece of craftsmanship, and technical, with the integration of the sound system, air vents, and light signatures.
Also noteworthy is the 10.25’’ digital instrument panel positioned behind a four-spoke steering wheel and a large 16’’ infotainment screen facing the driver, which can be controlled by voice recognition. The floating center console, with its touch-sensitive control panels, seems to have been taken directly from a concept car.
Inspired by the DS Aero Sport Lounge concept, the enveloping design seats feature an elegant morphology, with direct integration of the headrests. The use of high-density foams and the placement of adjustable side supports complete the comfort of the seats. In the front, they offer massage, ventilation, and heating functions.
In the back, the occupants benefit from a meticulously studied posture comfort, with ample knee space, a headroom of 84 cm, and seat backs inclined at 30°, offering a modularity of 40/20/40. The seats and backs feature ventilation and heating for complete comfort.
The designers at DS also incorporated ambient lighting to highlight the instrument panel inserts, which flow seamlessly into the door panels. Additionally, an Electra 3D audio system by Focal with 14 speakers and a 690 W amplifier adds a final touch of luxury to the cabin.
The DS N°8 can also feature a large panoramic glass roof that maximizes interior headroom while maintaining aerodynamics, providing passengers with a light-filled interior environment.
In terms of storage, the new DS flagship features a considerably spacious trunk – up to 620 liters under the trunk shelf – in a rectangular shape, making it easier to use. The trunk gate, with a motorized opening system and adjustable over a wide range (185 cm under the trunk door), allows access without the user having to bend down. The depth of the space, at 1.16 m, enables the loading of long objects without needing to fold down the back seats.
The new DS Nº8 will be available with three 100% electric motors – 230 hp, 245 hp, and 350 hp – with the most powerful version featuring the particularity of having two electric motors and four-wheel drive.
All motors benefit from an extra power boost that, occasionally, adds 30 additional hp to the FWD versions, totaling 260 hp, or 35 hp to the FWD Long Range version, meaning a total of 280 hp, and 25 hp to the AWD Long Range version, for a total of 375 hp.
The DS N°8 will be available with two battery configurations, with a maximum announced range of up to 750 km. The first has a usable capacity of 74 kWh, equipping the DS N°8 FWD (230 hp). The second, with a usable capacity of 97.2 kWh, will be available for the FWD and AWD Long Range versions, of 245 hp and 350 hp respectively.
DS Automobiles has also announced that the new Nº8 can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds in the AWD Long Range version and in 5.7 and 7.8 seconds in the FWD variants. The top speed is limited to 190 km/h.
Benefiting from a maximum charging power of 160 kW and consistent between 20% and 55% charge levels, along with the presence of a battery pre-conditioning device, it allows for charging from 20% to 80% in 27 minutes on a fast charger. This represents a recovery of 200 km of range in just 10 minutes.
DS has announced that the new fully electric Nº8 will be launched in Europe starting from mid-2025.
